It's Complicated

Benedikt Schmidt

Clinical Psychologist & Psychotherapist in training

Available for new clients

I specialise in:

At a glance
Heidelberg, GermanyAvailable in-person, online and via text
Usually responds within 2 hours

About me

I’m Benedikt Schmidt, a clinical psychologist and counsellor supporting people who experience anxiety, burnout, or depression—particularly for those navigating life as an expat. Having lived and worked in multiple countries myself, I merge clinical expertise with firsthand insight into the emotional and psychological demands of adapting to new cultures and environments.

With a background in clinical research on anhedonia—the loss of pleasure and motivation, a core symptom of depression—and Positive Psychology, I bring both scientific expertise and practical therapeutic experience to my work.

Through my clinical experience, I have seen how unresolved emotional burdens can quietly harm relationships, decision-making, careers, and overall well-being. Many people hesitate to seek support due to stigma, not knowing what to expect, or the belief that they must handle their challenges alone. In my sessions, you will find a space where you can solve these challenges. You will feel heard, supported, and empowered to create meaningful and lasting change.

I speak:

GermanEnglishFrench

Location:

Heidelberg, Germany

Approach

Treatment Approaches
HypnotherapyRecommended for those who want to use relaxation and hypnosis techniques to explore deeper parts of their mind or break unhealthy habits.
IFS: Internal family systemsRecommended for those who want to explore and heal the different parts of themselves that might feel conflicted or overwhelmed.
Systemic therapyRecommended for those who want to understand how their relationships and environments influence their behavior and emotions, particularly within family or organizational systems.

Mental well-being isn’t just about changing how you think—it’s about understanding and integrating emotions while building social skills and interpersonal confidence. This is especially true for expats, who must navigate new cultural and social environments. Loneliness, career pressures, and long-distance relationships can take their toll, making it hard to feel truly at home. Over time, these challenges can increase stress, bring unresolved emotions to the surface, and unsettle your sense of stability.

Traditional therapy can offer valuable insights, but it often doesn’t reach the subconscious patterns stored in emotions and physical responses. Many struggles—whether anxiety, stress, or relational difficulties—aren’t just “in your head”; they are also deeply embedded in the nervous system, shaping how you react and engage with the world. My approach addresses this in a modern, integrative, and dynamic way. I blend the hypnosystemic approach, embodiment practices, and solution-focused dialogue to help you access and resolve emotional patterns that may be keeping you stuck.

Drawing inspiration from renowned professionals such as Dr Milton Erickson, Dr Gunther Schmidt, and Dr Vera Popper, my work focuses on a collaborative dialogue. Rather than applying a rigid formula or focusing purely on analysis, I help you tap into your inner resources, challenge limiting beliefs, and create tangible, lasting change.

I support individuals facing:

  • Anxiety – in overcoming fears and reclaiming a sense of inner security.
  • Burnout – in developing strategies for balance and resilience.
  • Depression – in finding clarity and renewed motivation.
  • Relationship Challenges – in navigating friendships and family, loneliness and identity.

If you relate to any of these, I’m happy to help.

More information at: www.followtheriver.de/en

Services

Intro Call

Free 15 min Online & In-person

Individual Session

€100 50 min Online & In-person

Insurances

Private PayPrivate Insurance
At a glance
Heidelberg, GermanyAvailable in-person, online and via text
Usually responds within 2 hours

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Next available: Aug 25