Well supported from the start: how we work together
Online sessions with a psychologist: what to expect, step by step
The process, step by step
1. Getting in touch and the initial consultation
Send me an email about what brings you here, or use the contact form. Your thoughts do not need to be in order yet; a few sentences are enough.
- We arrange a free initial consultation by video, lasting about 25 minutes. We talk about what is weighing on you or on your mind, and how I can support you with it. It is also a chance for you to get a first impression of me and the way I work.
- If you would like to know more about me beforehand, have a look at my About me page. To hear how I think and talk about psychological topics, you can listen to my podcast Perfectly Human (in German).
- You do not need to decide anything in the initial consultation. Afterwards, you can take your time to consider whether you would like to book a first session.
- You can also book the initial consultation directly on the booking page.
2. The basics
All sessions follow a clear and reliable framework:
- Online by video: The initial consultation and all sessions take place by video. You join from wherever you feel comfortable, with no travel involved. I will email you the link shortly beforehand.
- Length: Each session lasts 45 minutes. Sessions in employer packages are longer.
- After each session: It has become a habit of mine to send you an email after every session. In it, I pick up on key points from our conversation, summarise them, describe an exercise we agreed on in more detail or share questions and thoughts to reflect on. Many of my clients find this particularly valuable: they leave each session with something concrete to come back to, and things keep moving between sessions as well.
- Through your employer: If your employer covers the cost of your sessions, there are packages with a fixed duration and a set number of sessions. You can find more details below.
3. The first session: understanding your situation
The first session marks the beginning of our work together. Building on the initial consultation, we take time to understand your situation more fully: what is currently weighing on you or on your mind, what lies behind it, and what you would like to change.
- Together, we sort out which topics matter most to you and where to begin.
- At the end, we arrange the next appointment, unless we have already agreed on a regular rhythm.
4. Further sessions: going deeper
In the sessions that follow, we go deeper. Each session is shaped by your concerns and your current situation. A session might look like this:
- Starting point: We pick up where we left off. What has happened since our last session, what have you noticed in the meantime, and what is on your mind today?
- Going deeper: We take up one topic and explore it more closely. We look at what lies behind it and at patterns that keep recurring in how you experience, think and act. I draw on specific methods where they suit your concerns.
- Closing: We note what has become clearer and talk about next steps: where you might begin, whether an exercise before our next session would be helpful, and where we will pick up next time.
How long we work together, and how often we meet, depends on your concerns and your preferences. Some people come regularly, weekly or every two weeks. Others use the sessions for a limited period, for instance during a particularly demanding phase. You can pause or end our work at any time, for example when you feel you no longer need psychological counselling.
FAQ: the process and online sessions
Do I have to commit long-term?
You stay flexible. You decide how many sessions you would like. A single session is just as possible as support over several weeks or months, and you can pause or stop at any time. Only packages booked through an employer follow a fixed framework.
How long is a session?
A session lasts 45 minutes. The free initial consultation takes about 25 minutes. Sessions in employer packages last 90 or 120 minutes.
Are video sessions as effective as meeting in person?
Generally, yes. Most studies comparing conversations by video with those in person come from psychotherapy. A review of 18 studies found no meaningful difference in how strong the working relationship between client and practitioner is (Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 2023). This relationship is considered one of the most important factors in whether such conversations make a difference.
Many people also find it a relief to talk from familiar surroundings. You can arrange your space so that you feel comfortable and able to open up, rather than having to settle into an unfamiliar room full of new impressions. Your attention can then stay with the topic rather than with how you are coming across. There is also no journey to the session, which can make a real difference, especially during demanding times. And if you live abroad, you can work with a psychologist wherever you are.
Because we see each other on video rather than only hearing each other, much of what is not put into words remains visible, for example when someone becomes more composed or more unsettled during the conversation.
What do I need for an online session?
A laptop or computer with a camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection. I recommend Chrome, Edge or Brave as your browser, as these are the only ones that support the additional end-to-end encryption. A smartphone can be used, but with some limitations. You will receive a link by email; simply click on it and the session opens in your browser, with nothing to install.
It is also important to have a quiet room where you can talk undisturbed and no one can overhear. Headphones help you to focus fully on the conversation.
How secure is my data during online sessions?
Talking openly about difficult things requires a protected setting. Sessions take place via Brave Talk, a video service which, according to the provider, works without tracking. Video and audio are always transmitted in encrypted form. In addition, I activate end-to-end encryption, which means that only the two of us can decrypt the conversation; even the provider has no access to its content. This works when we both use a supported browser on a computer, that is Chrome, Edge or Brave. On smartphones and tablets, and in other browsers such as Firefox or Safari, the connection is still encrypted, but without the additional end-to-end encryption.
I only take the notes that are necessary for our psychological work and do not store any unnecessary data. Sessions are never recorded without your explicit consent. On request, all data will be deleted completely once our work together has ended, except for invoices, which I am required to keep for tax purposes. You can find further details in the privacy policy.
What does it cost, and is it covered by health insurance?
Psychological counselling is not covered by public health insurance and is paid for privately. As it is not psychotherapy, no diagnosis is made and nothing is billed to a health insurer. There are no costs beyond the sessions themselves. For private clients, a 45-minute session costs €100. The initial consultation is free of charge. Packages booked through an employer work differently, with longer sessions and a fixed duration (see packages for employers).
Are in-person sessions available?
Sessions take place online. In individual cases, in-person appointments are possible on request.
Which languages are the sessions held in?
Sessions are available in English or German.
What happens if I need to cancel a session?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the appointment. If you cancel at shorter notice, part of the fee will be charged. This keeps things reliable for both of us.
What if I realise after the first session that it is not the right fit?
That is perfectly fine, and it does happen. Sometimes the chemistry simply is not right. You can stop at any time, with no obligation to continue. If you would like, I am happy to hear what did not feel right and, where it makes sense, suggest other places you could turn to.
What if it turns out that psychotherapy would be more appropriate?
Then I will say so openly, and we will discuss together how to move forward. I will support you in finding the right kind of help. This is not a failure, but a responsible way of looking after your mental health. You can read how psychological counselling differs from psychotherapy in the FAQ on psychological counselling.
What do the packages for employers include?
The packages are designed for individuals whose sessions are booked and paid for by their employer, for example as part of workplace health promotion. They offer a clear, predictable framework.
Basic package (6 months, 6 sessions):
- First and last session: 120 minutes each
- Four regular sessions: 90 minutes each
Premium package (12 months, 12 sessions):
- First and last session: 120 minutes each
- Ten regular sessions: 90 minutes each
Terms for employers are available on request.
