Hi, I'm Carolin Sternecker
On a personal note, I grew up in Germany and, prior to training as a psychotherapist, I built a career as a sales leader in the luxury hospitality industry across Germany, the UAE, and the UK. As an expat, I've learned to navigate the complexities of being an outsider while finding connection and community in unexpected places.
My expat background allows me to connect with clients who are facing transitions, whether they are navigating cross-cultural relationships, coping with the uncertainties of life, unconventionally living life or dealing with the impact of cultural expectations. I understand what it’s like to straddle multiple worlds and create a sense of home and identity amidst constant change.
Experience
I have extensive experience working with people from diverse and multi-ethnic backgrounds. My work in the NHS involved supporting women with histories of childhood sexual abuse and complex trauma, helping them to rebuild a sense of safety and trust. I’ve also worked within Community Crisis Mental Health services in both the NHS and the charity sector, as well as for a family charity that supports parents facing child-to-parent aggression and harmful behaviours.
These experiences have deepened my understanding of how complex and painful life challenges can be—and how meaningful it is to walk alongside people as they find hope and strength again.
My approach
I offer an integrative and systemic approach, drawing from systemic/family & couples therapy, attachment, psychodynamic, humanistic, existential, and cognitive-behavioural perspectives, while also incorporating elements of Gestalt, DBT, mindfulness, and narrative therapy to meet each person’s unique needs. I’m passionate about supporting adolescents, families, and couples in navigating complex relationships, healing and reconnecting.
Who I can support
I work with teenagers, adults, couples, and families, offering therapy in both English and German. I’m especially passionate about supporting neurodiverse individuals, couples, and families, as well as interracial couples. I have a deep understanding of the challenges that couples and parents of neurodiverse children can face, and I aim to offer a space where they feel seen, understood, and supported rather than judged or isolated.
Training & qualifications
I have an MA in Integrative Psychotherapy and hold BACP membership. I have also done further training in Systemic/Family & Couples Psychotherapy, driven by my passion for supporting adolescents and their families in navigating complex relational dynamics and helping couples heal their relationship and communication difficulties.
You can also find my verified profile on the Counselling Directory
https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/carolin-sternecker
