Treatment offered by the university outpatient clinic
Our psychotherapy team consists of licensed psychotherapists specialising in cognitive behavioural therapy. As a university institution, we are continuously developing these methods so that practice and research benefit directly from each other.
Psychotherapy for chronic pain
We specialise in the psychotherapeutic treatment of people with chronic pain conditions. These include, for example, the following conditions:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Chronic inflammatory bowel disease
- Endometriosis
- Back pain
We also offer psychotherapy for people with the following mental health conditions, among others:
- Panic disorder with and without agoraphobia
- Social anxiety
- Specific phobia Health anxiety
- Depression
- Adjustment disorder (e.g. difficulty coping with stress from the environment)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Of course, several of the conditions mentioned above can occur simultaneously. In fact, this is often the case, as one condition can increase the risk of developing other conditions. That is why we expressly welcome people who are affected by several conditions to our university outpatient clinic.
Cognitive behavioural therapy – scientifically proven
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of four scientifically recognised psychotherapy methods in Germany.
CBT is classified by health insurance companies as a professional medical treatment. Its basic principle is that behaviour, thoughts and emotions arise through learning processes and can be changed. CBT utilises the close interaction between feelings, thoughts, behaviours and physical symptoms. Targeted changes to one of these factors have a positive influence on the others.
Cognitive behavioural therapy is also effective for chronic pain. Chronic pain arises from the interaction of physical, psychological and social factors. These factors influence and reinforce each other and affect everyday life and quality of life.
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 the cause is unclear. The biopsychosocial model has formed the basis for diagnosis and therapy for many years. The types of pain we treat include, for example:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Chronic inflammatory bowel disease
- Endometriosis Back pain
Treatment of mental illnesses
We treat people with various mental illnesses. Since symptoms often reinforce each other, we expressly include multiple diagnoses.
- Panic disorder with and without agoraphobia
- Social anxiety
- Specific phobias
- Health anxiety
- Depression
- Adjustment disorders (e.g. difficulties coping with stress)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
What to expect in therapy
In therapy, you will learn exercises and strategies to consciously perceive your own thoughts and attitudes and change them in a targeted manner. We will work together to uncover thinking errors, interrupt chains of rumination and strengthen your self-esteem.
We will support you in actively addressing your fears and worries and ultimately overcoming them. You will learn ways to influence your emotions independently in order to counteract feelings of helplessness and loss of control. If you have an underlying condition, you will also learn about the connections between the body and the mind and understand how you can influence them.
We focus theoretically and practically on the role of stress, attention control and expectations, among other things. In every case, we not only focus on problems and complaints, but also promote your individual strengths and resources.
Psychotherapy is always a team effort. Your personal cooperation and motivation are very important for the success of the therapy. Our overarching goals are to minimise illness-related limitations and stress, improve your quality of life and enable you to master future challenges.