Think back to your last argument. What did you discuss? And what was it really about? Perhaps it wasn’t about the pile of laundry left lying around. Maybe you felt neglected or not sufficiently appreciated. Or it was about your needs and desires not receiving the attention you crave. It could also be that a careless comment at dinner suddenly ignited a heated debate about respect and recognition. Possibly, a discussion about finances hides a deeper need for security or independence.
In my practice for couple's therapy in Berlin Prenzlauer Berg, I offer you a protected framework in which such situations can be illuminated. The calm rooms directly opposite Leisepark create the right atmosphere to explore hidden emotions and unfulfilled needs simmering beneath the surface.
Every couple goes through ups and downs. Couple's therapy is meant for those who feel trapped in a cycle of arguments, have lost intimacy, or are facing a major decision or change. It is also helpful for couples who want to proactively strengthen their relationship. Couple's therapy achieves the best results when started early, and both partners are open, curious, and willing to work on themselves.
➺ Finances: Different views on handling money, income differences, financial difficulties, and debts are common sources of tension. Honest communication about finances, joint planning, and setting realistic goals are crucial.
➺ Mental Load: Often, one person takes the main responsibility for the "invisible" management and organization of household and family life, e.g., planning daily tasks, keeping track of appointments, anticipating the family’s future needs. There may also be disagreement over who is responsible for which areas of shared life.
➺ Sex & Intimacy: A central topic of couple's therapy – differing sexual needs, desires, and expectations lead to frustration, dissatisfaction, and a feeling of alienation. Therapy offers a safe space to openly discuss the sexual relationship, clarify misunderstandings, and strengthen intimacy and connection.
➺ Leisure: Sometimes, ideas about how to spend time together diverge. One person may want to spend more time together, while the other needs more personal space.
➺ Communication: There are difficult topics you need to discuss, but you want to avoid falling into old argument patterns? A lack of exchange or different communication styles are often the root of deeper conflicts that burden the relationship.
➺ Parenting: One wants to raise the children strictly, while the other prefers a freer approach. Different parenting styles repeatedly lead to arguments. Even if you don’t always agree, careful navigation is required to find compromises and ensure consistency.
➺ Family: Tensions or conflicts with family members and in-laws pose a significant strain on the partnership. Open communication and setting clear boundaries are essential to defuse this issue and protect the relationship.
➺ Separation: You feel unfulfilled in your relationship and want to find out if there is still hope – or whether it would be better to go your separate ways. Perhaps you have grown apart as a couple but still want to work together in your role as parents and maintain good contact.
➺ Affairs, Jealousy & Trust: Issues in the area of trust, fidelity, and jealousy deeply affect the stability and satisfaction in relationships. You want to learn better ways to deal with emotional injuries, whether from past conflicts or current difficulties. We actively address these sensitive topics through clear communication, mutual understanding, and trust-building.
➺ Career & Work: Arguments over career decisions, working hours, priorities, and time management wear down the relationship. It’s about finding a balance that respects both professional ambitions and the needs of the relationship or family.
➺ Future Plans: Different visions of the future, whether regarding the desire for children, living situation, or life goals, contain much conflict potential. Honest dialogue and willingness to compromise are crucial to developing shared goals and creating a future in which both of you see yourselves.
Couple's therapy provides a framework to recognize communication patterns, address conflicts, and develop solution strategies. The goal is to strengthen the bond between you and build a healthy relationship. In the sessions, you learn to recognize deeper emotions and needs – both your own and those of your partner – and address them constructively.
➺ Improve Communication
Many conflicts arise from misunderstandings or inadequate communication. Couple's therapy helps you communicate effectively by learning to clearly express your thoughts and feelings while also understanding your partner's perspective.
➺ Understand and Resolve Conflicts
Think about your recent disputes – was it really about the surface issue? Often, deeply buried issues hide behind apparent trivialities. In couple's therapy, we uncover the underlying problems and find strategies to resolve them.
➺ Restore Intimacy and Connection
Over time, emotional and physical/sexual intimacy often decreases in relationships. One partner may desire more sex, while the other seeks more conversation. In couple's therapy, you work to restore your connection, build more closeness and trust.
➺ Plan the Future Together & Develop as a Couple
Whether it’s about the desire for children and family planning, professional changes, or the place of residence – I support you in aligning your goals and dreams and finding a shared path into the future. Even if you feel that your relationship is not progressing or you are somehow stuck but would like to grow and develop as a couple.
Absolutely. "Preventive" couple's therapy can be extremely effective. It is far less time-consuming and costly to address sensitive issues early on and clarify difficult structures before you have entrenched behind them. Working together on the core competencies needed for relationships – insight, reciprocity, and emotion regulation – can prevent larger problems and clear up misunderstandings more quickly.
In the initial consultation, we first get an overview of the current problems and then lay the foundation for a solution-oriented process. We start with an open dialogue in which both of you can share your perspectives and feelings. I help you identify communication patterns, foster understanding of the other's needs, and find constructive solutions.
One of the cornerstones of effective couple's therapy is creating a safe space for honest and difficult conversations. I offer a protected framework in which both partners feel heard, acknowledged, and respected. I particularly aim to create a non-judgmental atmosphere that allows you to express your feelings and concerns without fear of criticism or rejection.
My approach is emotion-focused, and I also rely on practically applicable methods to bring about change and conduct more productive disputes.
Emotion-focused couple's therapy (EFT, from "Emotionally Focused Therapy") aims to strengthen the emotional bond between partners and break negative communication patterns. Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, EFT focuses on understanding the underlying emotions that lead to conflicts. Thus, it helps couples build a safer, closer bond.
EFT has a high success rate and is scientifically based. Couples who undergo EFT often report a deeper emotional connection, improved communication skills, and a stronger relationship.
My goal is to give you the skills to maintain a strong, respectful relationship. In couple's therapy, I provide you with practical tools and strategies that you can apply in everyday life. From better communication to improved conflict resolution, you gain valuable insights that have a lasting positive impact on your relationship.
60 Min. – €120
90 Min. – €170
I offer couple's therapy in German, English, and Spanish.