Maria Zakrzewska

My work is rooted in the belief that symptoms rarely exist in isolation. Anxiety, emotional overwhelm, relationship difficulties, burnout, health-related challenges, binge eating or recurring life patterns often make more sense when viewed in the context of our relationships, life experiences, environment and nervous system responses.

Many of my clients initially reach out because of anxiety, stress or emotional overwhelm. As these symptoms begin to settle, we often discover deeper patterns related to relationships, self-worth, boundaries, identity, family dynamics and life transitions. Understanding these connections can open the door to more meaningful and lasting change.

Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, I aim to understand the bigger picture. Together, we explore the patterns, beliefs, coping strategies and relationship dynamics that may be contributing to distress, while also identifying the strengths, resources and values that can support growth and wellbeing.

I work from a systemic and narrative perspective, integrating psychological knowledge, psychoeducation, emotional awareness and practical tools. Depending on your needs, our work may include understanding anxiety and stress responses, improving emotional and nervous system regulation, strengthening communication, exploring family-of-origin patterns, developing healthier boundaries, clarifying values, or building a more compassionate relationship with yourself.

My approach is warm, collaborative and non-judgemental. I believe that lasting change happens when people feel safe enough to be honest about their experiences while also being supported to take practical steps forward. We move at a pace that feels manageable and appropriate for your situation.

I primarily work with: • Anxiety, chronic stress, emotional overwhelm and nervous system dysregulation • ADHD and neurodivergence in adults, couples and families, including ADHD assessment and support • Relationship and communication difficulties • Family-of-origin challenges and transgenerational patterns • Parenthood, fertility challenges and major life transitions • Separation, divorce and family restructuring • Health-related stress, chronic illness and adjustment to diagnoses • Binge eating, self-care challenges and lifestyle-related difficulties • Trauma-related patterns, boundaries, self-worth and personal growth • LGBTQ+ clients and people in diverse relationship structures, including ENM and polyamory

Alongside regular consultations, I also offer structured programmes and psychoeducational resources, including: • 10-Step Anxiety Programme • 10-Step Binge Eating Programme • Maps of Emotions, Needs, Values and Boundaries • Nervous System Regulation • Parts Work • Narrative Walks

Professional note: My academic background is in Clinical Psychology with a focus on health. I provide psychological consultations, counselling and psychoeducational support. I regularly participate in supervision and intervision groups as part of my commitment to ethical practice, professional development and the wellbeing of my clients.

How to start working with me: There is no need to complete lengthy forms or provide personal paperwork before reaching out.

You are welcome to contact me directly with any questions, to arrange a 15-minute introductory call, or to schedule an initial consultation. Following our first contact, I will send you current availability, the full price list, bundles, policies and booking options. Together, we can decide what type of support would be the best fit for your situation and goals.

Sessions are available in English and Polish, online and in person in Berlin. I do not work with insurance, but I do offer a sliding scale for new clients.

• Private practice working with individuals, couples and families • More than 14 years of experience in psychology, counselling and relationship-focused work • Experience supporting clients with anxiety, ADHD, relationship difficulties, health-related challenges and major life transitions • Ongoing supervision and intervision as part of ethical and reflective practice • Founder and facilitator of the Berlin Therapists Intervision Group • Support work for a women's organisation • Experience working across diverse organisational, educational and community settings, group workshops and events • Continuous professional development through workshops, conferences and advanced training programmes

Academic Background • M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology, SWPS University • Master's Thesis: The Impact of Celiac Disease on Quality of Life

Advanced Professional Training • Advanced Course in Systemic Therapy (2025–2026) • Mediation and Family Mediation, SWPS University (2023–2024) • Psychological Consultation School – Parenthood and Family-Related Issues (2021–2022) • Systemic Therapy Training (2013–2014) • Personal therapy across multiple approaches, primarily systemic

Ongoing Professional Development I regularly participate in supervision, intervision, conferences, workshops and advanced training as part of my commitment to ethical and evidence-informed practice.

Areas of continuing professional development include: • Anxiety and emotional regulation • Couples and family work • ADHD and neurodivergence • Trauma-informed practice • Systemic and narrative approaches • Psychopathology and diagnosis • Parenting and family life stages • Ethics and professional practice

Recent Professional Development • Short-Term Effective Method for Anxiety and Binge-Eating • Trauma Summit 2025 • Sexology Conference • Advanced Couples Dynamics Training • Complex pre-, during and post- divorce Support for Adults, Children, Family and Extended Family Training