Maybe you're familiar with the following situation: A desk, cluttered with documents of every kind (some of them possibly months old), notes, letters and maybe a cup or plate here and there. This is where you're supposed to work on projects, for which you might also need to place books somewhere while finding space to write something. 

With our minds it oftentimes feels the same: We might have past difficulties, that haven't been dealt with yet; current problems, which need our attention; and worries about anticipated future situations, that could happen (or maybe not). Additionally there are daily hassles and of course emotions, which accompany all of that. Looking at our filled up "desks", it is easy to feel overwhelmed and our attention tends to be everywhere and nowhere all at once. Frustration, tension, anxiety and even resignation can follow suit. 

This is where psychological support can be of great relief. Staying with the desk metaphor, my job consists of taking an empty one and connecting it to yours. You'll then have plenty space to sort out your "inner chaos" a bit. Together we make room for the examination of all the factors, that contribute to your challenging situation. You can then look at those factors, re-evaluate them and eventually sort them where they belong. The best part: At no point will I tell you, what you have to think, to feel or to do. In my experience, you already have the answers and solutions to your difficulties within you, for the most part. They are only hidden under some documents or recently delivered mail.  

In short, my role during consultation is a bit more active (compared to coaching). I provide information, suggest some possible actions and support with the knowledge that is available to me. Common subjects focused on here are for example

• Stress reduction
• Difficulty sleeping
• Emotional difficulties (mood swings, anxiety, frustration and anger, grieving, etc.)
• Difficult thoughts (worrying, rumination, obsessing, etc.)
• Barriers and obstacles, that keep us from living according to our values
• Interpersonal conflicts
• Psychoeducation regarding mental illnesses (Providing information about specific mental difficulties) 
• And much more

I would like to support you with achieving your specific, personally chosen goals. Those can be work- and career-related (asking for a raise, changing jobs, etc.) or related to overall improvement of life quality (improving concentration or motivation, strengthening self-confidence, finding meaning, etc.). Most of the time the coaching process is about decision making and problem solving, although it can involve other processes as well. 

Even though I provide information here occasionally, my main concern lies with helping you activate your own resources. Through targeted questioning and occasional pointers, I'll help you find answers to your challenges yourself, answers that you are truly satisfied with. To make sure that you can transfer the solutions to your everyday life effectively, we'll make sure to plan concrete steps and actions in the final steps of the coaching process.

Psychological suffering does not only have consequences for the ones afflicted with it. One form of sorrow, that is many times overlooked, is the suffering of friends, family and caregivers. Be it parents of depressed children, children of anxious parents, friends of people with eating disorders or partners of those suffering from substance abuse - the list is long. While taking care of those who are suffering, we oftentimes fail to take care of our own needs. Our feelings and thoughts get left on the wayside. 

Sometimes we have concrete questions regarding the diagnosis of our loved ones, the treatment or the way we should interact with them. Other times we need some support of our own. Especually during my time working with people who suffer from substance addiction, I was able to gather experience when it comes to educating and supporting relatives. Therefore I will gladly provide information and support to those caring for a suffering friend or family member.  

Neither during counseling nor during coaching does the diagnosis of a psychological disorder happens. None of these two are therapy and they are not meant to replace it. If you are suffering from a psychological disorder, I would advise you to contact the necessary experts in the form of general practitioners, psychotherapists, psychiatrists or psychiatric institutions. I can give a basic assessment and offer my opinion on which treatment option you could seek out, or support you during an ongoing therapy, but the diagnostic process and the medical as well as therapeutic treatment of such ailments is not within my offer.

If you are suffering and need timely help, please seek out your general practitioner, they usually know where to point you to. In emergency situations (substance addiction, severe depression or anxiety, psychosis or suicidality) seek out the psychiatric emergency room of your local clinic, if available or contact the emergency hotline in your country. 

Psychological disorders are usually very much treatable. With ongoing research efforts, our psychology and medical experts are finding more effective treatment methods to help you manage and overcome such challenges. One of the most important steps on that journey is to ask for help. In my almost 10 years of professional experience I have yet to see someone who sought out support, stuck to the process and regretted it afterwards.