How does coaching with me work?

We start with a free initial conversation to clarify your situation and see if there is a good connection. After that, you can calmly decide whether you’d like to work with me.

What happens in a coaching session?

I work with the COACH model. You'll have space for your topics, we develop solutions together, and reflect on your progress – individually and with structure.

How many coaching sessions do I need?

It depends on your individual process. We decide together how to continue after each session. My 3-month intensive program 'Follow Your Inner Voice' includes weekly sessions.

Where does the coaching take place – online or in person?

Coaching is possible online or in Cologne – even outdoors. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and we can work in a focused way.

FAQ & Boundaries of Counseling & Coaching

Q: How do I find the right coach for me?

Pay attention to the chemistry, openness, and whether the approach suits you. A first conversation helps you decide if the collaboration feels right.

Do you have questions about the process, working together, or the boundaries of counseling and coaching? Here you'll find answers — for more orientation and clarity.

How Do I Find the Right Psychological Counseling for Me?

In short: Look for solid psychological training, and make sure you feel understood as a whole person — not just as a symptom.

Psychological counseling is a very personal experience, and it often takes real courage to reach out.

Make sure you feel understood as a person, not like you're being filed away under a symptom.
Trust your gut, and pay attention to whether the chemistry between you feels right.

Training background and qualifications

Make sure your psychological counselor has solid training — for example, a completed degree in psychology (Master's or Diplom) — and pursues regular continuing education. "Psychological counselor" is not a legally protected title in Germany.
A good counselor explains the underlying context and gives you concrete guidance and direction.

If you'd like to know whether my approach is right for you, feel free to reach out. We'll figure it out together.

How Do I Find the Right Coach for Me?

In short: Pay attention to the chemistry, the method, the qualifications, and use an initial conversation to find out.

With coaching, what matters most is whether the working style truly moves you forward. The chemistry needs to be right, but so does the method.

Make sure you feel seen and understood, and that your concerns aren't squeezed into standard tools.
The right coach asks the right questions and doesn't hand you ready-made answers.

Methods and approach should fit you.

Some coaches work in a purely methodical, solution-focused way; others offer deeper, more holistic guidance. Either way, your coach should have solid training.
Ask yourself: Do I want a quick spark of insight, or deeper, more holistic support?

Trust your gut, and talk to the coach with no obligation.

An initial conversation helps you get a feel for the coach's working style and energy.
Afterward, you can take your time deciding whether working together feels right for you.

If you'd like to know whether my approach is right for you, feel free to reach out. We'll figure it out together.

What Does Getting to Know Each Other Look Like?

You have the opportunity, in a no-obligation initial conversation (video or phone), to find out whether the chemistry between us feels right. We'll talk about what's bringing you here, clarify any organizational questions, and maybe even take the first step toward your new direction.
Afterward, you can take your time deciding whether you'd like to work with me — completely without pressure.

You can find possible counseling or coaching topics here.

What Happens in a Session?

I work with the COACH model (developed by Christopher Rauen & Andreas Steinhübel, link in German), which provides structure while remaining flexible enough to adapt to you individually.

Come Together (getting to know each other & arriving): We begin with a warm welcome and a short check-in.
Orientation (finding your topic): You get the space to clarify your topics and figure out what matters to you.
Analysis (recognizing causes & connections): We examine inner and outer influences so you can see your path more clearly. Some situations are more complex than they first appear, and sometimes the real cause runs deeper than expected. In this phase, hidden themes that matter for your development can also come to light.
Change (transformation & implementation): We develop lasting solutions and strategies that you can put into practice in everyday life.
Harbour (reaching harbour & consolidating results): At the end, we reflect on which insights and changes have proven themselves in your everyday life, and which next steps make sense for your future.

How Many Sessions Do I Need, and How Long Does the Process Take?

The number of sessions is entirely individual. We decide together as we go – with full flexibility.
By the way: I also offer evening and Saturday appointments.

How Long is a Session?

Counseling: usually 60 minutes
Coaching: usually 90 minutes — enough time to explore your topic in depth, at a comfortable pace.
Soul Plan Coaching: about 2 hours — including a recording, so you can listen back later.
If a different length is needed, we'll discuss that in advance.

How Much Does Counseling or Coaching Cost?

My services are self-pay and therefore remain entirely private — unlike therapy.
So I can tailor things to your individual situation, it's best to discuss the investment personally.
Tip: In some cases, coaching costs may be tax-deductible as a business expense in Germany.

By When Can I Cancel an Appointment?

If you need to cancel, please give at least 48 hours’ notice so I can offer the slot to someone else.
Otherwise, I reserve the right to charge part or all of the session fee.

Where Do Sessions Take Place — Online or In Person?

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and we can work without interruptions.
Online: Works very well, with only a few limitations.
In-person in Cologne: In Nippes – with good public transport and parking.
Coaching in nature (Cologne Stadtwald, city forest): For anyone who thinks more clearly while walking.

Counseling & Coaching vs. Therapy: Where Are the Boundaries?

Psychological counseling or coaching is not a substitute for psychotherapy. They're designed for people who generally have access to their own inner resources and whose ability to manage daily life is, on the whole, functioning well.
Psychotherapy treats mental illnesses or the psychological effects of physical illness that cause significant distress.
If we find that psychotherapy would be a better fit for you, I'm happy to help you find suitable treatment options.
If you are in acute danger or having thoughts of suicide, please contact Telefonseelsorge (0800 111 0 111, free of charge, Germany) or emergency services (112, Germany).