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Alexander Pfannenberg
Non-medical Practitioner for Psychotherapy & Coach
Therapy for those who give much – and struggle inside. I bring lived experience, depth, and an integrated, compassionate approach to support you in shedding old burdens, growing from within, and finding freedom.
I specialise in:
About me
Already during my university studies at St. Gallen and Harvard University, I was drawn to psychological topics – especially group dynamics, negotiation psychology, and motivation. However, I initially chose a different professional path: I led a nonprofit organization, worked on the staff of a chancellor candidate and a university president, and held leadership positions at the German Federal Employment Agency. Other professional experiences include working as a speechwriter, blogger, Merck Fellow at the Darmstadt Literary House, failed startup founder – and taking several parental leaves.
These diverse professional and personal experiences now help me relate to a wide range of life realities – and to meet people with openness and empathy.
Having personally experienced depressive episodes, social anxiety, and the aftermath of family trauma, and having sought psychotherapeutic help myself, I understand what it means to live with these inner struggles. Moreover, I am familiar with the potentials and limitations of various therapeutic approaches from personal experience. These experiences shape my work and enable me to approach my clients authentically, empathically, and practically – beyond mere theoretical models.
In addition to my training in meaning-centered psychotherapy based on Viktor Frankl (Logotherapy), I have continued my education, including at the Academy of Logotherapy in Mainz, the Psychology program at Humboldt University, and the Academy for Integrative Trauma Therapy in Berlin. I hold the state license for healthcare in the field of psychotherapy and am a member of the Association of Independent Psychotherapists (VFP).
Born in 1982 in Berlin-Karlshorst, I fled with my parents from the former GDR to Canada as a child. Today, I live with my family in Berlin-Pankow, after having lived in Switzerland, the USA, Lüneburg, Herne, and Mainz. I am married and have four children.
I speak:
Location:
Media Gallery
Approach
I follow an integrated approach of various psychotherapeutic methods, including:
Meaning-oriented psychotherapy (Prof. Viktor Frankl) According to Frankl, human existence rests on three pillars: spirituality, freedom and responsibility. In Frankl’s view, the spiritual dimension is the very core of our humanness, the essence of humanity, which gives us the capacity to transcend the detrimental effects of stressful situations, illnesses and past influences. Frankl asserts that the human spirit is our healthy core. It may be blocked by biological or psychological sickness, but it will always remain intact and be the compass for change.
Cognitive therapy (Prof. Aaron T. Beck) Cognitive therapy is based on the observation that thoughts, feelings and behaviour are all connected. Your thoughts influence how you feel and behave as well as how you react to your environment. Therefore, cognitive therapy can help you to overcome psychological difficulties by identifying and changing unhelpful, distorted thinking about yourself and others.
Imagery therapy (Prof. Uwe Böschemeyer) The imaginative approach by Prof. Böschemeyer brings together C. G. Jung’s analytical psychology and Prof. Frankl’s meaning-oriented approach. Mental images and journeys provide intuitive access to subconscious sources of strength, freedom and meaning as well as relief for inner wounds, conflicts and resistance.
Schema therapy (Jeffrey E. Young) Schemas are frameworks, or belief systems, through which people understand themselves and the world around them. They are formed in childhood, particularly within families and the immediate environment. These schemas then inform our thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Schema therapy aims to gradually replace maladaptive schemas with healthier ones so that a person experiences less emotional distress. This may help them with self-esteem, their relationships with others, and daily functioning.
Experience
2022 – present: Therapist and coach at my own practice (https://sinnraum-berlin.com/english/) in Berlin. Supporting individuals, couples, and families in wide variety life challenges like trauma, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, loss, low self-esteem, burnout, relationship problems or existential questions.
In addition to my therapeutic expertise, the diverse experiences I gathered before my time as a therapist - e.g. as executive manager, founder, writer and not least as father of four ;) - help me to empathize with diverse life scenarios:
2017 - 2020: Writer and Merck Fellow at the House of Literature, Darmstadt. 2015-2017: Parental leave 2014 - 2015: Social startup 'wigwam', online platform for networking sustainable neighborhoods, local businesses, and municipalities, winner of the 'WIR Förderpreis' in 2014. 2013 - 2015: Team and division leader at the Federal Employment Agency, Nürnberg. 2011 - 2012: Parental leave 2010 - 2011: Project Manager and Executive Assistant to the President, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Lüneburg. 2009 - 2010: Member of the federal election campaign team of Candidate for Chancellor F.-W. Steinmeier, German Social Democratic Party (SPD), Berlin.
Education
Since 2023, I have been continuously expanding my professional knowledge – including training at the BELTZ Academy, the Academy for Integrative Trauma Therapy in Berlin, and Humboldt University. Topics of my continuing education include neuropsychology, narcissism, self-compassion, toxic relationships, professional crisis, working with the inner critic, suicidality, and trauma.
From 2021 to 2023, I completed training in meaning-centered psychotherapy (Logotherapy) based on the work of Prof. Viktor Frankl, including imaginative techniques for addressing unconscious conflicts, resistance, and traumatic experiences.
In 2025, I became certified in systemic coaching for leaders and professionals navigating crisis and transition.
In 2021, I passed the state examination and received my license as a non-medical practitioner for psychotherapy. I am a member of the Association of Independent Psychotherapists (VFP).
Before that, I studied psychotherapy at the Institute for Learning Systems (ILS) in Hamburg, focusing on psychopathology and case history.
2007-2009: Master of Public Policy (MPP) at Harvard University as McCloy Fellow of the German Academic Scholarship Foundation, focusing on psychological processes in the realm of communication, leadership, and group dynamics.
2002-2007: Double Degree (Bachelor of Arts) in Business Administration and International Affairs as fellow of the German Business Foundation (sdw), University of St. Gallen (HSG), Switzerland.
Services
Intro Call
Individual Session
Subsidized rate for people in difficult financial situations
Insurances
