Hanna Ababneh

My therapeutic work is rooted in a combination of solid clinical experience and a broad range of evidence-based methods. During my years at the Psychiatric University Clinic of the Charité in Berlin, I treated individuals across the full spectrum of psychiatric conditions, including trauma-related disorders, depression, psychosis, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, personality disorders, psychosomatic illnesses, OCD, intellectual disabilities and neurodegenerative disorders like dementia. These experiences taught me the importance of tailoring therapy to each person’s unique needs and supporting them not only in symptom management but also in reclaiming stability, dignity, and meaning in life. I primarily draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), particularly in working with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders, eating disorders, and difficulties related to self-harm or other harmful behaviors. I also integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP), Schema Therapy, Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). For trauma-focused work, I use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Imagery Rescripting & Reprocessing Therapy (IRRT), and Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET). This broad range of tools allows me to flexibly adapt to the complexity of each client’s challenges and to combine different methods when appropriate. My background as both a psychiatrist and psychotherapist gives me the benefit of viewing mental health from both medical and psychological perspectives. While in this role I focus on psychotherapy rather than prescribing, I can provide informed guidance and counseling about psychiatric medications, helping clients understand when they may be appropriate, how they work, and how they can be best integrated with therapy. At the core of my approach is the belief that therapy is a collaborative process. I aim to create a safe, respectful, and empowering space where clients can work through distress, develop healthier coping strategies, and move toward greater self-determination. Whether facing anxiety, stress, trauma, harmful substance use, mood difficulties, or unhelpful behavior patterns, my goal is to support clients in building resilience and living more fulfilling, authentic lives.

Since becoming a Board-Certified Specialist in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy in 2024, I have worked as a consultant psychiatrist across Germany, leading teams in acute psychiatry, psychotherapy, geriatric psychiatry, and substance detoxification wards while supervising resident doctors. From 2017–2023, I trained at the Psychiatric University Clinic of the Charité in Berlin, where I gained extensive experience treating depression, psychosis, trauma-related disorders, addictions, anxiety, OCD, dementia, and personality disorders. I was also active in emergency psychiatry, providing crisis intervention, de-escalation, and psychosocial support, including work with refugees and vulnerable groups. Alongside acute care, I provided individual and group psychotherapy on DBT wards, in day clinics for trauma and depression, and at the ZPHU outpatient clinic. I hold certification in DBT and further training in Systemic Therapy, ACT, MSC, Schema Therapy, EFT, and trauma-focused methods.

Psychotherapy Training – Zentrum für Psychotherapie, Humboldt University, Berlin (ZPHU) Comprehensive training in evidence-based psychotherapy with a focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); additional training in Systemic Therapy. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Certification – DBT Dachverband Formal certification in DBT, including supervised individual treatment and skills group work. Medical Degree (M.D.) – University of Heidelberg, Germany Completed medical studies with additional international academic and clinical experience at: Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain University of Sydney, Australia Mater Dei Hospital, Malta International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme – Amman, Jordan Graduated from high school with a bilingual and multicultural academic foundation.