Benedikt Schmidt
Clinical Psychologist & Psychotherapist in training
Psychological Support for Anxiety, Depression, and Burnout.
I specialise in:
About me
I’m Benedikt Schmidt, a clinical psychologist and counsellor supporting people who experience anxiety, burnout, or depression—particularly for those navigating life as an expat. Having lived and worked in multiple countries myself, I merge clinical expertise with firsthand insight into the emotional and psychological demands of adapting to new cultures and environments.
With a background in clinical research on anhedonia—the loss of pleasure and motivation, a core symptom of depression—and Positive Psychology, I bring both scientific expertise and practical therapeutic experience to my work.
Through my clinical experience, I have seen how unresolved emotional burdens can quietly harm relationships, decision-making, careers, and overall well-being. Many people hesitate to seek support due to stigma, not knowing what to expect, or the belief that they must handle their challenges alone. In my sessions, you will find a space where you can solve these challenges. You will feel heard, supported, and empowered to create meaningful and lasting change.
I speak:
Location:
Approach
Mental well-being isn’t just about changing how you think—it’s about understanding and integrating emotions while building social skills and interpersonal confidence. This is especially true for expats, who must navigate new cultural and social environments. Loneliness, career pressures, and long-distance relationships can take their toll, making it hard to feel truly at home. Over time, these challenges can increase stress, bring unresolved emotions to the surface, and unsettle your sense of stability.
Traditional therapy can offer valuable insights, but it often doesn’t reach the subconscious patterns stored in emotions and physical responses. Many struggles—whether anxiety, stress, or relational difficulties—aren’t just “in your head”; they are also deeply embedded in the nervous system, shaping how you react and engage with the world. My approach addresses this in a modern, integrative, and dynamic way. I blend the hypnosystemic approach, embodiment practices, and solution-focused dialogue to help you access and resolve emotional patterns that may be keeping you stuck.
Drawing inspiration from renowned professionals such as Dr Milton Erickson, Dr Gunther Schmidt, and Dr Vera Popper, my work focuses on a collaborative dialogue. Rather than applying a rigid formula or focusing purely on analysis, I help you tap into your inner resources, challenge limiting beliefs, and create tangible, lasting change.
I support individuals facing:
- Anxiety – in overcoming fears and reclaiming a sense of inner security.
- Burnout – in developing strategies for balance and resilience.
- Depression – in finding clarity and renewed motivation.
- Relationship Challenges – in navigating friendships and family, loneliness and identity.
If you relate to any of these, I’m happy to help.
More information at: www.followtheriver.de/en
Experience
Professional Experience:
- Psychologist – Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University Hospital (since 2024)
- Psychologist in Private Practice – Follow The River (since 2020)
- Research in Positive Psychology – Prof. Ilona Boniwell, Positran, Paris (2018-2019)
Research Projects and Contributions:
- Contribution to the Research Project “Unraveling the Aesthetic Mind in Anhedonia” – Investigation of the neural foundations of anhedonia using ketamine and aesthetic stimuli (Dr Julia Crone and Prof. Rupert Lanzenberger, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna)
Education
Education:
- Master of Science in Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology (with Distinction) – University of Vienna
- Master of Science in Applied Social Psychology – Free University of Amsterdam
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology – University of Vienna and Sapienza University of Rome
Certifications and Further Training:
- Advanced training in Psychological Psychotherapy, systemic therapy – Heidelberg Institute for Psychotherapy, Heidelberg University Hospital
- Training in Psychological Coaching (hypnosystemics, solution-focused, embodiment)– Dr Vera Popper and Mag. Christine Hoffmann, Vienna
- FSL Course on Brain Imaging Analysis – Prof. Janine Bijsterbosch and Prof. Ludovica Griffanti, University of Oxford
- Practitioner Training in Positive Psychology – Prof. Ilona Boniwell, Paris
- Seminar Leader Training in Stress Management – Silke Ludwig, Hanover
- Licence to Practise Psychotherapy under the German Heilpraktikergesetz
Services
Intro Call
Individual Session
Insurances
