Atelier für Sexualität
Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy
Couple relationships are among the most intimate and, at the same time, most complex spaces of human encounter. Psychoanalytic couple therapy offers an invitation to understand together the subtle conscious and unconscious movements between two people – and, from this understanding, to allow new possibilities for intimacy, connection and relating to emerge.
I. Therapeutic Philosophy
In my forensic work, I find myself returning time and again to one particular idea: Locard’s Principle, one of the foundational principles of modern forensic science. It holds that no contact occurs without leaving a trace – that wherever two come into contact, each leaves something of itself upon the other and carries something of the other away. Perhaps few things are as quietly, and yet as inexorably, true of love. We, too, never emerge from a genuine encounter quite as we entered it. We inscribe ourselves into one another’s histories – into our desires and fears, into the ways we seek closeness, protect ourselves, find one another and, sometimes, lose one another. Some of these traces sustain us, some cause us pain, and some become legible only years later. Couple therapy can be a place in which two people begin to read these traces together – not to undo what has been, but to understand what has come into being between them, and what might yet become of it.
Juliane Kröner
Psychoanalytic couple therapy understands the couple relationship not merely as an encounter between two individuals, but as the emergence of a shared psychological space within which unconscious wishes, anxieties, object relations, conflicts and relational experiences become organised in new ways. Over the course of their shared history, intimate relationships develop a psychological reality of their own—one that cannot be understood solely through the personality of either partner, but only through the dynamics of their reciprocal relationship.
From a psychoanalytic perspective, relational conflicts are therefore understood not simply as expressions of impaired communication or incompatible needs. Rather, they frequently point to unconscious conflict constellations, projective processes, repetitions of earlier relational experiences and the couple’s shared attempts to regulate psychological tension. Love, sexual desire, jealousy, disappointment, withdrawal and emotional silence likewise acquire their meaning only within the context of the couple’s individual and shared psychological organisation.
The primary aim of treatment is therefore not the rapid resolution of individual conflicts, but their psychoanalytic reconstruction. Therapy seeks to understand the unconscious configurations of meaning within which relational patterns, affects, fantasies and recurring modes of interaction have developed. Change becomes possible only where that which has previously remained disconnected, unrepresented or enacted within the relationship gradually becomes available for thought and shared reflection.
Every intimate relationship represents a unique encounter between two personal histories, two internal object worlds and two forms of psychological organisation. My clinical work has deepened my respect for both the complexity and the uniqueness of couple relationships. This requires a therapeutic attitude that refrains from premature explanations and equally from normative assumptions about what a relationship ought to be. Instead, each couple is understood as a unique psychological system that must first be understood before meaningful change can emerge.
It is from this conviction that I approach every couple with the same scientific rigour, psychoanalytic openness and profound respect. The aim of therapy is not to adapt the relationship to an externally prescribed ideal, but to foster a deeper understanding of the couple’s unique relational organisation and to create new possibilities for shared experience, thought, intimacy and love.
Juliane Kröner
II. Areas of Practice
Psychoanalytic couple therapy is dedicated to the reconstruction of unconscious relational dynamics within intimate partnerships. The focus of treatment lies in conflicts, developmental crises and recurring relational patterns whose meaning cannot be reduced to individual experience or communication alone. At the centre of therapy is the couple’s shared psychological organisation, within which attachment, sexuality, intimacy, autonomy, conflict and mutual expectations acquire their individual significance. The aim of treatment is to develop a deeper understanding of the couple’s relational organisation and to create new possibilities for shared thinking, emotional experience and the development of the relationship.
01. Relationship and Attachment
Recurring Relationship Conflicts
Escalating Conflict Dynamics
Communication Difficulties
Emotional Silence
Emotional Withdrawal
Loss of Emotional Intimacy
Closeness–Distance Conflicts
Attachment Insecurity
Loss of Trust
Recurring Relationship Patterns
Codependency
Jealousy
Dynamics of Control and Dependency
Ambivalence in Relationships
Separation Anxiety
Separation and Divorce Counselling
02. Sexuality Within the Couple Relationship
Discrepant Sexual Desire
Loss of Sexual Intimacy
Sexual Dissatisfaction
Sexual Difficulties Within the Relationship
Differences in Sexual Preference Structures
Sexual Fantasies Within the Relationship
Consent and Personal Boundaries
Opening of Relationships
Non-Monogamous Relationship Models
Polyamorous Relationships
Infidelity and Extramarital Affairs
Rebuilding Sexual Intimacy
03. Conflict and Communication
Recurring Conflict Patterns
Escalating Conflicts
Conflict Avoidance
Breakdown of Communication
Mutual Criticism and Emotional Injury
Difficulties in Emotional Communication
Affect Regulation Within the Relationship
Reconciliation Processes
Decision-Making and Role Conflicts
Conflicts Regarding Shared Life Plans and Future Perspectives
04. Family of Origin and Intergenerational Dynamics
Family of Origin and Couple Relationships
Loyalty Conflicts
Separation–Individuation Processes
Intergenerational Conflicts
Boundaries with Families of Origin
Conflicts with In-Laws
Family Role Expectations
Transgenerational Relationship Patterns
Repetition of Familial Conflict Dynamics
Attachment and Relational Experiences Originating in the Family of Origin
05. Trust, Relational Injury and Reconciliation
Loss of Trust
Rebuilding Trust
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Relationships Following Infidelity
Relationships Following Boundary Violations
Restoration of Emotional Safety
Disappointment and Narcissistic Injury
Jealousy and Fear of Loss
Distrust and Controlling Behaviour
Reconnection Following Relationship Crises
06. Life Stages and Developmental Transitions
Beginning of a Relationship
Moving in Together
Marriage
Desire for Children
Pregnancy
Parenthood
Blended Families
Caring for Relatives
Occupational Stress
Menopause
Retirement
Separation
Bereavement and Grief
07. Mental Health and Couple Relationships
Depression
Anxiety Disorders
Trauma-Related Disorders
Personality Disorders
Borderline Personality Disorder
Narcissistic Personality Organisation
Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder
Substance Use Disorders
Neurodiversity
The Impact of Mental Health Conditions on Couple Relationships
08. Physical Health, Illness and Sexuality
Chronic Illness
Cancer
Endometriosis
Neurological Disorders
Physical Disability
Sexuality Following Medical Treatment or Surgery
Body Image and Couple Relationships
Involuntary Childlessness
Fertility Treatment
09. Diverse Relationship Constellations
Intercultural Relationships
Interfaith Relationships
Long-Distance Relationships
Relationships with Significant Age Differences
Blended Families
Stepfamily Systems
Open Relationships
Non-Monogamous Relationship Models
Polyamorous Relationships
III. Assessment and Commencement of Therapy
The assessment phase serves to determine collaboratively whether psychoanalytic couple therapy is the most appropriate treatment for your individual concerns as a couple. From the very first consultation, the therapeutic process begins. The initial sessions provide an opportunity to reconstruct the couple’s shared relational organisation as well as the individual psychological dynamics of each partner. The purpose of this phase is to develop a shared understanding of the therapeutic concerns and to establish the treatment objectives emerging from the couple’s unique relational dynamics.
The Therapeutic Assessment Process
01. Initial Contact
Initial contact is made via email and includes a brief description of your concerns as a couple and the reason for seeking therapy.
02. Initial Consultation
An initial therapeutic consultation providing an opportunity for mutual acquaintance, preliminary therapeutic orientation and clarification of the therapeutic remit.
03. Couple Assessment and Diagnostic Evaluation
Comprehensive assessment of the couple’s relationship history together with the individual biographical, psychodynamic and relational development of both partners. Particular attention is given to the reconstruction of the couple’s shared relational organisation, recurring conflict dynamics and unconscious relational patterns.
04. Joint Treatment Planning
Collaborative consideration of whether psychoanalytic couple therapy represents the most appropriate treatment approach, together with the formulation of the therapeutic objectives and treatment focus.
05. Exploratory Sessions
Development of a therapeutic working alliance and further reconstruction of the individual and shared psychological dynamics of the couple relationship.
06. Commencement of Therapy
The psychoanalytic couple therapy process formally begins.
IV. Treatment Framework
The therapeutic framework provides the foundation for a professional, reliable and trusting therapeutic relationship. Transparency regarding the organisational, legal and therapeutic conditions of treatment establishes a secure therapeutic setting and supports the continuity of the therapeutic process.
01. Frequency
The frequency of sessions is determined by your individual therapeutic concerns and the treatment goals agreed upon collaboratively. Session frequency is established during the assessment phase and may be adjusted over the course of treatment as clinically appropriate.
02. Duration
Individual Session: 50 minutes
Couples Session: 90 minutes
03. In-Person and Online Therapy
Therapy may be conducted either in person or online by mutual agreement. The choice of treatment format is determined by the nature of the therapeutic concerns, practical considerations and the clinical requirements of the treatment.
04. Confidentiality
All therapeutic treatment is subject to professional confidentiality. Any information disclosed or obtained during the course of therapy is treated in the strictest confidence. Disclosure to third parties occurs only with your explicit written consent or where required by law. Statutory exceptions apply only in legally defined circumstances, particularly where there is an acute risk of serious harm to yourself or others, or where disclosure is otherwise required by law.
05. Treatment Agreement
Prior to the commencement of therapy, the essential therapeutic, organisational and legal aspects of the treatment are set out in a written treatment agreement. This agreement defines the therapeutic remit, fees, appointment arrangements, cancellation policy and the respective rights and responsibilities of both parties throughout the course of treatment.
06. Fees
The practice operates as a private practice. Treatment is provided on a self-funded basis.
Individual Session (50 minutes): €150
Couples Session (90 minutes): €200
07. Language
Therapy can be conducted in either German or English. The language of treatment is determined collaboratively according to your individual linguistic needs and the requirements of the therapeutic process.
08. Appointment Cancellations
Appointments are considered binding once scheduled. Details regarding cancellations and cancellation fees are set out in the treatment agreement.
09. Data Protection
The protection of personal data and the confidential handling of all therapeutic information are of paramount importance. Personal data are processed exclusively in accordance with the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), applicable professional regulations and all relevant data protection legislation governing healthcare practice. Personal information and clinical records are processed solely for legitimate therapeutic purposes, stored securely and protected through appropriate technical and organisational safeguards against unauthorised access. Further information regarding the processing of personal data is provided in the Privacy Policy.
V. Quality Assurance
The quality of therapeutic practice is founded not only upon professional qualifications, but also upon the continuous reflection of clinical work, ongoing scientific education and the critical engagement with current developments in research and clinical practice. Quality assurance is therefore understood as a continuous professional process that integrates therapeutic practice, scientific knowledge and ethical responsibility.
01. Continuing Professional Education
Continuous participation in scientific continuing education, academic conferences and interdisciplinary training programmes ensures the ongoing development of therapeutic, sexological and forensic expertise and provides the foundation for guideline-informed, evidence-based treatment conducted in accordance with the current state of scientific knowledge.
02. Scientific Activity
Clinical practice is maintained in close dialogue with ongoing scientific research. Current developments in psychoanalysis, sexology, psychotherapy, criminology and investigative psychology are continuously integrated into clinical work.
03. Professional Societies and Scientific Networks
Membership in national and international professional societies, together with the continuous exchange with colleagues across different disciplines, promotes scientific quality, methodological reflection and interdisciplinary collaboration.
04. Supervision, Intervision and Professional Self-Reflection
Professional therapeutic practice requires the continuous reflection of one’s clinical work. Regular supervision, structured peer consultation (intervision) and ongoing professional self-reflection support the critical evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making, foster the continued development of clinical competence and constitute essential components of quality assurance in therapeutic practice.
05. Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Complex psychosexual and forensic presentations frequently require collaboration across multiple professional disciplines. To ensure comprehensive diagnostic assessment and therapeutic care, the practice seeks to establish a trusted interdisciplinary network with specialised professionals and institutions. Depending on the clinical presentation, collaboration may include university hospitals, university outpatient clinics, consultant psychiatrists, specialists in sexual medicine, urologists, gynaecologists, infectious disease specialists, solicitors and veterinary surgeons. Any interdisciplinary collaboration takes place exclusively with the patient’s informed consent and in full accordance with the legal requirements of professional confidentiality.
06. Evidence-Based Practice and Theoretical Reflection
Therapeutic decision-making is informed by scientific evidence, clinical expertise and theory-driven psychodynamic case formulation. Different scientific perspectives are critically evaluated and integrated into the therapeutic process according to their respective explanatory value and clinical relevance.
07. Ethical Responsibility
Therapeutic practice is guided by the applicable professional, psychotherapeutic and research ethical standards. Respect for the dignity, autonomy and sexual self-determination of every patient constitutes the foundation of all therapeutic decisions.
