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.
Talking with each other, not past each other.
Rediscovering what connects you.
Understanding conflict as an opportunity.
Rebuilding a sense of security.
Navigating change together.
Finding clarity, whichever direction it may take.
Talking with each other, not past each other.
Rediscovering what connects you.
Understanding conflict as an opportunity.
Rebuilding a sense of security.
Navigating change together.
Finding clarity, whichever direction it may take.
Why this practice
Psychological expertise instead of general counselling.
Evidence-based psychotherapy instead of coaching, alternative practitioners, or general life counselling.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy complemented by other established approaches – individually tailored to your situation.
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.
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.
Understanding couples therapy
In common parlance, these terms are often used interchangeably and, by themselves, say little about professional qualifications: Couples therapy is based on psychotherapeutic principles, couples counseling is a lower-threshold offering, and marriage counseling and marriage therapy traditionally referred to married couples.
Couples therapy is based on psychotherapeutic procedures and requires corresponding specialized training. Couples counseling is often shorter and more solution-oriented and is not necessarily offered by psychologically trained professionals – the job title "counselor" is not protected in Germany. Marriage counseling and marriage therapy were originally aimed at married couples but are now open to all partnerships. Therefore, anyone searching for marriage counseling Munich or marriage therapy Munich should focus less on the designation and more on the qualifications, therapeutic experience, and working methods of the treating professional: In therapeutically sound work, not only is the current conflict moderated, but recurring relationship patterns, individual reactions, and the needs of both partners are considered. In my practice in Munich, you will receive couples therapy at a state-licensed psychotherapeutic level – regardless of whether you are married, living in a partnership, or still in the process of clarifying your relationship.
Marriage counseling in Munich can be advisable when marital problems recur and discussions at home no longer bring about lasting change.
Typical reasons include communication problems, frequent arguments, emotional distance, lack of intimacy, sexual difficulties, infidelity, differing views on family and upbringing, or doubts about a shared future. Marriage counseling does not have to wait until an acute marital crisis emerges. Especially when both partners fundamentally wish to maintain their relationship but realize they repeatedly fall into the same patterns, early professional guidance can be beneficial.
Communication & Conflicts
When couples are constantly arguing in their relationship, the specific trigger is often only a superficial concern.
Behind disagreements about household chores, children, money, shared time, or daily organization often lie more fundamental relationship issues: Do I feel seen? Am I important to you? Can I rely on you? Do you respect my needs? Over time, this can lead to a fixed conflict pattern: One partner criticizes or demands more closeness, while the other feels attacked, justifies themselves, or withdraws. This withdrawal, in turn, reinforces the first partner's feeling of not being heard or taken seriously. Therefore, couples therapy is not primarily about who is right in a particular dispute. The crucial aspect is to recognize the recurring pattern between both partners and to understand which needs, expectations, and vulnerabilities sustain it.
The phrase "we talk past each other" describes one of the most common communication problems in relationships: people react not only to what is said, but to the meaning they attribute to it.
For example, "You're late again today" can become "I can't rely on you" or even "You're not good enough for me." The response then no longer addresses the original statement but the perceived criticism. After many conflicts, a kind of negative expectation also develops: both partners already anticipate attack, rejection, or withdrawal and interpret even neutral statements accordingly. Couples therapy can slow down these rapid interpretations and make visible what was said, what was understood, and what was actually meant or needed.
Therapie verstehen
A Psychological Psychotherapist has completed a degree in psychology as well as state-regulated psychotherapeutic training, or the new license-track degree (Approbationsstudium) followed by postgraduate specialization.
The total training period is approximately ten to twelve years. They are authorized to independently diagnose mental illnesses and provide psychotherapeutic treatment. The professional title is legally protected.
An M.Sc. Psychologist has completed a five-year psychology degree (Bachelor and Master) and possesses profound scientific knowledge of psychology.
However, they are not permitted to offer psychotherapy based on this degree alone. This requires an additional state-regulated psychotherapeutic training followed by the granting of a license to practice (Approbation).
Process of couples therapy
Initially, the relationship situation, the most significant conflicts, and both shared and individual goals are clarified.
In the initial sessions, we explore which issues are burdening the couple and what recurring patterns emerge between both partners. Each person is given space for their perspective, without searching for a culprit. A dispute over a seemingly minor issue can conceal deeper questions about recognition, reliability, intimacy, or autonomy. Subsequently, a shared understanding of the relationship dynamics is developed. In the further course, concrete changes are prepared, tested, and evaluated. The process is structured but flexibly adapted to the couple's situation – regardless of whether you perceive your concern as couples therapy, marriage counseling, or marital therapy.
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.
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.
Licensed Psychological Psychotherapist
State licensure (Approbation) with specialisation in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Licensure (Approbation) is the state license to practice psychotherapy independently in Germany, granted after several years of postgraduate training and passing the state examination. With a specialisation in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), I work on the basis of scientifically proven, guideline-compliant methods. For you, this means verified professional qualifications, confidentiality under Section 203 of the German Criminal Code (StGB), and the reassurance of receiving treatment in a regulated medical practice — whether as a self-paying or privately insured patient in Munich.
Specialist Training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Multi-year psychotherapeutic training at the Institute for Behavioural Therapy.
I completed my multi-year specialist psychotherapeutic training at the Kölner Lehrinstitut für Verhaltenstherapie (AWKV) — a state-recognised training institute with high clinical and scientific standards. The training comprised over 4,200 hours of theory, self-reflection, supervision, and clinical practice. I work with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as well as modern third-wave approaches such as Schema Therapy and ACT — evidence-based methods for depression, anxiety disorders, burnout, and stress reactions.
Diplom-Psychologin
Academic degree in psychology from the University of Cologne.
I completed my Diplom degree in psychology at the University of Cologne — specialising in clinical psychology, diagnostics, and neuropsychology. The Diplom degree is equivalent to a modern Master's degree and provides the scientific foundation for all responsible psychotherapeutic work. In practice, this means I understand psychological processes not only clinically, but can also interpret research findings, apply differential diagnostics, and offer you precise, tailored support — whether you are dealing with acute distress, long-standing patterns, or personal development.
Clinical Treatment Experience
Work as a ward psychologist at the Altenburger Tagesklinik in Cologne and in inpatient clinical care at the Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics.
Through several years of inpatient and day-clinic practice as a ward psychologist, I have supported patients across the full spectrum of psychological disorders — from severe depression and anxiety disorders to post-traumatic stress disorders, personality disorders, and crisis intervention. This clinical depth sets an experienced psychotherapist apart from one trained purely in outpatient settings: you receive treatment that remains safe, calm, and methodologically sound even in complex cases, comorbidities, or acute crises.
Outpatient Psychotherapy
Psychotherapeutic work in training outpatient clinics and outpatient practice settings in Cologne, Hamburg and Munich.
As a psychotherapist in private practice, I have worked in outpatient settings for many years — initially at the university clinic and in established practices in Cologne and Hamburg, and today in my own private practice in Munich. My clients include adults, couples, and executives seeking discreet, high-quality, and scheduling-flexible psychotherapy — often as self-paying or privately insured patients. Short waiting times, unhurried sessions, and a confidential environment in the heart of Munich provide a distinct alternative to overstretched standard healthcare.
Research and Science Management
Scientific research at the Max Planck Institute and professional experience at the German Research Foundation (DFG).
As a research associate at the Max Planck Institute and in a managerial position at the German Research Foundation (DFG), I spent years working at the intersection of research, science policy, and clinical practice. I bring this perspective to every treatment: up-to-date research, evidence-based methods, and a critical understanding of what truly works in psychotherapy. You benefit from a therapist who does not rely on dogmatic approaches, but thinks methodically, stays current, and grounds her practice in science.
Artificial Intelligence
Advising a start-up on AI-supported real-time analysis of human communication.
I advise a German start-up at the intersection of psychology and AI, focusing on the real-time analysis of human communication — speech, voice, non-verbal signals. This work sharpens my understanding of what is unconsciously transmitted and received during conversations, directly informing my coaching and couples therapy practice. For executives, leaders, and couples, this offers a deeper, more precise insight into communicative patterns — moving beyond gut instinct, backed by current psychological and technological research.
Multilingual Therapy
Therapy and counselling fluent in German, English, Lithuanian, and Russian.
I offer psychotherapy, coaching, and counselling fluently in four languages: German, English, Lithuanian, and Russian. For international clients, expats in Munich, diplomats, and global executives, speaking in one's native language is often the key to true emotional depth. Psychotherapy in English in Munich, psichoterapija lietuvių kalba, психотерапия на русском языке — professional treatment without linguistic or cultural detours, provided in a discreet setting.