Treatment offers & methods
In my psychiatric practice, I offer the diagnosis and treatment of the following mental illnesses:
Spectrum of mental conditions
Depressive disorders
Depressive disorder is a common and serious illness characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities that previously brought joy, and a variety of other emotional and physical symptoms.
Common symptoms include changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, difficulties in concentration and decision making as well as feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
These symptoms can significantly impact daily life and limit the ability to work, to learn, and to maintain social relationships. The causes of depressive disorder are diverse and can include genetic, biochemical, psychological and environmental factors.
Burn out
Burnout syndrome is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion that often arises as a result of chronic stress, overwork or persistent pressure at work or in other areas of life.
It is characterized by a feeling of being overwhelmed, reduced performance, emotional exhaustion and a negative attitude towards work or one’s own obligations. Sufferers may also experience symptoms such as difficulty sleeping and concentrating, physical discomfort, and a general feeling of alienation or meaninglessness.
Anxiety and panic disorders
Anxiety and panic disorders are mental illnesses characterized by excessive fear, worry, or panic attacks.
Anxiety disorders include a variety of disorders in which sufferers experience persistent and excessive fear or worry about various aspects of life. These include, for example, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and specific phobias. Symptoms can include physical reactions such as heart palpitations, sweating, tremors, and difficulty sleeping.
Panic disorder is a specific form of anxiety disorder characterized by recurring and unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden attack of intense fear or discomfort that is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a feeling of impending danger. People with panic disorder often develop a fear of future attacks, which can lead to avoidance behavior.
Eating disorder
An eating disorder is a mental illness characterized by unhealthy eating habits and a disturbed relationship with food and one’s own body.
It can take various forms, such as anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder, and often leads to serious physical and mental health problems. Sufferers often have difficulty regulating their emotions and may feel a strong need for control.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental illness characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (compulsions) and/or repeated behaviors or rituals (compulsions).
Sufferers often feel a strong urge to perform these compulsions to reduce fear or discomfort, even though they are aware that these actions are irrational. Obsessive-compulsive disorder can have a significant impact on daily life.
Somatoform disorder
A somatoform disorder is a mental illness in which physical symptoms occur that have no adequate medical explanation.
Those affected often experience pain or other physical discomfort that is real and distressing but is caused or exacerbated by psychological factors.
These disorders can lead to significant stress and impairment in everyday life and often require a combination of medical and psychotherapeutic treatment.
Personality disorders
Personality disorders are mental illnesses characterized by deep-rooted and inflexible behavior patterns, thought patterns and emotional reactions.
These patterns can have a major impact on the lives of those affected and their relationships with other people. Personality disorders can be divided into different types such as: B. narcissistic, borderline or schizoid personality disorder. Symptoms can vary, but they often lead to difficulties in social, professional and personal areas.
Trauma related disorders
Trauma-related disorder, often referred to as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is a mental illness that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, intense fear, and avoidance of situations reminiscent of the trauma. These symptoms can significantly impact daily life and often require professional support to manage and heal.
ADHD
ADHD, or attention hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is commonly diagnosed in children but can persist into adulthood.
It is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that can interfere with daily life and social relationships.
People with ADHD often have difficulty concentrating, organizing tasks, and controlling their impulses. The exact causes are not yet fully understood, but genetic, neurological and environmental factors are thought to play a role.
Treatment methods
Mindfulness
Mindfulness in psychotherapy refers to conscious and non-judgmental attention to the present moment.
It involves noticing thoughts, feelings and physical sensations without judging or changing them. This practice promotes a better understanding of one’s inner experiences and helps regulate emotional responses.
In therapy, mindfulness is often used to reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and promote resilience by teaching clients to live in the here and now and distance themselves from stressful thoughts.
Relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques are methods that aim to relieve physical and mental tension, reduce stress, and promote a general feeling of calm and serenity.
These techniques help to put the body into a state of relaxation, which can lead to an improvement in well-being and quality of life.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapeutic method that aims to identify and change dysfunctional thought patterns and behaviors.
It is based on the assumption that our thoughts, feelings and behaviours are closely linked and that negative or irrational thoughts can lead to emotional problems and maladaptive behavior.
In CBT, therapists work with clients to identify these negative thought patterns, question them, and replace them with more realistic and positive thoughts. At the same time, behavioural changes are sought to improve emotional health. CBT is often structured, time-limited, and aims to provide clients with practical tools and strategies to better deal with challenges in everyday life.
Acceptance and commitment therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that aims to promote psychological well-being by helping clients accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting against them.
ACT is based on the idea that striving for emotional control often leads to more suffering. Instead, therapy encourages clients to accept their inner experiences and focus on their values and goals.
Schema therapy
Schema therapy is an integrative psychotherapeutic approach that combines elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, Gestalt therapy, attachment theory, and psychoanalysis.
It is designed to identify and change deep-rooted, maladaptive patterns or “schemas” that often emerge in childhood and influence behavior and emotional responses in adult life.
Schema therapy assumes that negative experiences in early childhood, such as neglect, abuse, or inadequate emotional support, can lead to dysfunctional schemas. These schemas are deeply held beliefs about oneself, others, and the world that shape the way a person thinks, feels, and acts.
I use elements of schema therapy after completing basic training and many advanced training courses, but I am not a certified schema therapist.
Development of resources in trauma therapy
Resource building in trauma therapy refers to the process by which clients identify and develop skills, strengths, and supportive elements to cope with the effects of traumatic experiences in a better way. The aim is to promote a feeling of security, stability and self-efficacy, which supports the healing process.
Some methods that can be used as part of resource building are:
1.) 4-field technique:
This method helps clients identify their resources in four different areas:
Internal resources: strengths, abilities and positive characteristics of the client.
External resources: support from family, friends or community.
Experiential resources: Positive experiences or memories that give strength and confidence.
Future Resources: Goals and visions for the future that promote motivation and hope.
2.) Visualization:
Clients are guided to imagine a safe place or a supportive person to create a feeling of safety and security.
3.) Mindfulness exercises:
These help you stay in the here and now and observe your own feelings and thoughts without judging them.
4.) Creative expressions:
Art, music or writing can be used to discover and express inner resources.
These methods help to strengthen clients‘ self-confidence and resilience, which is of great importance in trauma therapy.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapeutic method originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is based on the assumption that traumatic experiences are not processed appropriately and can therefore cause emotional and psychological problems.
In EMDR therapy, clients are instructed to recall stressful memories while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation, typically in the form of guided eye movements. This stimulation is intended to support the brain’s processing process and help reduce the emotional burden of memories.
The EMDR process involves several phases, including anamnesis, preparation, processing memories and integrating new insights. The goal of therapy is to desensitize the negative emotions and thoughts associated with the traumatic experiences and to enable clients to process the memories in a less stressful context. EMDR has been shown to be effective and is also used to treat other mental health problems, such as anxiety disorders and depression.
Imagery rescripting
Imagery Rescripting (IR) is a psychotherapeutic method that is often used in the treatment of traumatic experiences and stressful memories. It is based on the assumption that negative or traumatic images and memories are often anchored in the client’s mind and can cause emotional problems.
In Imagery Rescripting therapy, clients are instructed to recall stressful or traumatic memories and reframe them in their imagination. The therapist supports the client in changing the original images by adding positive, healing or strengthening elements. This can be done by replacing negative images, adding supporting characters, or changing the context. The goal of imagery rescripting is to reduce the emotional burden associated with the original memories and to enable the client to develop a new, positive perspective on the experiences.
This method can help boost self-esteem, promote processing of trauma, and improve overall mental health. Imagery rescripting is often used in combination with other therapeutic approaches to provide comprehensive treatment.
Metacognitive training
Metacognitive training (MKT) is a therapeutic approach used as part of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
It aims to improve people’s metacognitive skills, i.e. the ability to think about their own thinking and learning. MKT is often used for mental disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders or schizophrenia.
The aim of the training is to promote awareness of thought processes, mental flexibility and problem-solving skills as well as insights into one’s own knowledge. This can reduce rumination, fear and negative emotions.