Michael Boiger, PhD

Sometimes, relationships can feel stuck, caught in repeating patterns, or at a standstill. My focus is on understanding these patterns and helping clients find new ways of connecting. Together, we explore the dynamics between you and your partner(s), the emotions that drive your interactions, and the voices that need to be heard. In my practice, I integrate emotion-focused and experiential approaches into a systemic approach that is grounded in cultural sensitivity. I enjoy working with clients of diverse backgrounds, including intercultural and LGBTQI couples. While I have expertise in cultural, relational and sexual diversity, I consider clients to be the true experts on their lives. Consequently, I believe that my role is not to know clients but to get to know them and—in the process—create the conditions for change to take place. I have over five years of experience working with clients online and have found that for many couples, online therapy offers advantages. These can include more flexible scheduling, the comfort of being in a familiar space, or the opportunity to change relationship patterns directly within the environment where they occur. In a first session, we will explore together whether online therapy is a good fit for you.

Over the years, I have worked in both therapeutic and academic settings, focusing on relationships, emotions, and culture: 2018-now: Therapist in private practice 2019-now: Assistant professor of cultural psychology (University of Amsterdam) 2018-2023: Systemic therapist (Stillpoint Spaces, Berlin) 2017-2020: Couples therapist (Familienforum Havelhöhe, Berlin) 2013-2018: Postdoctoral researcher (Interpersonal dynamics in emotion across cultures; University of Leuven, Kyoto University & Max Planck Institute for Human Development Berlin) 2009-2013: Doctoral researcher (Cultural variation in emotion; University of Leuven & Kyoto University)

My training reflects my commitment to integrating cultural psychology, emotion-focused therapy, and systemic approaches: 2017-2018: Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (SIA, Berlin; certified Level C) 2019-2022: Emotion Focused Therapy with Individuals (eftin, Eindhoven) 2014-2018: Licensed Therapist (SG) for Systemic Therapy with Individuals, Couples, and Families (BIF, Berlin) 2016-2017: Intercultural Psychotherapy and Supervision (BSIPS/Charité, Berlin) 2017: Gender, Relational and Sexual Diversity (Pink Therapy, London) 2009-2013: Ph.D. in Cultural Psychology (University of Leuven) 2002-2008: Masters in Clinical and Cultural Psychology (Dipl.-Psych., University of Konstanz) 2004-2005: Japanese Studies Program (Tokyo International University)