Expat Couch

08/10/2025

Most therapists feel nervous about bringing up s*x with clients. Many clients don’t even know they are “allowed” to talk about s*x in therapy, or feel too embarrassed to bring it up. We can change that. This presentation will teach Martha Kauppi’s simple, memorable framework for opening conversations about s*x in therapy and knowing what to do next. You’ll learn 1) how to communicate in ways that reduce shame and create trust, 2) an easy assessment tool you can use immediately, and 3) when to refer while staying in your scope of practice. No specialized training needed, most clients with s*x issues don’t need a specialist, they just need a therapist who’s comfortable talking about it.

Together with our dear colleague Naomi Painter we will dive into the topic of
Practical, Specific Ways to Integrate Discussion of S*x Issues into Your Therapy Practice.

Open to all mental health professionals in Hamburg!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

📅 October 28th, 2025 at 20:30
📍Expat Couch, Altona, Hamburg

12/09/2025

✨ Meet Our Psychologists✨

We are happy to introduce Mert Akyol, a clinical psychologist working with an orientation in Lacanian psychoanalysis.

At the core of his practice is creating a space where clients can speak freely and explore their desires. Together with his clients, Mert works on understanding the unique logic of their anxiety, pain, and suffering, opening the possibility of transforming their relationship with their own history and lived experiences.

Mert offers sessions in English and Turkish, providing a safe and respectful space for each person’s individuality and dignity.

📍 Online / In Person at Expat Couch (Hamburg)
🗣️ Languages: English & Turkish

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07/08/2025

We talk a lot about online therapy for expats - and yes, it’s important.
But not enough is said about how powerful in-person therapy can be.
The quiet presence. The smell of the room. The feeling of being understood without needing to explain everything.
We wrote a blog post about why we believe in sitting together, in real life - especially when you are far from home.
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On our webiste | blog | Why In-Person Therapy Still Matters
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Do you prefer in-person or online therapy?

06/08/2025

Our next event in cooperation with .
Inge Marchesini , Jungian Therapist and Licensed Psychologist, will be giving a talk on the topic of Suicidal Ideation (more in the first comment).

📆 August 26 2025, 8:00-10:00pm
📍Expat Couch, Ottenser Hauptstraße 3, Hamburg

Open to all Mental Health Professionals in Hamburg!
Please RSVP on our website or on It’s Complicated.
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17/06/2025

In our next meeting in cooperation with we’ll discuss Therapy Careers in Germany: Licenses & Bureaucratic Hurdles

Join us for a relaxed group discussion where we’ll break down the various roles – from Psychologischer Psychotherapeutin to Heilpraktiker für Psychotherapie and more. We’ll chat about how to get them, how they compare and what kind of work they allow you to do. Here you can ask your questions about bureaucratic hurdles when working as a therapist in Germany.

When 📆 June 24 2025, 8:00-10:00pm
Where 📍Expat Couch, Ottenser Hauptstraße 3

Open to all Mental Health Professionals in Hamburg!

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08/04/2025

“Can this really be depression? With depression we often envision a state of deep sadness and withdrawal, but agitated depression reveals a different reality. Agitated depression challenges our conventional understanding of what depression “should” look like and highlights the complexity of mental health. By exploring agitated depression, we can foster a more nuanced understanding of mental health, encouraging empathy and support for those who may not fit the traditional mold of F-32”.

Susanne Dilg, Clinical Psychologist, will talk about Agitated Depression during our next event, in cooperation with

When 📆 April 22 2025, 8:00-10:00pm
Where 📍Expat Couch, Ottenser Hauptstraße 3, 22765 Hamburg

Open to all mental health practictioners in Hamburg!

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01/04/2025

27/03/2025

28/02/2025

24/01/2025

Revisiting a Classic: “The Gift of Therapy” by Irvin Yalom

Therapists, have you ever returned to a book that feels like an old friend? “The Gift of Therapy” by Irvin Yalom is one of those timeless works that continues to inspire and challenge us as clinicians. Each chapter feels like a gentle reminder of why we do what we do—a masterclass in human connection, authenticity, and the art of being fully present with our clients.

Whether you’re just starting your practice or decades in, Yalom’s wisdom has something for everyone.

Today, I’m rereading it with fresh eyes and reflecting on how his insights still resonate in my work. One favorite line: “It’s the relationship that heals.”

What books or teachings keep you grounded in your therapeutic journey? Let’s share our inspirations below!

13/09/2024

Are you gonna need a little help in your transition to a new life abroad? We’re here for you! ✨

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28/02/2024

A lot of people have gone through a culture shock phase. Although they have accepted the challenges that come with relocating, struggles and hardships persist, and thoughts of returning home are on their daily agenda. Language barriers, cultural differences, and social isolation are three factors that can have a significant impact on your expat experience and make you unhappy. Luckily for most of them, culture shock is nothing more than a phase. Have you ever considered moving back home?

Want to read more? Check the comments!