Process of treatment and financing options

In order to get to know each other and to discuss the matter of concern, it is usually most helpful to meet in person. Then we can explore current symptoms and talk about what you are hoping to gain from the sessions. Most times I will also be letting you know the tentative diagnosis and we will talk about what the treatment process would be. One of the most important reasons to meet though, would be for both of us to decide if we can see ourselves forming a confidential and trustful therapist client relationship.

Once we decide to work together, we would proceed to the diagnostic phase. It usually takes a couple of sessions in order to explore the respective diagnosis. It may be necessary to complete some questionaires and/or consult a medical professional (Facharzt/ Kinderarzt) in order to specify the diagnosis. This usually takes between 3-5 sessions.

There’s the option of a long term or short term therapy, depending on what the health insurance requires and the nature of the concern.

The therapy sessions usually take place once or twice a week, sometimes every two weeks, depending on which frequency is most useful or fitting. Children and youth can take an active part in deciding which direction the treatment is going. Most effective results can be expected around a high level of compliance.

Around every 3-4 sessions there will be a consultation with the parents or carers. I also offer consultations for parents only, depending on the nature of the concern. If the children are below the age of 6 and haven’t started school yet, the sessions would take a more playful and creative approach.

The end of the treatment is usually determined between patient and therapist and/or the parents, although there is also a limit set by how many sessions are covered by the insurance. Sometimes it makes sense to keep longer intervals between sessions when approaching the end.