Frequently asked questions

Coaching explores your current life situation, patterns and possible next steps. Psychotherapy is professional treatment for psychological difficulties and mental health conditions. An appropriately qualified professional can help you assess whether such treatment would be useful for you.

I want to emphasise: I am neither a physician nor a psychotherapist. I support you on the basis of my own experiences. This support cannot and should not replace medical treatment. If you notice that you need more, tell me openly.

The free introductory conversation lasts 30 minutes and takes place online or by phone. We get to know each other, you tell me what is on your mind, and I explain how I work. We also discuss the scope and prices of possible sessions. Afterwards, you decide without pressure whether and how to continue. There is no obligation.

That depends a lot on what you bring and what you want to achieve. There’s no fixed number for everyone. Some topics can be worked through in a few sessions, others take longer because the patterns built up over years. In the intro call I’ll give you a realistic first estimate.

You tell me what’s on your mind. I listen and ask questions that help you recognize your own patterns. Alongside talking, I also work with body-based exercises that relieve strain on your nervous system. At the end of each session you leave with something concrete you can use between appointments.

Polyvagal theory holds that our autonomic nervous system decides about survival by unconsciously scanning the environment for safety or danger. Depending on the level of threat, the body switches flexibly between social connection (ventral vagus), fight or flight (sympathetic nervous system) or a freeze and shutdown mode (dorsal vagus). Healing and mental health come about when we learn to bring our system safely back into the ventral, socially engaged state.

A “trigger” is a situation that sets off an old, unconscious reaction in you, even when the situation itself is harmless today. In coaching you learn to recognize your triggers and understand how emotion, body response, thoughts and action affect each other. You also practise regulating your nervous system so you can choose how you respond. That takes time and happens step by step.

Sessions take place online by video or in person, including weekends. The practice is in Neu St. Johann in the Toggenburg region, canton of St. Gallen. Online, I work with people throughout Switzerland and Germany. The free intro call (30 min.) takes place online or by phone.

Sessions currently take place in German. The English website provides information about my offer.

The first session takes place together, online or in person, and lasts 60 to 90 minutes. We get to know each other and clarify what matters to you. After that, it often makes sense to support each of you individually with your own topics, because change in a relationship starts with each person. Alongside this, we practise together how you talk to each other: clearly, honestly and as equals.

We discuss prices in the free intro call (30 min.), and there’s no public price list. There’s no flat rate either, because every process takes a different amount of time. After the call you decide whether you want to continue, and you don’t have to say yes right away.

Please cancel paid sessions at least 24 hours in advance. Late cancellations and missed appointments are charged.

Basic and supplementary health insurance usually don’t cover coaching. Please check any possible reimbursement directly with your insurer.

Yes, if you’re in a relationship crisis, for example when the same fight keeps repeating or your relationship is at a turning point. The outcome is open: some couples find their way back to each other through a new way of communicating, others consciously choose to go separate ways. In an acute psychological crisis, or where there’s violence in the relationship, I’ll refer you to a specialist service, because coaching can’t offer that kind of support.

Classic executive coaching usually works at the conscious level, on strategy, communication and leadership behavior. I also work with the nervous system, where stress reactions and old patterns show up. So you don’t just get new tools, you also understand why you often react automatically under pressure. You benefit from my many years as a leader and my experience supporting people. I know what it feels like to carry responsibility when the pressure rises.

No, not at all. The body exercises are simple and don’t require any yoga experience. I adapt them to your pace and your body. All you need is the willingness to pay closer attention.