No preparation is needed.

The number of sessions is individually agreed upon between the therapist and client. The course of therapy should determine the number of sessions. (In Systemic Family Therapy, solution-oriented short-term therapies are possible.)

Psychiatrists have completed medical studies and are therefore allowed to prescribe medication. Psychologists have completed a relevant course of study. Since it is not a medical degree, they are not allowed to prescribe medication.

In addition to 6 years of training as a psychotherapist/systemic family therapist (including further education such as infant, child, and adolescent psychotherapy), I also have a completed degree (Master’s, Doctorate) from the Vienna University of Economics and Business (Business Education) and about 20 years of professional experience in commercial schools as well as in corporate consulting. My curriculum is not atypical for psychotherapists, as they often have professional experience in other fields in addition to many years of training. Psychotherapists, like psychologists, are also not allowed to prescribe medication.

Assuming that therapy comprises at least 10 sessions, with an hourly rate of €110.00, the total cost would be €1,100.00. This amount may seem considerable at first glance, but one should keep in mind that successful therapy makes a significant contribution to a happier life.

In ‘acute cases’, I emphasize weekly therapy sessions; otherwise, the interval between sessions is agreed upon individually.

To begin with, it’s important for me to state that from a therapeutic perspective, there is no concern that justifies feelings of shame and/or guilt. Based on my experience, clients’ motives are very individual – ranging from fears, depression, weight problems, to conflicts in relationships.

For adolescents, who are already in a sensitive phase due to adolescence/puberty, frequent motives for seeking therapy include conflicts with teachers, parents, or peers, or significant performance declines due to psychological problems.

My professional understanding is that clients can bring partners, etc., to sessions at any time – this doesn’t even require prior notice.

Apart from the fact that this option is rather the exception in professional therapy, the rule is: ‘Clients can end the therapy at any time; no explanation is required for this.’

Since the key to success in any therapy is the relationship between therapist and client, the question can be answered as follows: ‘If it is not possible to build a sustainable and trusting relationship, the therapy should be ended as soon as possible.’

You should already notice progress in dealing with your problems during therapy, because ultimately the goal of every therapy is to achieve a change in your unsatisfactory situation. If you don’t experience any ‘progress’, you should communicate this assessment to your therapist. This could even make a significant contribution to relevant therapeutic progress.