Who is it for?
Adults who experience the aftermath of distressing events — accidents, loss, violence, illness — and want careful support without yet a clinical diagnosis or treatment plan.
Trauma counseling
Written by besser:lieben editorial team
Last reviewed:
Qualified counselors — online or in person, careful.
- A difficult experience is still affecting you, even though time has passed?
- You feel exhausted, jumpy, withdrawn — and don’t quite know why?
- You want a careful, qualified person to help you understand what is happening?
- Trauma counseling provides orientation and stabilising support.
- For diagnosed trauma-related disorders, psychotherapy is the right path. Counseling can support, not replace it.
What trauma counseling is
Trauma counseling supports people who carry distressing experiences. It is careful, paced and oriented towards stabilisation and orientation. It is not psychotherapy and does not replace it. For diagnosed conditions like PTSD, medical-psychotherapeutic treatment is the right path.
besser:lieben curates counselors with specific trauma-related training. Their qualifications are transparent on their profiles.
Counselors from our network
The selection changes regularly. During matching, we also check who is professionally and personally suited to your needs.
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AM
Alexandra Materna
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Karola Maderholz
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Ky Anke Papenkort
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Pascale Jenny
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Jost Guido Freese
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Andrea Silwanus
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Volker Nötzold
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Monika Wacker
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Michael Raschke
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Katharina Frönd
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Michael Mosner
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Emma Schierle
Good to know about trauma counseling
How does it differ from psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy treats clinical conditions (e.g. PTSD) and is medically authorised. Counseling is supportive, stabilising and educational. If a clinical condition is suspected, the counselor will refer to specialised treatment.
How do sessions look?
Pace is slow and careful. Stabilising techniques, psychoeducation, careful exploration of resources. No re-experiencing without solid stabilisation. Fees usually start at €80 per session.
When emergency help is needed
For acute danger, suicidal thoughts or ongoing threat: emergency services and specialised crisis helplines first. Counseling can come later as part of integration.
How to recognise serious counseling
1
Verified core training
At least 500 units of foundational counseling or therapy training — documented and verifiable.
2
Specific specialist training
A certified specialisation in the specific area (couples, sex, family, trauma) — typically at least 100 units of continuing education.
3
Ongoing supervision
Serious counselors accept supervision from senior colleagues and intervision with peers — to keep their practice reflective and up to date.
4
Continuing education
Regular attendance of conferences and courses to stay current with research and methods.
5
Transparency
Clearly stated qualifications, transparent fees, no healing promises, no high-pressure sales.
6
Networking
Connection to specialised colleagues — referral if a different focus would serve you better.
What besser:lieben stands for
Verified qualifications, specific trauma-related training, ongoing supervision, transparent pricing. No healing promises. besser:lieben is not a crisis service. In emergencies please contact local services.
Ready for the next step?
Start the consultation flow and find suitable counselors.