Dr. Janina Botsford
Psychotherapist
I specialise in:
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:
Location:
Approach
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.
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