Dr. Janina Botsford

Psychotherapist

Unavailable for new clients

I specialise in:

At a glance
Freiburg im Breisgau, GermanyAvailable in-person and online
Usually responds within 24 hours

About me

I am a clinical psychologist and licensed psychotherapist with Croatian and American roots. After more than a decade of living and working in Berlin, I now call Freiburg im Breisgau my home. My international background and life in different cultures have shaped how I connect with the people I work with. Since opening my own practice in 2019, most of my clients have been expats. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of accompanying people through many different stages of life. What inspires me most is seeing clients grow — whether that means gaining confidence, finding healthier ways of relating, or discovering new strengths they didn’t know they had. For me, it is deeply rewarding to witness these moments of change and to be a steady support along the way. My own path has always been guided by curiosity about human connection. Already during my university studies, I began supporting therapeutic processes with young adults as a co-therapist. That was when I realized how meaningful this work is for me. Later, my PhD research at Freie Universität Berlin focused on interpersonal trust in patients with mental health issues. At the same time, I opened my first practice, where I continued to explore how trust, safety, and meaningful relationships can foster growth — even in times of difficulty. I initially worked mainly with women between 20 and 50, focusing on emotion regulation, loneliness, and self-worth. Over time, my client base expanded to individuals of all ages and genders, as well as couples and families.

I speak:

EnglishGerman

Location:

Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

Approach

Treatment Approaches
CBT: Cognitive behavioral therapyRecommended for those looking for practical support and accountability to change unhelpful thinking and behaviors.
Ego-state therapyRecommended for those who want to explore and heal different parts of themselves, especially if they feel like different "states" or versions of themselves emerge in certain situations.
Integrative therapy Recommended for those who prefer a flexible approach that combines different therapies to meet their unique needs.
What I try to create in my sessions is a style of psychotherapy that I would describe both as deep and meaningful and sometimes even poetic (I am often struck by words my clients find in moments of clarity), while also being clear, pragmatic, and hands-on. I want you to always know what we are doing in therapy and why. My goal is that, by the end of our work together, you feel confident in understanding yourself and equipped with practical tools to handle future challenges — becoming the professional of your own life. My foundation is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the most modern and research-based form of therapy. CBT provides both insight and structure through: • Psychoeducation – understanding what led to your difficulties • Practical tools – exercises, coping strategies, and worksheets to build new skills • Protocols – helping us track where you are and measure progress I also integrate other approaches to meet you more fully: • Psychodynamic techniques – exploring what you’ve learned about yourself, others, and the world from early experiences an understanding present interpersonal dynamics • Parts work – working with different “parts” of yourself (such as the critic, the protector, the vulnerable side) so they can cooperate rather than conflict; this approach can bring deep healing across many struggles • Mindfulness-based methods – cultivating presence, calm, and self-awareness while reducing unhelpful spirals of thought At the heart of it all is the therapeutic relationship. Feeling safe, respected, and understood is the foundation that makes real change possible.

Services

Intro Call

Free 20 min Online & In-person

Individual Session

€120 50 min Online & In-person

Individual Session

Sliding scale
€100 50 min Online & In-person

Couples Session

€130 50 min Online & In-person

Couples

€180 1 hr 30 min Online & In-person

Family Session

€130 50 min Online & In-person

Family

€180 1 hr 30 min Online & In-person

Insurances

Private PayPrivate Insurance
At a glance
Freiburg im Breisgau, GermanyAvailable in-person and online
Usually responds within 24 hours

Other recommendations

Yigit Nurettin Atalay
Clinical Psychologist & Sexologist
Rome, Italy
Are you facing an issue you can't resolve on your own? It seems this is why you're here, reading this. Let's explore new perspectives and ways to navigate and enjoy your life in a safe and supportive environment.
Hettie Chadwick Dickinson
Art Therapist & Integrative Therapist
Berlin, Germany
Welcome, I’m Hettie. I am an English speaking registered Art Psychotherapist from the UK, but based in Berlin. I currently offer one-to-one therapy on a short term, or long term basis.
Melinda Green
Psychological Psychotherapist
Berlin, Germany
Private Practice for Psychological Psychotherapy | Couples Counseling | Berlin & Online | Specialized in AuD(H)D, Life Transitions & International Clients
Eleonora Samartzi
Psychologist & Counselling Psychologist
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Online psychologist supporting adults with personal growth, stress, relationships, and expat challenges. Warm, evidence-based approach with focus on the therapeutic relationship.
Mirte Knieriem
Psychologist
Amsterdam, Netherlands
As an English and Dutch-speaking psychologist, I support people in navigating life’s challenges with greater understanding, resilience, and self-compassion.
Tabea Vortanz
Psychologist & Non-medical Practitioner for Psychotherapy
Ingolstadt, Germany
Psychologist & Performance Coach for Executives and Expats. Specialized in high-stakes resilience, burnout prevention, and science-based sleep optimization. Helping you lead with clarity and reclaim your rest.
Iliana Kralli
Psychologist
Utrecht, Netherlands
As a licensed psychologist trained in CBT and ACT, I help individuals navigate life’s challenges through evidence-based interventions and a compassionate approach. Intercultural and LGBTQIA+ inclusive.
Shannon Leigh
Counsellor & Couples Counsellor
Taberno, Spain
I combine CBT and DBT with a focus on the unconscious stories that shape how we think, feel, and act. Together, we explore patterns and build strategies for lasting emotional balance and change.
Usually responds within 24 hours