Return to Energy, Focus, and Balance.

Psychological Support for Burnout and Exhaustion.
Online and In-Person.


Burnout and exhaustion are serious experiences, often affecting individuals striving towards ambitious goals—often pushing beyond their limits. Common burnout symptoms include:

  • Feeling exhausted, regardless of how much rest you get.
  • Small tasks seem overwhelming, and concentration becomes difficult.
  • Noticeable decline in motivation and decision-making ability.
  • Increased distancing from others, irritability, or inner emptiness.
  • Everyday life has turned into mere functioning.

At Follow The River, I help my clients find a healthy path out of exhaustion and establish the right balance between performance and relaxation—so they can regain their strength and protect themself from future burnout.

Scientifically Grounded & Individually Tailored.


Burnout does not indicate a lack of inner strength. Rather, it is an important signal from your body and mind, urging a new approach to managing stressors and environmental influences. My approach combines scientifically validated methods designed to alleviate emotional as well as physical symptoms of burnout:

  • Hypnosystemic Approach – Understanding internal motivators and establishing new ways to manage them.
  • Embodiment Practices – Purposefully utilising the body to enhance relaxation and regeneration.
  • Solution-focused Methods – Practical strategies for increased energy, healthier boundaries, and greater resilience.

Holistic burnout counselling creates the foundation for a self-determined life in harmony with internal and external factors.

Background


Change is possible—not only shown by research but also through the positive transformations I witness in my clients.

I am Benedikt Schmidt, a clinical psychologist with experience in research, coaching, and therapy. My journey began with depression research at Vienna General Hospital, leading me to positive psychology with Professor Ilona Boniwell in Paris, where I intensively studied the psychological impacts of stress and mechanisms of resilience.

Today, I work at Heidelberg University Hospital, helping individuals regain inner balance and rediscover joy in life. At Follow The River, I apply scientifically validated methods within the legal framework of the Heilpraktiker law.

For more about my background and qualifications, please click here.

What Clients Say


Professional Guidance for Sustainable Change


Psychological support should feel professional, personal, and secure. If you are ready to take the next step, I look forward to meeting you.

Frequently Asked Questions



01.

Counselling
Do I need support?

Many people hesitate to seek support, often unsure whether their problem is "serious enough." If you're wondering whether counselling could help, that’s often a sign that it might be beneficial. Issues such as stress, exhaustion, anxiety, self-doubt, grief, or difficulties in relationships are just some of the reasons people come to see me. If you're unsure, you’re welcome to book an initial consultation with no obligation.

How long does counselling take?

The duration is individual and depends on your goals. Many people attend between 10 and 20 sessions, while some continue for longer. Weekly sessions are often helpful at the start, with the option to space them out later. We can always discuss what works best for you.

What methods do you use in counselling?

My approach combines scientifically grounded methods, tailored to your individual needs. Therapy is not just about understanding, but also about experiencing and actively shaping change.

Hypnosystemic Approach – Helps to resolve deeply ingrained patterns and activate inner resources, creating new possibilities for action (Schmidt, 2024).

Embodiment Practices – The body plays a central role for the mental health. Targeted physical interventions can sustainably improve emotional regulation and self-awareness (Röhricht et al., 2014).

Solution-Focused Methods – Focuses on developing pragmatic and actionable strategies to enhance inner stability and overall wellbeing. Studies show that this approach effectively strengthens emotional resilience and improves the quality of interpersonal relationships (Franklin et al., 2017).

This integrative approach enables flexible and effective support, addressing cognitive, emotional, and physical aspects of experience.

02.

Online Services
Can I have sessions online?

Yes! You can attend counselling from the comfort of your home—all you need is a stable internet connection and a quiet, private space.

How effective is online counselling compared to traditional formats?

While most studies in this area focus on psychotherapy, several meta-analyses suggest that online support can be as helpful as in-person sessions. particularly when a trusting relationship and clear methods are in place.

A meta-analysis by Giovanetti et al. (2022) specifically examined the treatment of depression and found that teletherapy and in-person sessions achieved comparable results.

Similarly, a study by Lin et al. (2022), which reviewed various mental health conditions, showed that online therapy delivers treatment outcomes equivalent to in-person therapy for concerns such as depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and eating disorders.

Although these results come from clinical contexts, they offer encouraging insights into how meaningful and effective psychological support can also be in online settings. In my work, I place particular emphasis on connection, clarity, and responsiveness, so that online counselling feels just as personal and grounded as in-person work.

What technical requirements do I need for online sessions?

For a smooth online session, you will need a stable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone (such as a laptop, tablet, or smartphone), and a quiet, private space. Sessions take place via Google Meet, and you will receive a secure access link before each appointment – no additional software installation is required.

03.

General Questions
How can I book an appointment?

You can easily book an initial 15-minute consultation or a full counselling session. Simply use the booking calendar on my website.

What are the costs for a session?

A 50-minute individual session costs €100. A 75-minute individual session costs €150. We can discuss the details in the 15-minute initial consultation.

Are the costs covered by health insurance?

Statutory health insurance does not cover these costs. However, private health insurance or supplementary insurance may reimburse the fees under certain conditions—it is worth checking with your provider. I will provide you with an invoice that you can submit to your insurance company.

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