Couples therapy in Munich: The most important questions, information & addresses

Many partnerships experience stumbles from time to time.

Maintaining a consistently harmonious long-term relationship is an almost insurmountable challenge. Occasional relationship problems are more the rule than the exception.

There are many reasons why almost every couple experiences at least one, and usually several, crises during the course of their partnership:

• the feeling of not being seen enough by one's partner

• the impression that one 's own interests and needs are being neglected

• Dissatisfaction with one's own role (or the role of one's partner) in the couple relationship (or family)

• The experience of hardly being a couple anymore , but only parents , and working 24/7 in a demanding children's logistics company.

• the experience of lovelessness , neglect , and dwindling intimacy in the relationship

• Increasing annoyance at certain behavioral patterns of the partner

• the declining tolerance to accept personal differences

• Dissatisfaction with sex and eroticism in the relationship

• The vague feeling of no longer pursuing a common goal and losing common ground ( see also our article on relationship crisis )

• a noticeable impatience when it comes to finding solutions together to problems.

• the painful discovery that one's partner has (had) an affair ( see also our article on the topic of infidelity )

• An inner turmoil arises because a new potential partner has appeared, and a decision must be made: Should one separate from the old partner and try a relationship with 'the new one' ? Or should one attempt a fresh start with the current partner? ( See also our article on the topic "In love despite being in a relationship" )

What can be done when the crisis can no longer be changed through one's own efforts?

What if things keep escalating?

What if both partners (and possibly the affected children) are increasingly feeling worse?

What if harmonious moments become increasingly rare?

What if constructive communication is no longer possible?

What if everyday life is increasingly characterized by arguments and conflicts?

What if there is hardly any trace left of the former connection, love, and passion?

In short: What happens when you're "at your wit's end"?

A quick breakup or a second chance?

In our fast-paced times, many people believe that separating from a partner they no longer love would be the easiest way to be happy again.

They would rather pull the plug and end a relationship they find stressful than try to repair or renovate it.

You don't seem to be one of those people. Your partner and your relationship are clearly still important to you.

Otherwise, you wouldn't be wondering whether counseling sessions as part of couple or marriage therapy could be the right way to improve your relationship situation, and would be trying to find a suitable offer.

It's great that you're taking action in this regard, because:

Thanks to research on couples and happiness over the past decades, we now know that fighting for a relationship in crisis is almost always a worthwhile goal.

In this sense:

• Give your love another real chance!

• Prevent a final breakup!

• Get professional help as soon as possible!

We would like to support you in finding the right path for you to experience more relationship satisfaction and a sense of togetherness as soon as possible.

In the present article

• We provide an overview of proven couples therapy services from various therapeutic approaches in Munich for all those who would like a personal consultant on site.

• We present PaarBalance , a scientifically based support service that is independent of time and location, to everyone who wants to improve their relationship from the comfort of their own home.

Ideally, both are combined (= Blended Therapy ). According to current therapy research, the integration of personal counseling sessions and the self-directed use of an effective online program leads to the greatest and most lasting positive changes.

The most important questions for your couples therapy decision

The good news first:

With a fundamental willingness to take action and effective professional support, even a severely damaged relationship can often be put back on a stable foundation surprisingly quickly.

This may , but does not necessarily require, a personal therapeutic relationship between client and couples therapist in practice rooms.

Beyond or in addition to traditional in-person couples therapy, there are other proven support options such as couples counseling via video call, self-directed online programs, podcasts, self-help literature, and much more.

In this article about "Couples Therapy Munich," we won't be able to go into detail about all these different measures. If you'd like to learn more about the various therapeutic support services available for individuals and couples, please feel free to browse our more general articles on "Couples Therapy: When is it appropriate? Process, methods & costs" or " Marriage Counseling: A great opportunity for relationship problems and crises ."

Couples counseling: Is face-to-face therapy in a practice preferable, or location-independent online sessions?

Couples therapy on site:

If the mere thought of tackling personal 'projects' makes you cringe

• binding dates
• at a neutral location
• with a direct conversation partner

If you experience it as a pleasant setting, you will most likely benefit greatly from face-to-face sessions with a consultant, psychologist or psychotherapist in your place of residence, Munich.

Online tool for use in the home environment:

If you prefer personal challenges

• self-determined,
• without any specific time or place,
• at your own pace

If you want to tackle this issue, then using an (evidence-based) online couples therapy program like PaarBalance might be right for you.

Combining both approaches:

If you would like to benefit from the advantages of both approaches, i.e.

• from personal consultation in a defined practice setting,
• the self-determined exploration of the relationship issues most relevant to you in your home environment and
• the positive interactions (deepening in one direction and in the other),

Then you should combine both offers and use this, according to current research, the greatest possible "power package" for a noticeable improvement in your challenges.

In-person couples therapy: An effective option when the conditions are right.

If the "chemistry" and "setting" are right for everyone involved (i.e., for the couple and the therapist), personal support is a very effective approach. The couples therapist can sensitively moderate conversations between both partners, illuminate personal concerns and issues with a professional, external perspective, help to better understand the relationship dynamics, and develop individual solutions for improved relationship quality.

Regelmäßige Paartherapie-Sitzungen zu einer festgelegten Uhrzeit in externen Praxisräumen wahrzunehmen, ist allerdings nicht immer bzw. nicht für jeden unkompliziert möglich. Deshalb erscheinen viele Paare in krisenhaften Beziehungen leider zu spät oder gar nicht bei der Paarberatung.

Aus diesen Gründen kommen Paare häufig zu spät zur Paarberatung

Stigma
Für viele Menschen ist "zum Paartherapeuten gehen" oder "eine Psychotherapie machen" noch immer mit einem Makel behaftet. Es wird als unangenehm erlebt, wenn andere mitbekommen, dass es externen Support braucht. Auch schmerzt das Eingeständnis vor sich selbst, dass es in der Ehe bzw. Partnerschaft so große Probleme und Konflikte gibt, dass "man so etwas nötig hat".

Kosten
Paartherapien kosten Geld. Die Gebühren für Paartherapie werden nicht von den Krankenkassen erstattet, d.h. sie müssen in der Regel zu 100% von den Betroffenen selbst getragen werden. Detaillierte Informationen über die möglichen Kosten verschiedener Paartherapie-Optionen finden Sie hier: Paartherapie Kosten: Komplette Übersicht aller Kosten einer Paartherapie

Zeit
Für eine Paartherapiesitzung muss man, so wie für jeden anderen Termin vor Ort auch, einen gewissen zeitlichen Aufwand in Kauf nehmen. Mit den logistischen Vorbereitungen (z.B. Kinderbetreuung organisieren), An- und Abfahrt und der tatsächlichen Zeit für die Beratung müssen möglicherweise mehrere Stunden am Stück eingeplant werden.

Logistik
Z.B. Eltern mit jüngerem Nachwuchs oder Paaren, die nicht denselben Wohnort teilen und eine Wochenendbeziehung führen, ist es oft kaum möglich, einen gemeinsamen Termin zu 'normalen' Praxis-Öffnungszeiten unter der Woche wahrzunehmen.

Wartezeiten
Gerade in Großstädten wie München kann es Monate dauern, bis ein Paar zu einem ersten Kennenlern-Gespräch eingeladen wird. In einer akuten Beziehungskrise kann sich eine derart lange Wartezeit leider dramatisch auf die Partnerschaft auswirken.

Partnerschaftsberatung online: ortsunabhängig, zeitlich flexibel und kostengünstig

Für Menschen, die Partnerschaftsprobleme am liebsten in Eigenregie angehen möchten oder die Organisation von Praxisterminen als nicht immer unkompliziert erleben, gibt es mittlerweile zeitsparende und kostengünstige Online-Alternativen zur herkömmlichen Paartherapie.

Wichtige Voraussetzung: Weder körperliche noch seelische Gewalt, Sucht oder schwerwiegende psychische Beeinträchtigungen sind der Grund für die vorliegenden Probleme. In solchen Konstellationen braucht es in jedem Fall persönliche Unterstützung.

Das paartherapeutische Online-Selbsthilfeprogramm PaarBalance

The effectiveness of the online program PaarBalance has been scientifically verified. It enables each partner to improve their relationship step by step – regardless of time and place and at their own pace – and to resolve conflicts.

The most important findings from 50 years of couples therapy research and practice are presented in an entertaining way in the couples coaching program "PaarBalance". All topics important for a harmonious relationship are addressed, and concrete guidance is offered for resolving existing partnership problems.

You can conveniently train yourself from home to become your own relationship expert in the areas of: good communication/sense of togetherness/rituals, sexuality/fidelity/jealousy, self-care, conflict resolution, etc., and apply this knowledge directly 'in real life'.

Implementation recommendation

One to a maximum of two (out of a total of 18) online units per week over a period of approximately 3-4 months.

Costs & Session Duration

Approximately €10 per session (duration approx. 25 minutes; divisible into 5-10 minute units) | More information about costs here

How do I find the right couples therapist for us in Munich?

Seeking recommendations from your personal network (friends, family, your doctor, etc.) can be a good approach. If people close to you have had a positive experience with a practice, there's a good chance you'll feel comfortable there too. However, this requires that any relationship problems are communicated very openly.

Of course, you can also find information via Google (Maps) search - unfortunately, it is not always immediately obvious which area the respective therapist specializes in.

Therefore, we have compiled a list of couples counselors in Munich, organized by district. For most therapists, you will find important information regarding their training and the therapeutic approach they practice (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, systemic therapy , body-oriented methods).

Good to know: Independent therapists and counselors are bound by confidentiality from the first contact onwards.

Find a good relationship counselor in Munich here:

You will soon find a clear directory of couples therapists in the Munich area here. We are currently compiling the list.

Couple therapists in Allach & Untermenzing

Couple therapists  in the old town & Lehel

Couple therapists  in Au-Haidhausen

Couple therapists  in Berg am Laim

Couple therapists  in Bogenhausen

Couple therapists  in Feldmoching - Hasenbergl

Couple therapists  in the Gärtnerplatz district

Couple therapists  in Hadern

Couple therapists  in Laim

Couple therapists  in the Ludwigsvorstadt - Isarvorstadt district

Couple therapists  in Maxvorstadt

Couple therapists  in Moosach

Couple therapists  in Neuhausen - Nymphenburg

Couple therapists  in Obergiesing - Fasangarten

Couple therapists  in Pasing - Obermenzing

Couple therapists  in Ramersdorf - Perlach

Couple therapists  in Schwabing-Freimann

Couple therapists  in Schwabing West

Couple therapists  in Schwanthalerhöhe

Couple therapists  in Sendling & Sendling-Westpark

Couple therapists  in Thalkirchen, Obersendling, Forstenried

Couples therapists  in Trudering - Riem

Couple therapists  in Untergiesing - Harlaching

Are you a colleague and would like to be included in our list of "Therapy and counselling services for relationship problems"?

Please fill out our form here: Inclusion in the therapist directory. 

All the best to you and warmest regards.

Yours sincerely, Dr. Judith Gastner, Prof. Dr. Ludwig Schindler & the entire PaarBalance team

Frequently Asked Questions