Paartherapie

Couples Therapy Munich:
Together again.

COUPLES THERAPY BOGENHAUSEN

The key lies in understanding, not in being right.

In our work together, the aim is not to assign blame, but to recognise the patterns that pull you apart — and the moments where you truly connect.

Relationships thrive when both partners feel able to show who they truly are.

Within a clear, supportive framework, we work on what stands between you — old wounds, unspoken expectations, and the longing for genuine connection. The goal is not a perfect couple, but a relationship in which both partners can breathe.

Miteinander reden, nicht aneinander vorbei.
Communication

Talking with each other, not past each other.

Wieder spüren, was verbindet.
Closeness

Rediscovering what connects you.

Streit als Chance verstehen.
Conflict

Understanding conflict as an opportunity.

Sicherheit neu aufbauen.
Trust

Rebuilding a sense of security.

Gemeinsam durch Veränderung gehen.
Phases of life

Navigating change together.

Klarheit finden, in welche Richtung auch immer.
Fresh start

Finding clarity, whichever direction it may take.

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Why this practice

Psychological expertise instead of general counselling.

Licensed Psychotherapist

Evidence-based psychotherapy instead of coaching, alternative practitioners, or general life counselling.

Evidence-based methods

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy complemented by other established approaches – individually tailored to your situation.

Discreet & personal

Confidential sessions in a safe environment – in German, English, Lithuanian or Russian.

Questions & Answers

Frequently asked questions by couples.

Transparency before your first appointment — a comprehensive overview of the process, methods, fees, and appointments for couples therapy in München-Bogenhausen. Click on a question to read the detailed answer.

Understanding couples therapy

The terms are often used interchangeably, but they reflect different levels of qualification: couples therapy works on a psychotherapeutic basis, couples counselling is a lower-threshold service, and marriage counselling traditionally addressed married couples.

Couples therapy is based on psychotherapeutic methods and requires corresponding professional training. Couples counselling is often shorter and solution-focused and is not necessarily provided by psychologically trained professionals – in Germany the title “counsellor” is not legally protected. Marriage counselling originally addressed married couples, but today it is open to all relationships. In my practice in Munich you receive couples therapy at licensed psychotherapeutic level – whether you are married, in a partnership or still deciding on your future together.

Couples therapy is valuable when conflicts, distance, or recurring relationship patterns strain the partnership and your own attempts to find solutions are no longer making progress.

Many couples seek support when conversations regularly escalate, important topics are avoided, or closeness and trust have been lost. Couples therapy can also be helpful after infidelity, during stressful life phases, when holding differing visions for the future, or in the presence of recurring thoughts of separation. A relationship does not need to be on the brink of ending for therapy to be worthwhile. It is often beneficial to start early, before patterns of withdrawal, devaluation, and mutual hurt become entrenched.

Therapie verstehen

Eine Psychologische Psychotherapeutin hat ein Psychologiestudium sowie eine staatlich geregelte psychotherapeutische Ausbildung beziehungsweise das neue Approbationsstudium mit anschließender Weiterbildung abgeschlossen.

Die Gesamtausbildungszeit beträgt etwa zehn bis zwölf Jahre. Sie ist berechtigt, psychische Erkrankungen eigenständig zu diagnostizieren und psychotherapeutisch zu behandeln. Die Berufsbezeichnung ist gesetzlich geschützt.

Eine M.Sc. Psychologin hat ein fünfjähriges Psychologiestudium (Bachelor und Master) abgeschlossen und verfügt über fundierte wissenschaftliche Kenntnisse der Psychologie.

Psychotherapie darf sie allein aufgrund des Studienabschlusses jedoch nicht anbieten. Dafür ist zusätzlich eine staatlich geregelte psychotherapeutische Ausbildung mit anschließender Approbation erforderlich.

Qualifications and therapeutic approach

A Psychological Psychotherapist combines a university degree in psychology, clinical diagnostics, and comprehensive psychotherapeutic training.

In Germany, couples therapist ('Paartherapeut') is not a legally protected professional title. It can therefore be offered without a degree in psychology or state licensure (Approbation). By contrast, a licensed Psychological Psychotherapist possesses in-depth expertise in mental health conditions, relational dynamics, emotional regulation processes, and evidence-based treatment methods. This is particularly important when relationship conflicts are intertwined with depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, or other psychological distress. While couples therapy does not replace necessary individual treatment, it can expertly differentiate and contextualise both levels.

Cognitive behavioural therapy is particularly suitable because it specifically examines problematic relationship patterns and practically tests changes in your shared daily life.

Many relationship conflicts are maintained by recurring cycles: criticism leads to withdrawal, withdrawal reinforces insecurity, and insecurity in turn sparks criticism or control. Behavioural couples therapy makes these patterns visible and helps both partners build new ways of responding. Thoughts, emotions, needs, communication, and concrete behaviour are examined together. The approach is transparent, goal-oriented, and can be applied directly to typical everyday situations.

Process of couples therapy

At the start, the relationship situation, the main conflicts, and both shared and individual goals are clarified.

In the initial sessions, we examine which issues are weighing on the couple and which recurring patterns arise between both partners. Each person is given space for their perspective. Subsequently, a shared understanding of the relational dynamics is developed. As therapy progresses, concrete changes are prepared, tested, and evaluated. The process is structured, yet flexibly adapted to the couple's situation.

The initial consultation serves to get to know each other, clarify your concerns, and provide an initial assessment of the relationship dynamics.

Both partners describe how they experience the current situation and what changes they hope for. The aim is not to decide immediately who is right or who is responsible for the problems. Instead, we look at the interactions that arise between both partners. At the end of the session, we determine whether couples therapy appears suitable and what next steps make sense.

Combination with individual therapy

Yes. Couples therapy and individual therapy can complement each other effectively when both shared and personal issues need to be addressed.

Some relationship conflicts are connected to individual depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem issues, or personal history. In such cases, concurrent individual therapy can be beneficial. A clear separation of therapeutic roles is essential. As a rule, the couples therapist should not simultaneously serve as the long-term individual therapist for one partner, as this could compromise neutrality and trust.

Individual diagnostic or clarifying sessions are possible, but parallel long-term individual therapy should be kept strictly separate.

Couples therapy requires a balanced therapeutic position that is transparent and fair to both partners. Ongoing individual therapy with only one partner can lead to conflicts of loyalty and an imbalance. Therefore, if separate individual therapy is indicated, it should usually be conducted by a different therapist. Professional communication between therapists is only possible with an explicit waiver of confidentiality.

Fees and conditions

Couples therapy is generally not covered by statutory or private health insurance.

Health insurance providers generally cover psychotherapy for the treatment of a mental health condition in an individual insured person. Relationship conflicts alone are not classified as a mental health condition. Couples therapy is therefore usually billed as a self-pay service. If one partner also has a mental health condition requiring treatment, whether separate individual psychotherapy is indicated can be assessed independently.

Whether costs can be claimed for tax purposes depends on your individual situation and the purpose of the treatment.

No general tax commitment can be given. Couples therapy is usually classified as a private service. In certain professional or medical circumstances, a different tax treatment may apply. Binding information can only be provided by a qualified tax advisor or the relevant tax office.

Appointments for couples therapy in Munich

Current appointment options are checked individually upon inquiry and communicated promptly.

Availability can change at short notice and also depends on which days of the week and times suit you. When making your inquiry, please let me know if you have flexible availability and if specific times are ruled out. This allows us to check more quickly which appointment is realistic for both partners and the practice.

Evening appointments are available on a limited basis, depending on current availability.

Appointments outside traditional working hours are often particularly important for working couples. As evening appointments are in very high demand, their availability is limited. A degree of flexibility regarding the day of the week and start time increases the likelihood of finding a suitable appointment promptly.

Sound qualifications.
Experience from private practice, clinical settings, and research.