Understand and Overcome Inner Emptiness.


Psychological Support for Depressive Moods.
Online and In-Person.


Low mood is more than just sadness. It alters the way you think, feel, and act. What once came easily now requires effort. What once brought joy now feels distant. These mood disturbances often manifest through the following symptoms:

  • Feeling listless or emotionally empty.
  • Things that used to bring you joy no longer matter.
  • Even small tasks feel overwhelming.
  • Thoughts seem to spiral, and solutions feel out of reach.
  • Your body feels heavy and drained—like it is working against you.

But inner heaviness does not have to be permanent. At Follow The River, I help my clients find a healthy path out of low mood—to rediscover lightness, joy, and inner balance.

Scientifically Grounded & Individually Tailored.


In my work, I place great emphasis not only on alleviating these symptoms but also on understanding their underlying causes and finding individual paths to improve emotional experience. My approach combines methods that are proven to be effective:

  • Hypnosystemic Therapy – Recognising and gently changing thought patterns. Understanding deeper needs.
  • Embodiment Practices – Calming the nervous system and activating the body.
  • Solution-focused Therapy – Clear strategies to rebuild your emotional stability.

This holistic approach helps you transform your well-being not only on a cognitive level but also emotionally and physically, leading to lasting change. Together with my clients, I develop strategies to rediscover the joy of life and achieve sustainable inner balance.

Background


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

I am Benedikt Schmidt, a clinical psychologist with extensive experience in research, coaching, and therapy. My journey took me from depression research at Vienna General Hospital, where I focused on anhedonia—the reduced ability to experience pleasure—to positive psychology with Professor Ilona Boniwell in Paris. There, I deepened my understanding of resilience mechanisms and emotional well-being.

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

For more information 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.

Support
Do I need therapy?

Many people hesitate to seek support, often unsure whether their problem is "serious enough." If you're wondering whether therapy 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 therapy 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 therapy?

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 Therapy – 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 in therapy. Targeted physical interventions can sustainably improve emotional regulation and self-awareness (Röhricht et al., 2014).

Solution-Focused Therapy – 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 therapy from the comfort of your home—all you need is a stable internet connection and a quiet, private space.

How effective is online therapy compared to traditional formats?

Several meta-analyses suggest that online therapy is at least as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy.

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.

The key factor for therapy success is not the format, but the quality of the therapeutic relationship and the methods used. I ensure that online therapy remains a deeply personal and effective experience.

What technical requirements do I need for online therapy?

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 therapy session. Simply use the booking calendar on my website.

What are the costs for a session?

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

Are the costs covered by health insurance?

The services offered are psychotherapy under the German Heilpraktikergesetz (Alternative Practitioner Act). 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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