Psychotherapy & Coaching Cologne |
Psychotherapie & Coaching Köln in English
With a focus on mindfulness, self-compassion, needs & boundaries
Hi, my name is Judith. With empathy and clarity, I help you explore your feelings and behavioral patterns – and find concrete steps for your personal growth.
In our sessions, you can freely express your feelings and thoughts without worrying about judgment. This can help you appreciate yourself more.
I aim for a balance between understanding and change. Together, we examine your behaviors and patterns and how they originated. We then find individual measures for your personal development, keeping your therapy or coaching goals in mind.
I follow a therapeutic approach rooted in evidence-based Client-Centered Psychotherapy, whilst also emphasizing mindfulness, developing self-compassion and understanding your needs and boundaries.
For my qualifications, and how to reach me, check the information at the end of this page.
For instance, I can help you with:
Recognizing and setting boundaries
Understanding and communicating your needs
Changing patterns and beliefs
Reducing fear of others' opinions, reducing people-pleasing, and overcoming emotional dependence
Overcoming attachment anxiety and building healthy relationships
Reducing self-comparisons and overcoming imposter syndrome
Exploring self-expectations, reducing performance-oriented thinking, and letting go of an over-achiever mindset
Preventing burnout and easing self-imposed pressure
Decreasing the feeling to be responsible for everything and the need to control
Managing stress and building resilience
Calming inner restlessness and breaking circular thoughts
Building self-assurance, serenity, balance, lightness, and peace
Increasing self-worth and confidence while overcoming self-doubt
Practicing self-compassion, finding self-acceptance, and treating yourself kindly
Connecting with your feelings, especially those often avoided (like anger, aggression, sadness, powerlessness, or shame)
Using empathy for others consciously
Processing past situations and relationships
Reflecting on your current situation and gaining an external perspective
“The curious paradox is
that when I accept myself just as I am,
then I can change.”
– Carl Rogers
Client-Centered Psychotherapy
I practice client-centered psychotherapy, an evidence-based method within humanistic psychotherapy. As a humanistic therapist, I believe everyone wants to grow personally, but fears, false beliefs, or behavior patterns can hinder you.
In our sessions I help you understand your behaviors, patterns, concerns, beliefs and needs. We explore both your current situation and your past, as early experiences from childhood and adolescence often shape adult actions and feelings.
I guide you in applying what you learn, facilitating changes in seemingly deadlocked situations and feelings. Instead of telling you who you are, I support you in finding your own solutions, promoting sustainable independent development.
Client-centered psychotherapy was developed by Carl Rogers and his colleagues in the middle of the 20th century. Scientific studies have shown that it is an effective treatment for the following mental illnesses: Affective disorders (e.g. depression), anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders and somatic illnesses.
It is also very helpful and often used as the basis for coaching.
Elements of Client-Centered Psychotherapy
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Unconditional Acceptance
You can openly share your feelings, thoughts, and sensations without fear of judgment. This experience can help you appreciate yourself more.
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Empathetic Understanding
My task is to understand you as well as possible, assisting you in gaining self-insight. We explore your feelings, thoughts, and beliefs, even those not fully conscious.
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Authenticity of the Therapist
I am myself in our conversations, not hiding behind a method or a protocol. I express myself as I think and feel, enabling us to build an honest relationship.
"Feelings come and go,
like clouds in a windy sky.
Conscious breathing is my anchor."
– Thich Nhat Hanh
Mindfulness, Self-Compassion & Exercises
I use mindfulness, body awareness, breathing, and self-compassion in my work. As a yoga teacher, I include meditative exercises in therapy and coaching. For example sessions usually start with a mindfulness exercise related to your personal themes, incorporating short affirmations or healing phrases like "I am okay as I am" or "I am here."
This can help you with:
Cultivating mindful presence
You'll learn to be more present during our sessions, enabling a deeper exploration of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors for personal growth and positive changes.
Reducing stress and anxiety
Mindfulness and breathing techniques promote relaxation, reduce "fight or flight" responses, and can help you decrease overall stress. Focusing on the present can also assist you in letting go of excessive worry about the future and past rumination.
Regulating your emotions
By learning how to be more aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment, you'll gain insights for a better understanding of yourself. This awareness can help you respond to challenging emotions in healthier ways.
Understanding the body-mind connection
Understanding the powerful connection between your mind and body is key to addressing physical symptoms and promoting overall well-being. This knowledge will allow you to cultivate a deeper awareness of how your body and mind influence each other.
Being more compassionate towards yourself
Being kind to yourself boosts mental health, resilience, and a positive self-image. This skill helps you navigate challenges and setbacks with greater self-care and acceptance.
I'm inspired by the work of therapist and Buddhist Tara Brach and Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh. I find the concept of Mindful Self-Compassion by Kristen Neff and Christopher Germer particularly helpful.
Additionally, I integrate cognitive-behavioral measures such as journaling or daily tasks. I believe regular practice is necessary for achieving and consolidating long-term changes.
Elements of Mindful Self-Compassion
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Mindfulness
Together, we neutrally explore your situation, examining your feelings, thoughts, fears, and self-judgments.
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Common Humanity
We consider how others might feel in your situation, which helps validating your thoughts and feelings.
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Self-Kindness
We find loving and supportive words and gestures to help you treat yourself more kindly and lovingly.
About Me
I believe that good relationships bring happiness and satisfaction – whether it's with ourselves or with others – in romance, friendships, family, or at work.
Helping people accept themselves and feel at ease in their own skin brings me immense joy. It often leads to more genuine and beautiful connections with others. Witnessing this transformation is what makes my job so fulfilling and gratifying.
Clients often appreciate my empathy and structure. Here I provide an overview of my qualifications. My non-linear career path has proven valuable in my therapeutic work.
My Qualifications
Integrative Couples Therapy
North German Couples Academy Hamburg
since 2023
Humanistic Therapy
Client-Centered Therapy and Gestalt Therapy
Thalamus Essen
2019-2021
Heilpraktikerin für Psychotherapie
(Alternative Practitioner for Psychotherapy)
Cologne Health Department
2020
Vinyasa Yoga Teacher
Vishnus Couch Cologne
2015-2016
Diploma in Business Administration
University of Cologne
2006-2011
Let’s Connect!
I'm available for appointments from Monday to Wednesday, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with open slots currently.
To schedule a meeting, send me an email, and I'll propose available times. Feel free to share your preferred times too.
For any pre-appointment questions, I'm happy to chat over the phone. You can reach me at
+49 160 244 0575
My practice is located in a quiet side street off Venloer Straße in Cologne-Ehrenfeld. It's easily accessible from Ehrenfeld train station and the Venloer Straße/Gürtel stop.
Hansemannstrasse 20
50823 Cologne