Martina Gallus
Psychologist & Counsellor
Multilingual psychologist (M.Sc.) with an intercultural, clinical & creative background. I support adults navigating transitions, identity, stress, relationships & life between cultures, with curiosity for each journey.
I specialise in:
About me
Hi! I’m really glad you’re here.
There’s a quiet challenge in feeling "in-between" — between jobs, in a shifting relationship, in a new city, or simply unsure of what comes next. And there’s strength in learning to stay with that uncertainty.
Growing up bilingual and bicultural, I learned early on how to move between worlds and navigate change: the moves, the identity shifts, and the relationships that shape us. Living and studying across Europe has shaped me deeply, both personally and professionally. Those experiences were both rich and challenging in many ways, and they continue to influence how I relate to people, with curiosity for each person’s unique story.
After finishing high school in Rome, I studied Psychology at the University of Tübingen and spent a semester in Amsterdam. My desire to understand how culture shapes us led me to complete a Master’s in Intercultural Psychology in Lisbon, focusing on identity, diversity, and multilingual experiences.
Over the years, I’ve worked in both clinical and research settings; from psychiatric hospitals to a developmental psychology research center in Switzerland. I’ve conducted psychological assessments, facilitated group sessions, led mental health workshops, and taught at university level. I continue to grow through ongoing training and personal development.
Alongside my psychology work, I am an online language coach for German and Italian and study acting. That might sound like an unusual combination, but it gives me valuable tools to understand empathy, body language, emotions, and communication - skills I bring into my sessions in a very practical way.
I’m a native speaker of German and Italian, speak English fluently, and have a good command of Portuguese. I work with a culturally sensitive, inclusive approach. Whether you’re navigating a life transition, exploring identity, facing anxiety, relationship issues, depression, or simply looking to reconnect with yourself - I’m here to support you in a way that feels right for you.
Therapy is a deeply personal process, and I’m grateful to walk alongside the people I work with. Here’s what some clients and colleagues have shared about their experience:
FROM CLIENTS
„I’m deeply grateful for Martina’s support. It was a difficult process, but with her guidance, I made it through. Her encouragement gave me strength, and I couldn’t have done it without her. It was a privilege to work with Martina, and I’ll always return when I need support. Thank you for everything“ (Client, Male, Young Musician from Korea)
“It was always really helpful talking with Martina. I’d often feel calmer and more relaxed afterward. One thing that really stayed with me was when she said I might be too hard on myself. It helped me gain perspective.” (Client, Male, 25y)
„I was stuck in a very difficult phase of my life and would not have found my way without Martina's support. Her empathetic and clear guidance has given me strength ever since and is helping me, step by step, to reconnect with myself. I’m grateful to walk this path together with her." (Client, Male)
You can contact me here 📩 connect@martina-gallus.com 📱 +49 160 97671010
I speak:
Location:
Media Gallery
Approach
My approach is holistic and flexible, tailored to your individual goals, needs, and pace. At the heart of my work is self-discovery: understanding yourself more deeply, especially in how you relate to others and to yourself.
I value authenticity, warmth, vulnerability, self-compassion, and a healthy dose of lightness and humor.
My aim is to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you can feel seen, heard, and accepted just as you are. Together, we’ll explore your strengths and inner resources, uncover limiting beliefs, and open up new ways of thinking and being. What matters most is finding an approach that fits you.
I draw from a variety of therapeutic frameworks and personal experience, including: • Person-centered dialogue • Inner child work • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) • ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) • Somatic practices inspired by body-based approaches & acting to enhance body awareness and emotional insight
I also enjoy using creative tools like role play, storytelling, and imagination to support self-expression & emotional processing. If you’ve had profound or hard-to-understand experiences, such as altered states through meditation, breathwork, or other practices, we can gently explore and integrate them together as well.
Therapeutic self-experience and ongoing learning are core values in my work. I often describe my approach as: “try, learn, adjust.” Together, we’ll find what supports your process best.
SESSION DETAILS
• Session Length Regular sessions last 50–55 minutes.
• Between-Session Support Support is available between sessions via message for check-ins & brief questions.
• Flexible Support Spontaneous one-off sessions are available if you need someone to talk to during a challenging moment.
• Inclusive & Multilingual Culturally sensitive support in German, Italian, and English (plus some Portuguese)
• Sliding Scale Available Reduced fees for individuals with financial limitations.
🤍 Ready to begin? If something in you feels drawn to this way of working, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re curious to explore yourself more deeply, navigating a specific challenge, or simply looking for a space where you can truly be, you're welcome.
Experience
since 2025 - EAP Counsellor for nilo health, Dortmund
since 2025 - EAP Consultant for voiio.de
2025 – Workshop (Mental Strength in Everyday Life) & Seminar (Progressive Muscle Relaxation) Leader on the Evermood Work Life platform (conducted in Italian)
since 2024 – Private Online Practice in Psychology
2022 - 2024 – Research and Teaching Assistant at the Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Action Regulation, University of Trier https://bit.ly/unitrierteam
since 2021 – Online Tutor for German and Italian https://www.italki.com/en/teacher/7750284
2021 – Research Internship in Developmental Psychology at Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, Zurich
2018/19 – Internship in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at Klinikum Mutterhaus der Borromäerinnen GmbH, Trier
2017/18 – International Sales Agent at EF Education First, Amsterdam
2017 - 2019 – Neighborhood Assistance for Disadvantaged Families at Tübinger Familien- und Altershilfe e.V.
Education
EDUCATION
2025 Certificate of Professional Qualification as a Psychologist issued by Professional Association of German Psychologists: https://shorturl.at/cTEJa
2022 - 2024 – PHD candidate at the University of Trier
2021 M.Sc. Psychology of Intercultural Relations, ISCTE Lisboa, Portugal
2018 B.Sc. Psychology, University of Tübingen, Germany
2017 Erasmus+ Semester, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands
2014 German & Italian High School Diploma, German School of Rome, Italy
AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
2026 Academic Excellence Award by ISCTE
2022 Merit Scholarship, DGES (Directorate-General for Higher Education Portugal)
2017 Erasmus+ Scholarship
FURTHER TRAINING & CERTIFICATES
2026 Certified Psychological Counselling – BDP
2024 Psychological First Aid, Johns Hopkins University
since 2022 Acting Training, Artemis Acting Studio, Essen, Germany
MEMBERSHIPS
Present - Berufsverband Deutscher Psychologinnen und Psychologen (BDP), Location Independent Therapist Community (LIT)
Past - International Association for Cross Cultural Psychology (IACCP), Society for Intercultural Education, Training and Research (SIETAR), UNICEF University of Tübingen Group Member, Bilingualiusm Matters (BM)
Services
Individual Session
90-Minute Session (In-depth exploration)
Couples Session
5-Session Package (5 x 50min)
Sliding Scale / Students / Unemployed / Low Income (limited availability)
Insurances
