Dr. Maja Grünzner
Psychologist & Couples Counsellor
When familiar patterns come up, change feels overwhelming, or the next step in your relationships or life isn’t clear, this might be a supportive place to pause and reflect.
I specialise in:
About me
Hi! I’m Maja, a German- and English-speaking psychologist and accredited member of the German Association of Psychologists and Order of Portuguese Psychologists, specializing in Systemic and Family Therapy (DGSF).
I work with individuals, couples, and families, both short- and long-term. I am passionate about offering a supportive environment for my clients to express everything that does not find space in the rush of our everyday life’s.
People often come to me when they feel unsure about a relationship or decision, or going through a period of change. This may be after a breakup, during a move, or when life feels unclear and familiar ways of coping no longer help.
In our sessions, I offer a space to slow down, understand what’s going on, and reconnect with your needs. We work toward clarity, self-trust, and finding next steps that feel right for you.
Having lived and worked across different countries, I am familiar with the emotional challenges of transitions, identity shifts, and life between cultures, and I bring this perspective into my work.
I speak:
Location:
Approach
My approach is integrative, relational, and collaborative. In sessions, we take time to look together at what is currently coming up for you, whether in thoughts, emotions, relationships, or everyday life.
Together, we explore patterns that may be showing up and work toward a better understanding of what is being experienced. Often this involves putting words to feelings or thoughts that have been hard to grasp so far. We also look at how stress, strong emotions, or challenging situations are being handled. When helpful, I invite reflection between sessions through focused questions or small, practical exercises.
From my systemic perspective, change does not want to be forced. Instead, change is allowed to emerge through self-compassion, and clarity about needs, at a pace that feels manageable, sustainable, and right for you.
To confirm your booking, payment is required at least 24 hours prior to the session.
Website: https://www.psychologistdrmaja.com/
Experience
Since 2026 Mental Health Expert & AI Training: Contributing to advanced human data initiatives for a major AI lab, aimed at improving the safety of AI models when handling mental health–related questions.
Since 2025 Professional counseling and coaching for employees, leaders, and their families (many with an expat background) via the MindFi Employee Assistance Program.
Since 2024 Private Psychology Practice: Working with individuals, couples and families.
Since 2024 Training and Teaching: Teaching about psychology and coaching methods, with a focus on training future psychological counsellors, systemic coaches, mediators and supervisors at the German Academy for Coaching, Development and Training.
2023 Psychological Coaching and Counselling: Provided individual coaching and counselling sessions free of charge as part of my systemic therapy training.
2020 - 2023 Research & Project Management: Conducted and managed studies in international and interdisciplinary research projects focusing on various topics around behavior change and human-environment interactions.
2016 - 2017 Fitness Coaching: Supported individuals and groups in their journey towards a healthier life.
2016 Early Professional Experience: Supported coaches and trainer in outplacement consulting and psychotherapists in a psychosomatic clinic (under supervision)
Education
Highlights
Internal Family Systems Trauma Treatment Program
with Frank Anderson, MD
June 2026 – October 2026
Training on a compassionate, evidence-based approach to trauma that helps clients understand the emotional and protective patterns shaped by difficult experiences.
Somatic Therapy Foundations
with Dr. Abi Blakeslee
February 2026 – ongoing
Foundational course focusing on nervous system regulation, and the integration of body-based practices to support emotional regulation, relational patterns, and meaningful change.
Systemic and Family Therapy Training (DGSF)
November 2023 - October 2026
Comprehensive training in systemic individual, couple, and family therapy with a focus on relationship dynamics, emotional well-being, and resource-oriented change processes.
PhD in Psychology, University of Vienna
April 2020 - August 2025
Research and science communication on behaviour and sustainable change.
Advanced Training
Trauma-sensitive support for conflicted relationships, Jul 2026
Trauma-informed approaches to attachment wounds, Feb 2026
The Fawn Response and Narcissistic Abuse: Strategies to Help Survivors Break Free from Trauma-Based Appeasement, Nov 2025
Female Sexuality and on Loss of Sexual Desire, May & Jul 2025
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dec 2024
Couples Therapy: Happy Long-Term Relationships, Sep 2023
Academic Background
MSc in Psychology of Intercultural Relations, ISCTE-IUL Lisbon, 2019
BSc in Psychology, Medical School Hamburg, 2017
Services
Initial Consultation - Individual
Individual Session
Individual Deep Work Session (80 min)
Couples Session
Family Session
Insurances
