Psychotherapeutic Support for Trauma in Berlin
– EMDR Therapy
Living after a trauma
After a traumatic event – such as an accident, violence, abuse, or significant loss – it is common to experience:
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Flashbacks or intrusive memories
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Nightmares or sleep difficulties
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Anxiety, hypervigilance, or panic attacks
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Physical tension or stress-related fatigue
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Fear, sadness, or anger that is hard to manage
These symptoms can make daily life more difficult and affect emotional and physical well-being. Professional psychotherapeutic support can help you better understand and manage these reactions.
Professional definition of trauma
A psychological trauma is the emotional and behavioral response to an event perceived as threatening to life or physical/psychological integrity.
According to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), trauma may manifest as post-traumatic stress disorder (F43.1), with symptoms such as:
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Flashbacks and nightmares
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Hypervigilance or intense anxiety
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Avoidance of situations that remind you of the event
As a licensed psychotherapist (Heilpraktiker für Psychotherapie) in Berlin, I support individuals who have experienced trauma to better manage these reactions and regain emotional safety and balance, using recognized approaches such as EMDR.
Why choose EMDR therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a scientifically validated method for treating trauma and post-traumatic stress.
Benefits of EMDR therapy:
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Rapid symptom relief
EMDR can quickly reduce the impact of distressing experiences. Flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance gradually become less frequent, allowing you to regain a calmer daily life within a few sessions. -
In-depth trauma work
Particularly effective for trauma, PTSD, abuse, accidents, and other difficult experiences. It helps the brain safely reprocess distressing memories. -
Emotional balance and regulation
EMDR helps decrease anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, and depressive episodes, supporting emotional regulation and psychological resilience. -
Boost self-esteem
By reprocessing negative memories and limiting beliefs, EMDR promotes a healthier self-image, increased confidence, and a sense of autonomy. -
Alleviate physical symptoms
Trauma often manifests physically: chronic pain, sleep disturbances, or muscle tension. EMDR helps release stored emotional tension. -
Fast and effective approach
Compared to other therapies, EMDR can accelerate healing, producing visible results in less time and helping to regain lasting well-being. -
Support for various issues
EMDR is not limited to trauma. It can also help with addictions, eating disorders, grief, and other psychological difficulties, providing tailored support for each situation. -
Desensitization of distressing memories
Working on traumatic or painful memories reduces their emotional intensity, allowing gradual liberation from the past and fuller engagement in the present. -
EMDR uses bilateral sensory stimulation (eye movements, taps, or sounds) to activate the brain’s natural reprocessing of information in a safe and guided way.
How does EMDR therapy work?
A complete EMDR therapy usually lasts 3 to 12 sessions, depending on the complexity of the trauma.
Phase 1 – Preparation and planning
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Establish a safe and trusting environment
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Explore your history and needs
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Define a plan for targeting memories to be reprocessed
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Teach stabilization techniques, such as the “safe place” exercise
Phase 2 – Desensitization
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Work on targeted memories using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, sounds)
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The brain naturally reprocesses the memories, you do not need to control the process
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Each step is guided and secured according to your pace
Phase 3 – Intermediate evaluation
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Check for reduced emotional disturbance
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Possibility to reprocess specific memories if necessary
Phase 4 – Installation of positive beliefs
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Reinforce positive thoughts and resources
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Restore confidence and self-esteem
Phase 5 – Preparation for the future
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Anticipate triggers and difficult situations
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Consolidate progress for a calmer, safer daily life
Typical session structure
A session usually lasts 60–90 minutes and includes:
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Review of your experiences since the last session (preparation and evaluation)
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Desensitization: progressive work on a traumatic memory with bilateral stimulation
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Personalized guidance throughout the session to ensure safety and comfort
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Anchoring a positive thought or resource (installation/closure)
Each memory is treated gradually: you recall the distressing event, notice thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, while following bilateral stimulation. This process activates natural information reprocessing, similar to REM sleep, helping reduce the emotional load associated with the memory.
Each session allows you to see progress and prepare for the next, in complete safety and at your own pace.
My approach
In my practice in Schöneberg and Kreuzberg, I offer:
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A safe and confidential environment
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Exploration of your history and symptoms
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Step-by-step guidance in reprocessing painful memories
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Implementation of techniques to better manage your emotions
EMDR is used respectfully and safely, tailored to each patient and situation.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing – desensitization and reprocessing through eye movements.
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EMDR uses bilateral sensory stimulation (eye movements, taps, or sounds), where the patient follows the therapist’s fingers moving left to right in front of the eyes, to treat post-traumatic stress disorders.
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The goal is to reduce the emotional charge of a traumatic memory or difficult life event.
Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., a psychologist in California and Senior Research Fellow at the Menlo Park Research Institute, discovered in 1987 a simple way to stimulate a complex neuropsychological mechanism present in everyone. This allows the brain to reprocess unresolved traumatic experiences that cause various, sometimes disabling, symptoms. EMDR can treat post-traumatic sequelae even many years after the event.
Over 2 million patients worldwide have benefited from EMDR therapy.
EMDR has been studied internationally and is recognized for the treatment of post-traumatic stress by the WHO (2013), INSERM (2004 & 2015), and the French Haute Autorité de Santé (2007).