Psychotherapy
We treat people of all ages and their families who are facing emotionally stressful life situations—treating each person as a unique individual.
Reasons for Treatment
- Challenges associated with physical or mental disabilities
- Challenges related to neurodiversity, particularly ADD/ADHD and autism spectrum disorders
- Stress associated with chronic or serious illness
- Communication Disorders and Developmental Delays
- Social, communicative, or stereotypical characteristics
- Aggressive or other challenging behavior
- Refusal behavior in the family, at school, or in an institution.
- School Problems, Learning Disabilities, and Performance Barriers
- Challenges in School Integration or Vocational Integration
- Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or test anxiety
- Traumatic experiences, as well as experiences of violence or abuse
- Stress caused by family changes such as divorce or adoption
- Eating Disorders or Self-Harm
Procedure
Treatment follows a standardized process. Here is an overview.
Initial Consultation (approx. 90 minutes, with parents)
The first meeting takes place with the parents or primary caregivers—without the child. You’ll tell us what’s on your mind: your child’s background, their strengths, and the challenges they’re currently facing. We’ll explain how we work, and together we’ll discuss how to move forward.
read moreWeekly therapy sessions (45–60 minutes, with the child)
Therapy typically takes place once a week in Zurich. The focus is on your child’s needs and strengths. Younger children engage in play-based and creative activities—because play is the most natural way for children to express themselves and process experiences. For adolescents, the focus is more on action and, when appropriate, conversation. The participants themselves set the pace.
Parent-Teacher Conferences and Systemic Involvement
The therapist stays in regular contact with the parents. We discuss the child’s progress and what you can do differently at home and at school. With your consent, we also involve teachers and other specialists in this process.
Duration of Treatment
The duration of therapy depends on the child, the child’s pace, and the child’s environment. Milder issues can often be addressed in 10–20 sessions; more complex situations require longer-term support. In certain cases, we advise against psychotherapy and instead recommend counseling for parents and caregivers. We always discuss the course of treatment with you.
Costs
Depending on individual circumstances, various public or private insurers may cover the costs of psychotherapy.
Billing Models
Spielzeit: Being cared for in an appreciative environment.
Clarification/Diagnostics
A thorough diagnostic evaluation forms the foundation for providing your child with targeted, needs-based support. It helps identify strengths and weaknesses, pinpoint possible causes of difficulties, and implement appropriate interventions.
Only once it is clear what developmental characteristics are unique to your child can those around him or her respond appropriately to his or her diversity and special needs.
Context-Sensitive Assessment of Disabilities
We specialize in context-sensitive assessment for people with disabilities. In this process, a precise understanding of the specific disability is crucial for correctly classifying psychological abnormalities and distinguishing them from characteristics related to the disability.
Areas of Investigation
- Autism Spectrum (ASD)
- Attention, Concentration, and Memory (ADS/ADHD)
- Reading and Spelling (LRS)
- Binding Behavior
- Depression inventory
- Acting and logical intelligence (IQ)
Procedure
The diagnostic evaluation follows a standardized process. Here is an overview
Initial Consultation (approx. 90 minutes, with parents)
During the initial consultation, we will conduct a detailed assessment of your child’s and family’s history and current situation. During this process, you will describe your concerns as well as important aspects of your child’s development and family life.
read moreDiagnostic Assessment
For a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, we typically schedule 3–5 appointments. We combine scientifically sound methods with individualized, empathetic support—in line with the “Spielzeit” approach of seeing each child as a unique individual.
Parent-Teacher Conferences and Systemic Involvement
The therapist stays in regular contact with the parents. We discuss the child’s progress and what you can do differently at home and at school. With your consent, we also involve teachers and other specialists in this process.
Duration of the Evaluation and Closing Consultation
Depending on your specific situation, the diagnostic process will be completed within approximately 6–8 weeks. At the end of the process, we will go over the results of the assessment with you in a joint meeting, explaining them in a way that is easy to understand. You will receive a detailed assessment report and additional information.
After the follow-up meeting, you will have the opportunity to schedule a parent consultation during Spielzeit to discuss the diagnosis and possible steps to take at home and at school.
Costs
Depending on individual circumstances, various public or private insurers may cover the costs of diagnostic testing.
Billing Models
Parenting Counseling
Our psychological counseling for parents is designed for families whose children face particular challenges due to disabilities, neurodiversity, illness, learning or behavioral difficulties, or stressful life events.
Focal Points
Once a disability, illness, or diagnosis has been identified, we are also here to advise you if you have any concerns or questions regarding integration in school, additional support services, or potential psychological treatments.
Together, we’ll discuss professional perspectives, look for practical ways to deal with challenging behaviors, crises, or conflicts—and in the process, strengthen your parenting skills and options for taking action.
Topics Covered in Parenting Counseling
- Unusual or Challenging Behaviors in Everyday Life
- Interventions Following Crises, “Meltdowns,” or Escalations
- Social Difficulties and Behavioral Issues
- Dealing with Disabilities, Neurodiversity, or Chronic Illness
- Suspected or Diagnosed Neurodiversity (autism spectrum, ADHD, dyslexia)
- Uncertainty Following a Diagnosis and Questions About Possible Next Steps
- General Psychological Questions About Child Development
- Psychological Issues Related to School Integration and Integrated Special Education (ISR)
Procedure
Parent counseling follows a clear process—personal, targeted, and relevant to everyday life.
Initial Consultation (approx. 90 minutes, with parents)
During the initial consultation, we will conduct a detailed assessment of your child’s and family’s history and current situation. During this process, you will describe your concerns as well as important aspects of your child’s development and family life.
read morePreparation
Before our first session, you will receive our preliminary consultation questionnaire. We welcome any existing medical or school reports—this will help us assess your situation in advance and make the most of our time together.
Initial session / follow-up sessions (60–90 minutes)
The initial consultation takes place in person in Zurich with the program director and both parents—in exceptional cases, it may also be conducted online. Based on the preliminary questionnaire and your documentation, we develop an initial psychological assessment and outline specific courses of action—for at home, at school, or at the institution.
If needed, we’ll support you through further discussions as you implement these changes—with coaching, feedback, and adjustments—to ensure that the changes take root in your daily life.
Duration
Often, one or two sessions are enough. For more complex issues—such as disabilities, neurodiversity, or inclusion in school—longer-term support for parents may be helpful.
Costs
The cost of the initial consultation, as well as the preparation required for it, is to be covered by the client and will be billed based on time spent (CHF 160 per 60 minutes).
- An average of 60 minutes is charged for the preparation and processing of all submitted data.
- Options for covering the costs of subsequent sessions will be discussed during the initial consultation.