THERAPY
Do I need therapy?
It’s a question many people ask themselves, and one that can feel confusing, because even the word “therapy” means different things. In everyday language, it can refer to anything from working with a counsellor to working with a licensed psychotherapist.
When you’re wondering whether you “need therapy,” what you’re often really asking is: Are my symptoms or my situation serious enough to need professional help? And the truth is, that’s not something you need to decide alone. Assessing the severity or diagnosis of a problem is the role of a trained professional. What matters is that help exists across the whole spectrum: whether your situation is more about stress, life direction, or a recognised mental health condition, there are people qualified to support you. In other words, it does not need to be "bad enough" for you to seek help.
You can read below to learn about the difference between psychotherapy and counselling here in Germany, where we are based. If you are still unsure about what would be right for you, you can book a free consultation with Marcel and discuss your situation directly.
PSYCHOTHERAPY (PSYCHOTHERAPIE)
In Germany, Psychotherapie is a legally protected term. Only licensed psychotherapists (Psychologische Psychotherapeutinnen*, Kinder- und Jugendlichenpsychotherapeutinnen*, or Ärztliche Psychotherapeutinnen*) are allowed to use it.
These professionals have completed extensive university and post-graduate training and are regulated by law (Psychotherapeutengesetz). Psychotherapy in this sense is focused on the treatment of mental disorders — such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or eating disorders — and is usually covered by health insurance when there’s a diagnosed condition.
At The Walk we do not offer psychoterapy yet, but we will soon. If you want to be notified when we do, you can join Marcel's psychotherapy waiting list here. We will use your contact information exclusively to let you know when psychotherapy sessions are available, and for nothing else.
COUNSELLING (BERATUNG)
Counselling or Beratung focuses on life challenges, personal development, or relationship issues — not on mental illness. Counsellors often help clients gain clarity, make decisions, or navigate stress. Distress or situations that are not "bad enough" for a diagnosis, and therefore, for psychotherapy, can still be addressed profesionally. This is what counselling is for.
Counselling is the service that we currently offer at The Walk. In our other blog posts you can read more in detail about what counselling can do for you and about what the process of counselling entails.
In Germany, there is no specific legal regulation for counselling. That means that qualifications vary widely: some counsellors have professional training in psychology or coaching, while others may come from social work, education, or other backgrounds. You can read about our backgrounds and qualifications here.