Treatment offered by the University Outpatient Clinic
Our psychotherapy team consists of licensed psychotherapists specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy. As a university institution, we are continuously refining these methods so that practice and research benefit directly from each other.
Cognitive behavioral therapy – scientifically proven
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of four scientifically recognized psychotherapy methods in Germany.
CBT is classified by health insurance companies as a professional medical treatment. Its basic principle is that behavior, thoughts and emotions arise through learning processes and can be changed. CBT utilizes the close interaction between feelings, thoughts, behavior and physical symptoms. Targeted changes to one of these factors have a positive influence on the others.
Treatment of Chronic Pain
CBT has been proven to be effective for chronic pain. According to the widely recognized biopsychosocial model, chronic pain arises from the interaction of physical, psychological and social factors. These factors influence and reinforce each other and affect quality of life significantly.
In addition to medical care, psychotherapy is often recommended for optimal treatment results – regardless of whether the pain is due to a diagnosed underlying disease or an unknown cause.
The types of pain we treat include - among others - the following conditions:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Chronic inflammatory bowel disease
- Endometriosis
- Back pain
- Fibromyalgia
Treatment of Mental Health Conditions
In addition, we offer psychotherapy for people with the following mental health conditions:
- Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia
- Social anxiety
- Specific phobia
- Health anxiety
- Depression
- Adjustment disorder (e.g., difficulty coping with stressors)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Of course, several of the conditions listed above may occur simultaneously. In fact, this is common, as one condition can increase the risk of developing others. For this reason, we explicitly welcome people affected by multiple conditions to our University Outpatient Clinic.
What to expect in therapy
In therapy, you’ll learn exercises and strategies to consciously perceive your own thoughts and attitudes and to change them. Together, we’ll identify cognitive distortions, break the cycle of rumination, and strengthen your self-esteem.
We’ll support you in actively confronting your fears and worries and ultimately overcoming them. You’ll learn ways to influence your emotions on your own to counteract feelings of helplessness and loss of control. If you have an underlying physical condition, you’ll also learn how mind and body interact with one another and how to influence them.
We focus, both theoretically and practically, on topics such as the role of stress, attention control and expectations. We don’t just focus on problems and symptoms; we also nurture your individual strengths and resources.
Psychotherapy is always a team effort. Your personal cooperation and motivation are essential for the success of therapy. Our overarching goals are to minimize illness-related limitations and stress, improve your quality of life, and empower you to overcome future challenges.