Elizabeth Ritchie, MSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

“Professional Counselor living abroad in Germany. Providing support for English speaking adults who may struggle with a history of trauma, attachment issues, and relationship problems. Helping individuals resolve emotional wounds and be able to live more fully in the present.”

About Me

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Bochum, North Rhine Westphalia. I offer a compassionate counseling approach to help you navigate life transitions, repair relationships, resolve family conflicts, and build self-esteem. I use a blend of EMDR, IFS (parts work), and mindfulness.

Approach

Before moving to Germany, I was an outpatient therapist in southwest Virginia where I provided both individual therapy and group therapy for adults with histories of complex trauma, substance use disorders, legal issues, and mood disorders. I am trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), a model used to help individuals recover from traumatic memories. I also have completed Internal Family Systems (IFS) level 1 or "parts work" training. IFS or parts work is exploring the different versions of ourselves throughout our life. For example, we may have a younger part, such as an inner child, who may have not gotten some of their needs met at an earlier time in life. Sometimes we can have some inner conflict due to these different parts of us, and we may need to work with them in order to resolve emotional wounds and have a better relationship with ourselves and others. I also enjoy utilizing mindfulness and meditation in sessions in order to help individuals build awareness, insight, and learn how to be more present in daily life. I hope to be able to provide you a safe space where you can share your story and find some clarity, relief, and hope.

Contact Elizabeth

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Bochum, Germany

In-person & Online

Services

I offer individual counseling sessions in person in Bochum. I offer individual counseling sessions online throughout Germany and Europe.

Services Offered:

Counseling
A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.
Learn more about Counseling
Trauma Counseling
Counselling specifically for people affected by traumatic events, focused on processing what happened and reducing symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance.
Learn more about Trauma Counseling
Mindfulness
The practice of paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgement, used to reduce stress and increase awareness of automatic reactions.
Learn more about Mindfulness
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, a therapy that uses guided eye movements to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories.
Learn more about EMDR

Works With:

Adults
Individuals
Couples

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

Relationship Issues
Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.
Learn more about Relationship Issues
Relocation / Expat
The psychological challenges of moving to a new country or city, including loneliness, culture shock, identity shifts, and loss of social support.
Learn more about Relocation / Expat
Self-Esteem
A person's overall sense of their own worth and value. When chronically low, it can drive self-doubt, avoidance, and difficulty in relationships.
Learn more about Self-Esteem
Trauma
The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.
Learn more about Trauma
Cross-Cultural
The psychological challenges of living between two or more cultures, including identity conflicts, acculturation stress, and difficulties with belonging.
PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a condition that develops after a traumatic event, causing flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness.
Learn more about PTSD