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Michael Boiger, PhD
Systemic Therapist & Clinical Psychologist
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.
I specialise in:
About me
Cultural transitions have been a big part of my life. Over the last 25 years, I have lived, studied, and worked in Germany, Canada, Japan, Belgium, and the Netherlands. During these times, I have experienced how deeply our environments shape us—our perspectives, our emotions, and our relationships. At the same time, I have seen how genuine curiosity and empathy can transcend differences between people.
These experiences have shaped my approach as a therapist, scientist, and educator, giving me a deep appreciation for the stories, challenges, and strengths that each person brings. My passion lies in helping people see and navigate these complexities.
I speak:
Location:
Approach
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.
Experience
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)
Education
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)
Services
Intro Call
Couples Session
Individual Session
Insurances
