Helene Knigge
Couples therapist
Relationship Coach
Good relationships are one of the most important building blocks of a happy and healthy life. Nevertheless, it happens that couples find themselves in situations they never wanted to get into. Conversations turn into quarrels, conflicts escalate. The result is a vicious circle of negative communication patterns, from which they can no longer find their way out despite their best efforts.
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I support couples in finding a way out of this dilemma. Through emphetic listening and targeted questions, I accompany them to look at, and reshape their relationship. In a protected space, they can recognize their own needs anew, work through ambivalent emotions, and look at and heal old wounds.
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Approach
Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy
Systemic Couples and Family Therapy
In my work, I focus on the needs of the couple. In doing so, I rely on the cornerstones of Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) as well as Systemic Couples and Family Therapy.
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In emotion-focused couples therapy, the first step is to de-escalate the acute crisis. After that we focus is on strengthening the emotional bond which leads to the third step,which is to,integrate new interaction patterns into everyday life.
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In systemic couple and family therapy, the focus is on the social context of the couple. Behavioral patterns are not to be considered in isolation, but are closely related to the social and family environment. The aim is a better understanding of one's own interaction patterns, as well as expanded possibilities of perception and action.
Process
The first appointment is to get to know each other. You describe the conflict you are currently in, as well as your worries and wishes. By listening and asking specific questions, I get an overview of your relationship history and the existing conflict dynamics. After the session, you will decide whether you want to make another appointment.
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In the second appointment, we explore individual needs, communication patterns or deep-seated injuries that have led you into your current relationship crisis. I accompany you on the way to a more loving approach to yourself and your partner
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In the third appointment, solutions are researched and consideration is given to how you can integrate them into your everyday life.
About Me
The most valuable thing I learned about people and relationships came through my own exciting life journey. At the age of 20, in 1986, I emigrated to South Africa, got married, gave birth to three children and adopted two more.
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The founding of a kindergarten led me into working with parents. It quickly became apparent that the well-being of all family members depends on the relationship of the parents. Where the relationship was good, everyone was healthier and more balanced. These couples had one thing in common: they spoke to each other, they respected each other and competently faced crises and challenges.
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This led me to focus more on the background and skills of good relationship design. In 2003 we moved as a family to Portugal, where I started my therapeutic work as a systemic family and couples therapist. My focus was on couples from multicultural backgrounds.
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In 2016 I returned to Germany, worked for a few years in family support in Schleswig-Holstein and moved to Berlin with my husband in 2020, where I joined a joint practice for couples therapy and family counselling.
Duration and Cost
The duration of couples therapy depends on many factors. However, experience shows that many couples feel relief after the first session and six sessions are often enough to get back on track together.
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Cost
Individual therapy: 110 euros (60 minutes)
Couples therapy: 190 euros (90 minutes)
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After hours and Saturday 30 euro surcharge
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Payment is made after the session in cash or by bank transfer after receipt of invoice.
Difficult economic conditions should not be an exclusion criterion. If you are unable to pay my fee, please contact me in advance.
