I’m Dr. Milana Smolkina, a licensed psychotherapist (Psychologische Psychotherapeutin in Germany) with a passion for helping individuals lead more livable and fulfilling lives. My background in clinical psychology as both a researcher and lecturer allows me to bring a blend of rigorous scientific knowledge, precision, and curiosity to my practice.
In my therapy sessions, I strive to create a warm, safe, and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your inner life at the right pace for you. I work with a diverse range of symptom profiles and issues, utilizing techniques from mindfulness-based approaches, classical CBT, and more contemporary methods like Schema Therapy, DBT, and ACT.
I particularly enjoy helping people with interpersonal difficulties, whether these occur in romantic relationships, family, friendships or at work.
My therapy sessions are highly personalized—from the pace to the blend of techniques, tailored to fit your unique needs. Whether you aim to understand, feel, or change, I am here to meet you where you are at. If you’ve ever been told or felt that you are 'too complicated,' I encourage you to reach out; my experience has equipped me to help.
Beyond my professional life, I am particularly enthusiastic about music, most sciences, Zen Buddhism, and enjoying a good meal.
The foundation for my clinical work is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is helpful for a vast range of difficulties, clinical or non-clinical, and a scientifically proven approach. As powerful as it is, classical CBT can also fall short in some areas. For example, repetitive relationship patterns/attachment based difficulties can benefit from more emotion-focused, experiential approaches (such as Schema Therapy or mindfulness-based methods). I am trained in a variety of approaches and continue adding new ones to my toolkit. I have treated individuals with a range of clinical diagnoses, from depression to Borderline Personality Disorder. For your particular goals, wishes and difficulties, I will meet you where you are, and guide you calmly, clearly and free of judgment.