Here’s an overview of the trauma therapy methods I use in Berlin.
Not every method suits every person. That’s why I work with several body-oriented and hypnotherapeutic approaches, and choose together with you what feels right for you.
My main focus is NARM, the NeuroAffective Relational Model for developmental and attachment trauma.
All these methods have one thing in common: they include your nervous system and your body, instead of only talking about problems. And they don’t see symptoms as deficits, but as adaptations that once made sense.
I use these methods in queer psychotherapy and trauma therapy. My practice is in the Bergmannkiez in Berlin-Kreuzberg.
*Neuroaffective Relational Model
NARM was developed by Laurence Heller for developmental and attachment trauma. It focuses on the survival strategies we needed as children and that sometimes get in our way today. NARM is non-pathologising: what you want for yourself sets the direction of each session.
I’m a certified NARM Therapist, and NARM is my favourite method. Since I started working with it, I’ve seen again and again how deep processes become possible, especially around shame and relationship patterns. NARM is often our starting point, and other methods come in when they help you more.
Somatic Experiencing is a body-oriented trauma therapy developed by Peter Levine. We work with body sensations in small, carefully paced steps. The aim is for your nervous system to release stored stress and move more flexibly between tension and relaxation again.
I’m a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (in German), with three years of training at BAPT e.V. in Berlin and the Neurotracking Institute, and I founded the Queer Working Group in the German SE association.
I work with an exploratory, non-manipulative, hypnosystemic style of hypnosis, on equal footing. You’re aware of everything, you remember everything, and you can step out at any time by opening your eyes. It has nothing to do with stage hypnosis.
In a typical session, I guide you into a relaxed, inwardly focused state. From there, we can explore inner images, connect with resources, and look at difficult topics from a safe distance.
Ego State Therapy, developed by John and Helen Watkins, is a form of parts work. We get to know the inner parts that formed in response to difficult experiences, and help them get in contact with each other. For example, a part that’s still scared can meet a part that feels strong and grounded today.
I trained in hypnosis at the Thermedius Institute and with Anja Linde, and in Ego State Therapy at the Akademie für integrative Traumatherapie with Peter Uwe Hesse. For my master’s thesis, I studied hypnosystemic approaches and generative trance in depth.
Frequently asked questions about Ego State Therapy by ESTI
*Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
EMDR was developed by Francine Shapiro. It uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, to help process distressing memories.
Brainspotting was developed by David Grand, based on his work with EMDR. It builds on the observation that where we look can affect how we feel. Instead of repeated eye movements, you keep your gaze on a fixed point (a “brainspot”) that’s linked to what you’re feeling, while we stay with what comes up in your body.
I trained in EMDR and EMDR Advanced at the Christoph Mahr Institute, and in Brainspotting with Brainspotting Germany.
If you’d like to keep working on your topics between sessions, I can give you writing prompts. I learned about the effects of therapeutic writing during my master’s degree in Creative and Biographical Writing at the Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences in Berlin.
You don’t have to decide in advance. We often combine methods, and we adjust the approach if something doesn’t feel right. Here’s a first orientation:
I’m queer, gay and neurodivergent myself, and I work in a queer- and neurodivergent-affirming way. With me, you don’t have to explain or justify your identity or your relationship style.
Many of my clients carry burdens that don’t come from within themselves, but from exclusion and pressure to adapt. There are terms for this, such as minority stress and systemic trauma. Body-oriented methods can help work with these traces in the nervous system.
If you’re neurodivergent, for example autistic or with ADHD, I see that as part of who you are, not as a disorder that needs to go. Together, we find the method that suits you best, and adapt the pace, sensory input and communication to what you need.
No. We find out together what suits you, and we can combine or switch methods.
Somatic Experiencing works more directly with the nervous system and body sensations. NARM works more with relationship patterns, self-image and the survival strategies from childhood, but also includes the body. In practice, they can’t be separated that neatly: I use elements of NARM in Somatic Experiencing too, and vice versa. My therapeutic attitude has also grown out of all these methods.
I work in a trauma-sensitive way and invite you to look at difficult topics from the here and now, which helps reduce the risk of retraumatisation. You stay in control during the trance and can step out at any time.
One session (60 minutes) costs 95 euros. Statutory health insurance doesn’t cover the costs. Private insurance may, depending on your policy.
Not sure which method suits you? You don’t have to figure that out on your own. In the first session, I take a little extra time so we can answer your questions and already start working together.
