Private Practice for EMDR Therapy
EMDR in Munich —
Trauma Therapy
for Adults
What EMDR can achieve
Process, instead of repeat.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is one of the most scientifically studied methods for treating trauma and distressing memories. In my practice, I use EMDR specifically — as an independent treatment or as a supplement to cognitive behavioral therapy.
A method with a clear structure.
EMDR works with bilateral stimulation and a structured treatment protocol. Stabilization always precedes processing — each session only ends when you feel stable.
Process distressing experiences without endlessly reliving them.
Traumatic experiences can become entrenched in memory and profoundly affect daily life. EMDR helps to process these memories and reduce their emotional intensity.
Treat anxiety at its root, not just suppress symptoms.
Many anxiety disorders have their roots in distressing experiences. EMDR addresses these by processing the underlying memories — not just the visible symptoms.
The past remains the past — and loses its grip on the present.
Some memories remain distressing even long after the event. EMDR allows them to be processed so they no longer define the present.
Understand panic and regain control over everyday life.
Panic attacks often arise in connection with previous experiences of loss of control or helplessness. EMDR can specifically address the underlying triggers.
When stress has become entrenched and recovery is no longer enough.
Persistent stress leaves its mark — physically and psychologically. If stress has become a fixed reaction, EMDR can help process the roots of this activation.
Integrate loss without being held captive by it.
Grief is a part of life — but sometimes it gets stuck and becomes a burden. EMDR helps to integrate losses without suppressing them.
Process
Stabilization first. Then processing.
We clarify whether EMDR is suitable for you and develop stabilization techniques. You learn self-regulation methods before we begin processing. This step is crucial — and will be extended as long as necessary.
Together, we identify the distressing memories, the associated negative beliefs, and the desired positive beliefs. We determine where to start.
You bring the distressing memory to consciousness and simultaneously follow bilateral stimulation — typically finger movements or an auditory signal. The bilateral stimulation enables natural, neurobiological processing of the memory.
After processing, we review the result and anchor positive beliefs. Each session is only concluded when you feel stable. At the end of the overall process, we jointly take stock.
Questions & Answers
What clients frequently ask.
Transparency before the first appointment — a well-founded overview of the mode of action, indication, process, duration, and costs of EMDR therapy in Munich. Click on a question to read the detailed answer.
Understanding EMDR
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
The method was developed in the late 1980s by American psychologist Francine Shapiro and is now one of the best-researched methods for treating trauma. The World Health Organization (WHO) and international treatment guidelines explicitly recommend EMDR for post-traumatic stress disorder.
During an EMDR session, you bring a distressing memory to consciousness and simultaneously follow bilateral stimulation — usually finger movements, a light point, or a sound.
This bilateral stimulation activates similar brain processes to REM sleep, in which the brain processes experiences. Distressing memories that were previously blocked and unprocessed in memory can thus be integrated. The exact neurobiological mechanisms are still being researched; clinical efficacy has been proven in numerous studies.
Who is EMDR suitable for?
EMDR is most commonly used for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related disorders.
Furthermore, research shows its effectiveness in anxiety disorders, panic disorders, phobias, depression with traumatic components, chronic stress, grief and loss, as well as deep-seated negative self-beliefs. In my practice, I use EMDR both independently and as a supplement to cognitive behavioral therapy.
EMDR is not only suitable for people with severe trauma.
Among others, it can treat: accidents, medical procedures or life-threatening situations, emotional or physical abuse, loss and grief, distressing childhood experiences, situations of deep helplessness or humiliation — but also experiences that may seem less serious outwardly but have a lasting impact. The decisive factor is not the objective severity of the experience, but its subjective impact today.
Process and Duration
An EMDR session usually lasts 50 minutes.
At the beginning, the current state is assessed. In the processing phase, you concentrate on a distressing memory and follow the bilateral stimulation. After processing, the result is reviewed, and the session concludes with stabilization exercises. Each session only ends when you feel sufficiently stable.
This largely depends on the nature and extent of the experiences to be processed.
For a clearly defined single event — for example, an accident — a few sessions may be sufficient. For complex traumatization extending over longer periods or childhood, a longer process is necessary. After a detailed preliminary discussion, I can provide a realistic estimate.
Costs and Organization
In Germany, EMDR is recognized as a psychotherapeutic method, but not as an independent billing procedure within the statutory health insurance system.
As a licensed psychological psychotherapist in a private practice, I offer EMDR as part of psychotherapeutic treatment. Billing is done as a self-payer service or through private health insurance. Individuals with statutory health insurance can utilize EMDR as self-payers.
Yes. EMDR treatment takes place at the practice in Munich-Bogenhausen — in a calm, protected setting.
Online EMDR is possible in certain situations; however, in-person appointments are generally preferable for the processing phase.
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.