It's Complicated

Martina Gallus

(she/her)

Psychologist & Counsellor

Verified by It's Complicated
Available for new clients

Multilingual psychologist (M.Sc.) with an intercultural, clinical & creative background. I support adults navigating transitions, identity, stress, relationships & life between cultures, with curiosity for each journey.

I specialise in:

At a glance
Cologne, GermanyAvailable online only
Last active
Experienced on It's ComplicatedOver 2 years and 560+ sessions on It's Complicated
Note from Martina💬 Let’s connect, we’ll start where you are. Evenings & weekends too. / Meld dich gerne, wir starten gemeinsam. / Scrivimi quando vuoi.
Illustration of a smiling sun peeking over a cloud, symbolizing warmth and positivity for connecting with the therapist.
Usually responds within 2 hours

About me

Hi, I’m Martina

I’m a psychologist offering culturally sensitive, trauma-informed counselling in German, Italian, and English.

I support adults navigating anxiety, relationship difficulties, identity questions, low self-esteem, and challenging life transitions. You might feel overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected from yourself, or unsure about what comes next. Together, we can make sense of what is happening and find a way forward that works for you.

Having grown up bilingually between Germany and Italy and lived in several European countries, I understand that our individual backgrounds shape how we experience ourselves and the world around us.

My work is also informed by an understanding of neurodivergence. Having been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, I bring both psychological knowledge and lived experience to this area. I know firsthand what it feels like to have a brain that can be creative, sensitive, and full of ideas...and sometimes feel like it has 27 tabs open at once.

My approach is warm, curious, and non-judgmental. Working from a trauma-informed perspective means moving at a pace that feels safe for you, with respect for your boundaries, experiences, and individual needs. I’ll give you space to explore what you’re going through while also offering honest reflections and practical guidance when helpful.

I completed high school at the German School of Rome before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Tübingen, including a semester at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. I later completed a Master’s degree in Intercultural Psychology at ISCTE in Lisbon. After completing my Master’s degree, I worked as a research and teaching assistant at Trier University, where I also conducted doctoral research in psychology. My professional experience further includes psychological counselling, work in clinical, research, and corporate settings, group facilitation, and mental health workshops.

In 2026, I also completed professional acting training in Essen, which deepened my understanding of emotions, body awareness, and authentic communication.

What clients say

“I’m deeply grateful for Martina’s support. It was a difficult process, but with her guidance, I made it through. Her encouragement gave me strength, and I couldn’t have done it without her. It was a privilege to work with Martina, and I’ll always return when I need support. Thank you for everything.”

— Client, male, young musician from Korea

“It was always really helpful talking with Martina. I’d often feel calmer and more relaxed afterward. One thing that really stayed with me was when she said I might be too hard on myself. It helped me gain perspective.”

— Client, male, 25

“I was stuck in a very difficult phase of my life and would not have found my way without Martina’s support. Her empathetic and clear guidance has given me strength ever since and is helping me, step by step, to reconnect with myself. I’m grateful to walk this path together with her.”

— Client, male

A free 30-minute introductory call gives us the chance to meet, talk about what brings you here, and see whether we’re a good fit.

Book your free introductory call

You can also contact me directly:

📩 connect@martina-gallus.com
📱 +49 160 97671010

I speak:

EnglishGermanItalian

Connect with me:

Location:

Cologne, Germany

Media Gallery

Approach

Treatment Approaches
CoachingRecommended for those who want support and motivation to achieve personal or professional goals, often with a structured, goal-oriented approach.
CounsellingRecommended for those who want to talk through their emotional challenges with a professional in a safe, supportive environment.
Person-centred approachRecommended for those looking for a supportive, non-judgmental space where they can lead the conversation and explore their feelings at their own pace.

My approach is flexible and tailored to your goals, needs, and pace. Together, we can explore how you relate to yourself and others, recognise limiting patterns, and reconnect with your strengths and inner resources.

I aim to offer a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space where there is room for vulnerability, self-compassion, creativity, and humour.

Depending on what feels helpful to you, I integrate person-centred dialogue with elements of CBT, ACT, inner-child work, and body-based practices. I may also use creative tools such as role play, storytelling, and imagination to support emotional awareness and self-expression.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. We’ll explore what works for you and adjust along the way.

Session details

  • Regular sessions: 50–55 minutes

  • Online sessions in German, Italian, and English

  • Brief check-ins and questions via message between sessions

  • Individual one-off sessions available

  • Reduced rates available for people experiencing financial limitations

If this way of working resonates with you, you’re warmly invited to book a free 30-minute introductory call. We can talk about what brings you here and see whether working together feels right. Looking forward to getting to know you :)

Book your free introductory call

Experience

560+ sessions on It's ComplicatedOver 2 years at It's Complicated

since 2025 - EAP and Wellness Counsellor for https://nilohealth.com/, Dortmund

since 2025 - EAP Consultant for https://voiio.de/

2025 – Workshop & Seminar Leader on the Accenture (former Evermood) Work Life platform

since 2024 – Private Online Practice in Psychology https://martina-gallus.com/

2022 - 2024 – Research and Teaching Assistant at the Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Action Regulation, University of Trier

since 2021 – Online Tutor for German and Italian
https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/7750284

2021 – Research Internship in Developmental Psychology at Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, Zurich

2018/19 – Internship in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at Klinikum Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen GmbH, Trier

2017/18 – International Sales Agent at EF Education First, Amsterdam

2017 - 2019 – Neighborhood Assistance for Disadvantaged Families at Tübinger Familien- und Altershilfe e.V.

Education

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATES

2022 - 2024 – PHD candidate at the University of Trier

2021 M.Sc. Psychology of Intercultural Relations, ISCTE Lisboa, Portugal

2018 B.Sc. Psychology, University of Tübingen, Germany

2017 Erasmus+ Semester, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands

2014 German & Italian High School Diploma, German School of Rome, Italy

CERTIFICATES

2026 Certified with the Quality Seal “Counselling by Psychologists” („Beratung durch Psycholog*innen“) by the Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP) https://www.bdp-verband.de/profession/bdp-zertifizierungen/guetezeichen-beratung-durch-psychologinnen

2025 Certificate of Professional Qualification as a Psychologist issued by Professional Association of German Psychologists

AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS

2026 Academic Excellence Award by ISCTE

2022 Merit Scholarship, DGES (Directorate-General for Higher Education Portugal)

2017 Erasmus+ Scholarship

FURTHER TRAINING

2026 Acting Training, Artemis Acting Studio, Essen, Germany

2024 Psychological First Aid, Johns Hopkins University

Services

Individual Session

€80 • 50 min • Online

90-Minute Session (In-depth exploration)

€120 • 1 hr 30 min • Online

Couples Session

€100 • 50 min • Online

5-Session Package (5 x 50min)

€380 • 50 min • Online

Sliding Scale / Students / Unemployed / Low Income (limited availability)

Sliding scale
€70 • 50 min • Online

Insurances

Private Pay
At a glance
Cologne, GermanyAvailable online only
Last active
Experienced on It's ComplicatedOver 2 years and 560+ sessions on It's Complicated
Note from Martina💬 Let’s connect, we’ll start where you are. Evenings & weekends too. / Meld dich gerne, wir starten gemeinsam. / Scrivimi quando vuoi.
Illustration of a smiling sun peeking over a cloud, symbolizing warmth and positivity for connecting with the therapist.
Usually responds within 2 hours
Next available: Sep 29