Press
Are you looking for exciting and reliable background information on the editorial topics of marriage, partnership and relationships?
Our experienced couples therapy experts are available for interviews, guest appearances, and sound bites. Contact us!
Prof. Dr. Ludwig Schindler and Dr. Judith Gastner are happy to share their expertise on the topics of "relationships, love, and health." Their contributions have been featured in, among other publications:
Press contact
[email protected]
Press kit
Effectiveness studies on the efficacy of the Couple Balance program
Keller, A., Babl., A., Berger, T. , Schindler, L. (2021):
Efficacy of the web-based PaarBalance program on relationship satisfaction, depression and anxiety – A randomized controlled trial. Science Direct.
The PaarBalance.de experts
Prof. Dr. Ludwig Schindler
Dr. Judith Gastner
About PaarBalance.de
PaarBalance.de offers evidence-based online relationship coaching . This globally unique, interactive program is tailored to each individual partner. It is designed for both people in long-term relationships and those at the beginning of a new one.
The comprehensive offer consists of a free, scientifically based relationship test with a detailed strengths and weaknesses analysis, as well as a paid coaching program with numerous motivational tools. In 18 online sessions, participants are given the necessary tools to manage conflicts, overcome challenges, and (re)strengthen the love between partners, all presented in a concise and humorous manner.
PaarBalance.de was developed by couple therapy experts Prof. Dr. Ludwig Schindler and Dr. Judith Gastner as Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (ccbt) and has been operated by PaarBalance GmbH, based in Egling near Munich, since 2016.
Screenshots from the program & other graphics
All images, graphics and information are free for editorial use, provided the source "PaarBalance.de" or www.paarbalance.de is cited.
Free relationship test
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Relationship profile
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Example session
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Example training
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Example homework
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Mood barometer
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Relationship chronicle
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PaarBalance Mockup Laptop
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PaarBalance Mockup responsive Screens
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PaarBalance Mockup Produktbox
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Mockup relationship profile
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Mockup book on relationship problems
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Mockup book for therapists
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Media presence | Lectures | Workshops | Publications (selection)
Five Love Languages - A real help for couples?
In this interview, couples therapist Dr. Judith Gastner discusses the well-known concept of the "Five Love Languages." What's behind it—and can it truly help couples in crisis? She examines the approach from a psychological perspective, demonstrates its practical application, and reveals its limitations. A fascinating conversation about intimacy, misunderstandings, and the deep need to feel understood.
(published on October 10, 2025)
Link: www.ardaudiothek.de/episode/urn:ard:episode:5f2ec8782cc8b488/
Expert interview in the FAZ: Breaking up despite love
In Katrin Hummel's article, couples therapist Dr. Judith Gastner explores why couples sometimes separate even though their love for each other is still strong. Using examples and psychological analyses, Dr. Gastner explains how to deal with such challenges – and when separation is the right decision.
(published on December 15, 2024)
Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, issue no. 2024/50
Expert interview in GEO magazine: How mothers and fathers can deal more calmly with a lack of sex
In Christine Frischke's article, couples therapist Dr. Judith Gastner discusses the challenges faced by couples becoming parents and how they can better manage the lull in their love life. Dr. Gastner offers practical tips on how parents can strengthen their relationship – even when daily life, with its diapers and sleepless nights, leaves little time for togetherness.
(published on April 8, 2024)
Podcast WDR 'Lisa's Couple Cut: The Relationship Podcast'
In the podcast with Lisa Ortgies, Dr. Judith Gastner discusses the five love languages. If two people could "understand each other blindly," relationships wouldn't be so complicated. How do you express affection and avoid misunderstandings? How do you give your love the right way?
(published on November 30, 2023)
Podcast 'Way To Wellness'
by Birthe Meyer-Rosina
In two podcast episodes by Birthe Meyer-Rosina, Dr. Judith Gastner talks about the idea and development of the CoupleBalance coaching program and how the program helps couples to noticeably improve their relationship quality in a very short time.
(Published on May 17, 2023
by Birthe Meyer-Rosina)
Radio interview Bavarian Broadcasting
The segment on Bavarian Radio in the "Happy Partnership" category provides a nice insight into the "5 Love Languages".
Listen at: www.br.de/radio/bayern2/sendungen/notizbuch/podcast-die-5-sprachen-der-liebe-100.html (unfortunately no longer available)
Dr. Judith Gastner interviewed on BR2,
December 27, 2022, by Jutta Prediger
Podcast ZEIT online 'Is this normal'
Dr. Melanie Büttner, Sven Stockrahm and Dr. Judith Gastner explore the question of how relationship crises can be ended as quickly as possible and happy partnerships can be created - even if only one person starts it.
(Published on October 10, 2022
by Sven Stockrahm and Dr. Melanie Büttner)
"When couples embrace each other again, something changes."
Link: www.zeit.de/gesundheit/zeit-doctor/2022-10/beziehungskrise-partnerschaft-sexpodcast
Newspaper article Süddeutsche Zeitung
Journalist Violetta Simon, with the support of relationship expert Dr. Judith Gastner, provides possible answers to the question of whether and how couples can stay close despite physical distance.
Breaking up to stay a couple
Does the more time lovers spend together make their relationship more fulfilling? There can also be too much closeness. At what stage should you create some physical distance – and why being alone can even strengthen the bond.
(Published on September 25, 2022 |
Reading time: 5 minutes | by Violetta Simon)
Link: www.sueddeutsche.de/panorama/beziehung-alleinesein-getrennt-wohnen-lat-partnerschaft-1.5662446
Newspaper article Welt / Iconist
Dr. Judith Gastner addresses a topic that affects many couples in long-term relationships one day: (How) can the relationship continue if one of the partners has been unfaithful?
Betrayed by partner – “The chances for a new beginning are good”
(Published on July 31, 2021 |
Reading time: 6 minutes | by Miriam Neubert)
Newspaper article Welt / Iconist
Couples therapy? Still a taboo subject for many people: Dr. Judith Gastner explains in an interview with Welt online for whom couples therapy makes sense and why the quality of the relationship usually improves sustainably with professional support.
When and why should you start couples therapy?
(Published on January 4, 2021 |
Reading time: 6 minutes | by Cornelia Frentz)
Workshops
DAJEB (German Association for Youth and Marriage Counseling)
70th Annual Conference 2019 “Well-established and surprisingly new: Competent counseling. 70 years of DAJEB.
Working Group: “Networked methods - Paarbalance.de - interactive online coaching for couples in counseling”
Continuing education course of the University Network NRW and the Psychotherapists Chamber NRW Bochum
18th Annual Congress of Psychotherapy (ONLINE) 2022 with the main theme “Psychotherapy in Times of Crisis”
Seminar: “Happy Partnership as a Resource: How we can support our clients in improving their relationship quality”
BV-EFL (Federal Association of Catholic Marriage, Family and Life Counselors)
Continuing Education 2019 “Is anyone there...?” – Resonance with Body and Soul”
Working Group: “How new media can enrich the (couple) counseling process – using PaarBalance.de as an example”
lectures
69th Lindau Psychotherapy Weeks 2019 ("A Brave Digital World?")
Lecture: "Intervention Area: Partnership - Practical Use of New Media"
Diaconal Services Managers' Conference 2017
Presentation: CoupleBalance - Online Program for Greater Satisfaction in Partnerships. Accompanying Service for Clients. Prevention, Counseling & Psychotherapy.
"Soulful" event series by AOK 2023
through 7 Bavarian cities - together with Sven Hannawald
Participation in the documentary film "Soul-Strong. Sven Hannawald's Leap Back into Life.", imagination exercise on the topic of work-life balance, panel discussion & lectures "Strengthening Relationships = Strengthening Health"
Photographer: Jörg Schleicher
51st Psychotherapy Week Langeoog 2024 ("Uncertain Times - What Now, What to Do?")
Presentation accepted (Title: Happy Partnership as an Important Resource in Uncertain Times)
Lectures Psychosomatic Clinic live 2024
Barmelweid Clinic in Switzerland
Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy
Colloquium
Happy Partnership as a Resource
“Relationship Building” as an important area of intervention in psychosomatics & psychotherapy
Publications
Schindler, L., Gastner, J. & Metz, N. (2016): PaarBalance – an interactive online program for greater satisfaction in relationships. Beratung Aktuell, 4/2016, 3-21.
Schindler, L., Gastner, J., Henrich, G. & Metz, N. (2018): The development of the PaarBalance partnership test. Beratung Aktuell, 1/2018, 3-24.
Gastner, J., Schindler, L., Metz, N., Zuber, A. (2018): Internet-based prevention and treatment of relationship problems using the example of PaarBalance. In: Prevention and Health Promotion. Vol. VI. Developments and Perspectives. Bernd Röhrle, David Ebert & Hanna Christiansen (Eds.). Tübingen: DGVT-Verlag
