Practice for Psychotherapy in Berlin-Friedrichshain
The practice is located in Berlin-Friedrichshain (Boxhagener Straße 39, 10245 Berlin, ↝ route planner) Another practice is located in Bad Belzig (↝ route planner). Further important information can be found throughout this page.
The Practice Room in Berlin Friedrichshain
The practice room offers a protected and quiet place for the psychotherapeutic work.
My Practice in the Countryside
I also offer sessions in my second practice in Bad Belzig (80 km from Berlin / approx. 50 minutes by train).
Located in a peaceful forest setting, this space is ideal for extended retreats. Accommodation is available in our on-site guesthouse. Feel free to contact me if you are interested.
Dirk Liesenfeld
[Pronounced: “Deerek Leezenfelt”]
(e.g. depth-psychology-based psychotherapy, Gestalt therapy)
(e.g. integrative person-centered talk therapy)
(for both acute and long-standing trauma experiences)
Other methods, such as relaxation techniques, and behavioral therapy approaches, also flow into my work. I work with individual clients, couples, and families.
Vita und Qualifications
Born in 1969, father of two children
Private practice since 1998:
- Licensed practitioner for psychotherapy
- Psychological counselor for couples, sexuality, and personal development
- Hypno and relaxation trainer
- Personal coach
Focus areas
Anxiety, depression, grief, compulsive behavior, insomnia, trauma, psychosomatic symptoms, or inner restlessness. I also support clients dealing with life transitions such as separation, loss, burnout, crises, financial, family, or career-related challenges — as well as issues around sexuality and relationships.
Training and Continuing Education
- 2026 Training in TRIMB® Gentle Trauma Therapy (Ellen Spangenberg)
- 2018 Training in EMDR trauma therapy and psychodynamic therapeutic approaches
- 2017 Clinical internship at MAPS (San Francisco) – Phase 3 Trials: MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for severe PTSD
- 2015 Certified Psychological Life Coach: GTP, KzG
- 2003 Meditation and Mindfulness Trainer (“Relaxxa” Nuremberg)
- 1999 Personal Coach Training (1‑year program with “Thalios Nürnberg”)
- 1998 Hypnosis & Relaxation Practitioner (“Namaste” Cologne)
- Before 1998 Yoga teacher, Judo instructor, wilderness educator, nutrition & detox consultant, youth travel guide
Publications (selection)
- 2026 Book series “Understanding Children’s Minds: Clearly Presented Knowledge for Parents, Children, and Professionals” (with Dr. med. Winter, specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry)
- 2021 Book “Journey to Your Roots”
- 2017 Film “Psychodelic Therapy” (in coöperation with MAPS, USA)
- 2007 Educational DVD series “Massages Techniques — Tao, Tantra & Ayurveda”
School and University Education
- 1998 Diploma thesis — Empirical research in economic and social psychology
- 1992 – 1998 University of Cologne – Business Administration (focus: economic, social, labor & organizational psychology)
- 1990 – 1991 Management Assistant (Arabella Munich, Human Resources)
- 1989 German “Abitur”(≙International Baccalaureate) — A.v.H. Gymnasium, Schweinfurt
Language skills
- German ~ Native speaker
- English ~ Proficient (C2)
Brief Summary of the Most Important Information
Below you will find all relevant information about my practice and procedures, so you can quickly get an overview. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at any time.
⚠️Important Therapy Information
Session Duration
Single session: 50 minutes, double session: 2x50 minutes, as well as additional formats. Under Individual Services you will find all available options.
Costs & Payment
90 Euro per single session, 160 Euro per double session – further pricing under Individual Services. Unless otherwise agreed, each session is to be paid in cash directly after the appointment.
Beginning of Appointment
Please ring the bell 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment (Berlin: 1st floor bell “Pr. Liesenfeld” / Belzig: right bell “Praxis”). In case of delay, the session will still begin at the agreed time and must be paid in full.
Cancellation or Rescheduling
You may cancel or reschedule free of charge via email up to 48 hours in advance. Late cancellations or missed appointments will be charged in full. In cases of sudden illness or emergencies, I will do my best to find a fair solution.
Directions and Parking: Berlin-Friedrichshain
The easiest way to find the practice is by using the route planner. The address is Boxhagener Straße 39 (doorbell: Pr. Liesenfeld)
By Car
The best option is to use the route planner. Paid parking spaces are available along Boxhagener Straße. During the day, parking is usually easy to find.
By Public Transport
Public transport connections (walking time from station in brackets)
M21 Station: Wismarplatz (approx. 2 minutes)
M10 Station: Frankfurter Tor (approx. 10 minutes)
U5 Station: Samariterstraße (approx. 5 minutes)
Ringbahn: Frankfurter Allee (approx. 10 minutes)
Regional Train: Ostkreuz (approx. 15 minutes)
Difference Between Psychiatrist, Psychologist and Heilpraktiker for Psychotherapy
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialist training in psychiatry. They are allowed to prescribe medication and work with a strong medical focus. The emphasis is often on diagnosis and treatment with psychiatric medication, supported by therapeutic conversations.
Psychologist
Psychologists have studied psychology and focus scientifically on human thoughts, emotions and behavior.
State-Licensed Practitioner for Psychotherapy (Heilpraktiker for Psychotherapy)
Heilpraktiker for psychotherapy hold a state-issued license allowing them to practice psychotherapy independently. The focus is on personal guidance using practical methods that can be directly applied in everyday life.
Who Can Attend?
Anyone seeking support with emotional distress, psychological challenges or life crises is welcome.
What Types of Therapy Are Offered?
Psychodynamic gestalt therapy, client-centered talk therapy, EMDR trauma therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and counseling for challenges and crises such as stress, grief, anxiety and emotional distress. Relaxation techniques are also integrated when appropriate.
You can learn more about my services on the Startpage and under Individual Services.
Under Vita & Qualifications you can find more information about my training and professional background.
How Does an Initial Consultation Work?
During the initial consultation, we discuss your concerns, clarify goals and therapeutic options. We also create a schedule and discuss the expected costs.
How Can an Appointment Be Scheduled?
Via email, messenger or through the online booking tool.
Under Contact you can easily schedule an appointment.
How Quickly Are Appointments Available?
Usually within 1 – 3 weeks, depending on availability. In urgent cases, I will do my best to offer an appointment as quickly as possible.
Under Contact you can easily schedule an appointment.
Where Do the Sessions Take Place?
- At my practice in Berlin-Friedrichshain (Boxhagener Straße 39)
- At my practice in Bad Belzig (Waldsiedlung 1)
- Online
Will Health Insurance Cover the Costs?
Private health insurance companies or supplementary insurance plans may partially reimburse the costs.
Under Cost Reimbursement you can find more information.
Are the Conversations Confidential?
Yes. Unlike treatment covered by statutory health insurance, all sessions with me are subject to confidentiality in accordance with German Civil Code §§630a and are not officially recorded in medical files. No information or diagnoses will be shared with doctors, health insurance providers or employers without your written consent.
This can be of great importance, as it may help avoid possible professional, administrative, banking or insurance-related consequences.
How Many Sessions Are Necessary?
The number of sessions is highly individual and depends on your concerns, goals and personal pace. Some people already feel relief after only a few conversations, while others continue therapy over several months. Weekly sessions are often helpful at the beginning, with longer intervals becoming appropriate later on. We will discuss together what feels right for your situation. Therapeutic processes generally require several sessions (often 6 – 12) in order to achieve a healing effect.
Under Individual Services you can find more information about the different formats.
Are Online Sessions Available?
Yes, via a secure platform approved for psychotherapeutic treatment.
Do I Need to Prepare for a Session?
No, simply bring your current concerns or questions.
How Often Do Sessions Take Place?
Usually once per week, depending on your needs also less frequently or more intensively.
What Happens If I Need or Want to Take a Longer Break?
By arrangement, sessions can be paused or rescheduled; therapeutic goals can be adjusted flexibly.
Make an appointment ➾