Katharina

Katharina Helms, MSc

Clinical Psychologist

Verified

“I am Katharina, a clinical psychologist based in Zurich, Switzerland. Through cognitive-behavioural therapy, I want to give explanations, new perspectives and hands-on solutions.”

About me

I support people in navigating through difficult times and challenges in life, namely emotional eating, substance use, family conflict, relationship difficulties, self-esteem problems and Expat difficulties. My clinical experiences include working at the fasting clinic Buchinger-Wilhelmi in Marbella and the Kusnacht Practice in Zürich. These experiences have shaped my holistic understanding of mental health, highlighting the close connection between our psychological, physical and emotional well-being. Currently, I am pursuing my PhD in addiction studies. This allows me to deepen my knowledge in this field and stay up-to-date on the newest findings in research. I offer therapy in German, English & Spanish.

Approach

My approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), with a focus on understanding the deeper patterns behind our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. I believe that meaningful change begins with understanding why we think, feel and act the way we do, rather than simply trying to change what we do. Together, we explore how past experiences, core beliefs, and learned coping strategies may influence the way you experience yourself and the world around you. We look at patterns that may once have helped you cope but no longer serve you, and work towards developing new perspectives and healthier ways of responding to life's challenges. I see therapy as a collaborative process, shaped by your individual experiences, needs, and goals. My aim is to create a space where you can explore difficult thoughts and emotions without judgement, gain a deeper understanding of yourself, and develop practical tools to create lasting change.
Contact Katharina

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic information

Languages:

German, English, Spanish

Fees:

Direct payment

Online Only

Services

- Emotional eating and difficulties with eating behaviours - Weight loss and the psychological aspects of weight management - Substance use and addiction - Family conflicts and family dynamics - Relationship difficulties - Self-esteem and self-acceptance - Stress, emotional difficulties, and coping with challenging life situations - Challenges related to living abroad and expat life

Services Offered:

  • CBT

    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.

    Learn more about CBT
  • Counselling

    A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.

    Learn more about Counselling
  • Online Therapy

    Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.

    Learn more about Online Therapy
  • Psychoeducation

    Structured information provided about a mental health condition (what it is, why it occurs, and what strategies can help) as part of the therapeutic process.

    Learn more about Psychoeducation

Works With:

  • Adults

Area of expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Addiction

    A compulsive dependence on a substance or behaviour, such as alcohol, drugs, or gambling, that causes harmful consequences to health, relationships, or daily life.

    Learn more about Addiction
  • Alcohol Use / Addiction

    A pattern of alcohol consumption that has become harmful to a person's health, relationships, or ability to function day-to-day.

    Learn more about Alcohol Use / Addiction
  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • Codependency

    A relational pattern in which a person's sense of identity and self-worth becomes excessively tied to caring for or controlling another person, often at their own expense.

  • Control Issues

    A persistent need to control situations, people, or outcomes, typically driven by underlying anxiety, fear of uncertainty, or past experiences of helplessness.

  • Cross-Cultural

    The psychological challenges of living between two or more cultures, including identity conflicts, acculturation stress, and difficulties with belonging.

  • Depression

    A mood disorder marked by persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, and changes in energy, sleep, or appetite that impair daily functioning.

    Learn more about Depression
  • Family Issues

    Difficulties within the family system, including conflict, communication breakdown, blended family tensions, or intergenerational patterns, that affect individual and collective well-being.

  • Grief, Loss & Bereavement

    The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss, varying widely in duration and expression.

    Learn more about Grief, Loss & Bereavement
  • Sleep Problems

    Persistent difficulties with falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restful sleep, including insomnia, nightmares, and disrupted sleep patterns.

Professional Title:

  • Clinical Psychologist

    An advanced mental health professional trained to assess and treat a wide range of difficulties, from anxiety and depression to trauma and complex conditions.

Credentials

Qualifications

Master of Science in Clinical Psychology

Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences

Service Areas

Online Only

Zürich · Zug · Basel

Switzerland

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