Frequently Asked Questions
Costs & Insurance
Does statutory health insurance (GKV) cover the costs?
Usually not. This is a private practice without GKV approval, so you cover the costs yourself. In certain cases, costs can be reimbursed through the so-called Kostenerstattungsverfahren. You apply for this yourself with your insurer, which involves a fair amount of paperwork. The first session is always self-paid.
Are couples therapy and psychological counselling reimbursed?
No. Couples therapy and psychological counselling are not medical treatment and are not reimbursed by statutory or private health insurance or Beihilfe. You always pay for these services yourself.
Does my private insurance (PKV) cover the costs?
Many private health insurers cover sessions with an approbated psychotherapist. Whether your plan covers psychotherapy and to what extent depends on your contract, so it is worth checking with your insurer before we begin. Beihilfe covers psychotherapy at the percentage that applies to you. In my experience, private insurers and Beihilfe have so far reimbursed online sessions without problems, but a quick check beforehand still gives you certainty. I will provide a correctly formatted invoice (GOÄ/GOP) for submission.
What should I ask my private insurer before we begin?
Coverage varies by plan, so a quick call to your insurer beforehand avoids surprises. These questions help:
- Is outpatient psychotherapy included in my plan?
- Up to which multiplier are fees reimbursed?
- How many sessions are reimbursed, and at what rate?
- Do I need prior authorisation before starting?
- How many sessions can I have before authorisation is required?
Sessions & Process
For a step-by-step overview, see the How It Works page.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can contact me directly without a referral from your GP or any other provider.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is an introductory conversation. We talk about what is bringing you in and what you are hoping to get from therapy, and I explain how I work. There is no commitment to continue. You can take your time and decide afterwards.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
As a private practice I am not tied to insurance quotas. Online appointments are usually available within a few days to a few weeks. For the practice in Cologne-Nippes I am already booking appointments from December 2026.
How long is a single session?
Individual therapy and counselling sessions last 50 minutes, follow-up couples sessions 75 minutes.
How long does therapy last?
It depends on what you are working on. Some topics can be addressed well in a handful of sessions, others take longer. We discuss what makes sense for your situation at the start and adjust as we go.
Can I stop therapy at any time?
Yes. There is no minimum number of sessions and no obligation to continue. If you feel the work is not the right fit, or if you need a break, just let me know.
Confidentiality
Is everything I share confidential?
Yes. As an approbated psychotherapist, I am bound by professional confidentiality under § 203 StGB. What you tell me stays between us.
Can my employer or health insurer find out that I am in therapy?
No. Professional confidentiality fully protects you. I do not share any information with third parties. Even the fact that you are seeing me is confidential.
Online or in person
Do you also offer in-person therapy?
Yes. From December 2026, individual therapy, couples therapy and counselling also take place at my practice in Cologne-Nippes, on Mondays and Tuesdays. I am already booking appointments. Online sessions remain available across Germany.
Where is the practice in Cologne?
The practice is at Kempener Str. 67, 50733 Cologne-Nippes, close to the Florastraße tram stop. It is easy to reach from Nippes, Riehl, Neustadt-Nord, Ehrenfeld, Longerich and the city centre.
Can I switch between online and in-person sessions?
Yes. You might start at the practice and continue online while travelling or unwell, for example. We decide together which format suits you at any given time.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
For many concerns, yes. A meta-analysis of 103 studies with over 5,000 participants (Fernandez et al., 2021, Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy) found video-based psychotherapy to be comparable in effectiveness to in-person therapy, especially for CBT. We will discuss in the first session whether the online format suits your situation.
What do I need for online sessions?
A device with a camera and microphone (computer, tablet, or phone), a stable internet connection, and a place where you can speak without being overheard. That is all.
In which languages do you offer sessions?
I offer sessions in German, English, Spanish, and Russian.
Types of Therapy
What is the difference between psychotherapy and psychological counselling?
Psychotherapy is a structured treatment for mental health conditions or significant psychological distress. It takes place over a longer period and follows a therapeutic framework. Psychological counselling is better suited to specific life questions, transitional periods, or personal concerns where no clinical diagnosis is involved. We can talk about which fits your situation in the first session.