Is your relationship in a tough spot?

Reasons that can cause a relationship to falter are varied and often associated with strong emotional stress and being overwhelmed. I am here to help you find your way back to each other as a couple.

In contrast to the United States, it is still relatively uncommon in Germany to seek couples therapy. Taking this step is often not easy and there can be uncertainty about what will happen and how it will work. Studies on the effectiveness of couples therapy show that the vast majority of couples stay together and report a significantly improved relationship after counseling.

In couples therapy, your conflicts will be examined, made understandable for both partners, and new, functional ways of dealing with them will be shown. You will not only get to know your partner better, but also yourself.

The reasons that can cause relationship distress are varied and can occur suddenly (acute) or develop slowly over time (chronic). Common themes include:

• sudden, strong emotional stress, such as due to an affair or a death in the family, or an unfulfilled desire for children
• a change in the family system, such as a new blended family, or children leaving the home and moving out and both partners having to find their way back to each other
• one partner is very jealous or dominant, and the other partner suffers as a result
• both partners have gradually grown apart, do little or nothing together, have few intimate conversations or closeness.

My name is Dr. Sandra Gerstorf. For 16 years, I have been intensively involved in couples therapy, relationship dynamics and communication. I have studied psychology in the United States, Canada and Germany and earned my PhD in psychology.

I have completed training in the following areas:

• Department of Clinical Psychology at Pennsylvania State University, USA (2007-2011)
• Family Therapy Center at the University of Guelph, Canada (1998-1999)
• Bowen Center for the Study of the Family at Georgetown University (2008)
• John Gottman Institute in Seattle, USA (2011)
• Comprehensive Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Couples with Frank M. Dattilio in Lancaster, USA (2010)
• Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB) with Lorna Benjamin, USA (2009)

These trainings have had a significant influence on the way I perceive family relationships and how I conceptualize couples therapy. 

If you would like to schedule an initial consultation, the easiest way is to leave me a message via email at Paartherapie@EINxZWEI.de Please also indicate what times work best for you. I will respond to you within 3-5 days.

I look forward to hearing from you!