Answers to the questions I am asked most often – about appointments, costs, the process and the approaches I work with.
How do I get an appointment?
I arrange appointments by telephone only – directly or by leaving a callback request on the answering machine. The current situation: I am currently unable to take on new patients. If you prefer to write, please use the encrypted form on the contact page.
Do I need a referral?
No. If you have statutory health insurance, simply bring your health insurance card (eGK) to the first appointment. Existing medical or hospital reports and a list of your medication are helpful but not required.
What does treatment cost?
Psychoanalytic and psychodynamic psychotherapy are covered by statutory health insurance, without co-payment. If you have private insurance or Beihilfe, please check the scope of cover with your insurer beforehand, as it depends on your plan. Self-paying patients are welcome; fees follow the German scale of fees for psychotherapists (GOP).
How does it start?
Treatment begins with an initial consultation (psychotherapeutische Sprechstunde). It clarifies whether a mental disorder is present and what kind of help makes sense; afterwards you receive a form (PTV 11) with the result. If we decide to work together, usually two to four trial sessions follow. Before treatment begins, you need a short medical report (Konsiliarbericht), for example from your GP, ruling out physical causes. I then submit the application to your health insurer.
What is the difference between psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy?
Both approaches assume that psychological suffering has a history, much of which operates unconsciously. Psychodynamic psychotherapy (tiefenpsychologisch fundiert) works in a more focused way on a specific current conflict, usually once a week, sitting face to face. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is broader and more intensive: several sessions a week, often over years, and – where suitable and wished for – on the couch. We discuss which approach suits you in the first sessions. More on the page Outpatient psychotherapy.
How long does therapy take?
That depends on your concern and the approach. Health insurers approve therapy in steps: short-term therapy comprises up to 24 sessions, long-term psychodynamic therapy up to 100 and psychoanalytic psychotherapy up to 300 sessions. A session lasts 50 minutes.
Do I have to lie on the couch?
No. In psychodynamic therapy we sit facing each other. In psychoanalytic psychotherapy the work can take place on the couch if this form is suitable for you – we decide that together.
Do you also offer cognitive behavioural therapy?
No. I work psychoanalytically and psychodynamically. Behavioural and systemic therapy are also recognised, effective approaches; why I have chosen a different approach is explained on the page Outpatient psychotherapy. If you are looking for another approach, the guide to finding a therapy place can help.
What happens to what I tell you?
Everything you entrust to me is subject to professional confidentiality (Section 203 German Criminal Code). I pass nothing on without your consent. Exceptions are narrowly limited, for example where there is an acute danger to life and limb. For written messages containing health information, please use the encrypted form rather than a normal e-mail.
Will anything from therapy go into my electronic patient record?
You can decide that yourself. The page Electronic Patient Record (ePA) explains what psychotherapists have to upload and what not, and lets you create objections or your consent directly as letters.
What should I do in an acute crisis?
Please do not wait for an appointment in an acute crisis. The Bavarian crisis service (Krisendienst Bayern) is available around the clock on 0800 655 3000; in immediate danger, call 112. Further contacts are listed on the page Crisis & Emergency.
What if I need medication?
Medication is prescribed by psychiatrists. Psychiatric co-treatment alongside psychotherapy is often useful. Addresses in Munich are listed on the page Psychiatrists & Psychiatric Outpatient Clinics.
Can you sign me off sick?
No. I cannot issue a sick note (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung). If you need to be signed off work, please contact your GP or a psychiatrist.
What if outpatient therapy is not enough?
Sometimes more intensive treatment in a day clinic, a psychosomatic hospital or a rehabilitation clinic is needed. The clinic finder gives an overview of all psychosomatic clinics in Germany.