Michael Spaeth

My therapeutic style is shaped by clarity, empathy, and a systemic perspective. I believe that people do not exist in isolation – we are all part of networks of relationships, histories, and contexts. When we work together, I look not only at the individual story but also at the wider system: family, partnership, culture, work environment. This allows us to understand patterns, uncover hidden dynamics, and create space for real change. In sessions, I combine psychological depth with practical orientation. Sometimes this means slowing down, listening carefully, and allowing emotions to unfold. At other times it means asking clear, even challenging questions that bring hidden assumptions to light. I am not afraid of silence, nor of humor – both can be powerful tools to open new perspectives. I see therapy as a collaborative process. You bring your experience, your questions, and your resources; I bring my training, systemic understanding, and presence. Together we work out what matters most for you right now. I do not impose ready-made solutions – instead, I help you clarify your own goals and strengthen your capacity to move towards them. Because I am also a coach and resilience trainer, I pay attention to resources and strengths, not only to problems. Many clients come to me in moments of crisis: when relationships are fragile, when exhaustion is overwhelming, when life seems uncertain. While we take these struggles seriously, we also explore what has helped you in the past, what gives you energy, and how you can expand your repertoire of coping strategies. My style is warm but not indulgent. I listen with care, yet I will not simply agree with everything you say. My role is to notice what is not being said, to highlight contradictions, and to bring your attention to the “good intention behind the bad habit.” Often, the traits we criticize in ourselves carry an important message – our task is to uncover it and decide consciously how we want to live with it. Clients often describe my approach as “refreshingly unpretentious.” I am not interested in jargon, buzzwords, or alpha posturing. Instead, I value authenticity, openness, and a sense of proportion. Crises and conflicts are painful, but they are not the whole story. By shifting perspective, many problems become more manageable, and space opens up for development. In practical terms, I work with a mix of systemic dialogue, elements of positive psychology, and resilience-focused methods. For couples, this often includes clarifying communication patterns, identifying unspoken expectations, and finding constructive ways to handle differences. For individuals, it may involve mapping stressors, practicing self-regulation, or exploring values that provide orientation. Online sessions are an important part of my work. Especially for expats, couples in different locations, or professionals with little time, online therapy offers a safe and effective setting. Many clients are surprised at how quickly trust and depth can emerge, even across a screen. At the heart of my style is a simple conviction: people have the capacity to grow, even in the most difficult situations. My task is to create the conditions where that growth becomes possible – through empathy, structure, and a clear focus on what matters most to you.

I am Owner & Leadership Trainer at the Winterfest Leadership Academy (Munich & Starnberg), where I help leaders and teams navigate complexity with resilience, clarity, and authentic presence. Since 2021, I also run my private practice near Lake Ammersee, offering psychotherapy, couples and family therapy, and business coaching – with a strong focus on online support for expats and professionals at risk of burnout. Previously, I served as a Resilience Trainer & Team Coach at 21Dx GmbH, delivering 100+ trainings for care centre employees in Bavaria. Earlier in my career, I spent over 20 years in international consulting and leadership roles (Publicis Sapient, SapientRazorfish, Alegri, Avinci, National Semiconductor), advising global clients on digital transformation and organizational change. Across all roles, my focus is consistent: fostering resilience, clarity, and healthier relationships.

I hold a Diploma in Psychology (Dipl.-Psych.) from Leiden University in the Netherlands, with a focus on clinical and business psychology. This academic foundation has always been central to my work, even though my professional path first led me into the corporate world. For more than two decades I worked in international business and consulting, supporting leaders and teams in navigating digital transformation, cultural change, and organizational complexity. In these roles I witnessed first-hand how pressure, responsibility, and constant change affect people’s health, relationships, and sense of meaning. This experience has become a crucial part of my professional identity. Alongside my academic training, I have completed advanced education in systemic therapy and counseling, couples and family therapy, and resilience training. These qualifications allow me to integrate psychological depth with practical methods that resonate strongly with professionals, leaders, and expats. Today, my background in both psychology and international business enables me to work effectively with clients at the intersection of personal and professional challenges. I understand the dynamics of leadership, the strains of cross-cultural life, and the risks of burnout – and I combine this insight with a systemic, resource-oriented approach that helps clients restore resilience and clarity.