Therapy in your language — or between your languages
Relationships have a language of their own. When one of you dreams in English and the other argues in German, things get lost — at home and in therapy. I work in English and German, and many couples I see switch between both. That is not a problem to be managed. It is often where the most interesting discoveries happen.
About me
I am Petra Brookland — psychologist (Diplom-Psychologin), systemic couples and family therapist, and Heilpraktikerin für Psychotherapie (the German license under which I practice). For more than twenty years I have been working with individuals, couples and families — in German, in English, and quite often in the lively mixture international couples bring with them.
My practice is in Cologne-Nippes, in the north of the city. People come to me from all over Cologne — and, via Zoom, from much further away.
How I work
My approach is systemic: I am less interested in who is right and more in the pattern between you — the dance you both know by heart and neither of you chose. We look at how you communicate, what repeats itself, and where you stopped truly hearing each other. Not quick advice, but understanding that lasts.
I am a psychologist (Diplom-Psychologin, the German university degree in psychology) and systemic couples and family therapist with more than twenty years of experience.
Who comes to see me
International couples navigating two cultures and two sets of expectations. Expats whose relationship carries the weight of relocation — one career moved forward, one life was put on hold. Binational families with questions their parents never had to answer. And couples who simply prefer English.
Fees & practical things, honestly stated
My practice is a private practice: German statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenkasse) does not cover couples therapy — this is true everywhere in Germany, not just here. You pay privately: 140 € for 60 minutes or 180 € for 90 minutes. Most couples choose 90 minutes. No referral needed, no waiting list — appointments are usually possible within one to two weeks.
The practice is in Cologne-Nippes (Neusser Str. 232, wheelchair accessible, elevator), well connected by public transport. Sessions are also possible online via Zoom — helpful when work or travel gets in the way.
Directions
Neusser Str. 232, 50733 Cologne (Nippes) — entrance on Gellertstraße, elevator, wheelchair accessible. Public transport: tram lines 12 and 15, stop Florastraße, plus several bus lines. Free parking is usually available on Gellertstraße and the surrounding streets.
The first step
A free 15-minute phone call. You tell me what brings you, I tell you honestly whether I am the right person for it. If yes, we schedule a first session. If not, I will say so — and, where I can, point you somewhere better.
The first step is a phone call
No forms, no waiting list. A free 15-minute call to find out whether it fits.
Call +49 163 697 8146Prefer writing? mail@petra-brookland.de — you will hear back promptly.