Couples therapy & sexual therapy in Berlin & online
Fall in love
in new ways
We are by your side so that you can have the relationship you dream of.
We are Katharina Middendorf and Ralf Sturm, have been running our practice for couples therapy and sex therapy in Berlin since 2015, have a column in the Berliner Tagesspiegel, have now published 8 books and support individuals and couples like you.
HOW YOU CAN WORK WITH US

On site & online
Couples
therapy
It is normal for love, relationships and partnerships to change over time. The initial infatuation often gives way to reproaches, arguments and resignation. Especially when children, a new job, illnesses or external relationships come along, there are challenges that often cannot be overcome alone.
We will be happy to advise you:
- constant disputes
- misunderstandings
- thoughts of separation
- affairs
- and all relationship problems that cause stress.
Find out more 
On site & online
Sexual therapy
Sexuality is often not discussed at all or not discussed enough in relationships. Especially when the body, the relationship and the desire changes. Everyday life, stress, sexual dysfunction, listlessness and ageing often influence the initial joy of one’s own and shared sexuality. We are here to support you.
We will be happy to advise you:
- Lack of desire
- Orgasm difficulties
- Erectile dysfunction
- Questions about pornography
- sexual preferences and all questions about your sexuality
Find out more 
On site
Couple
Intensive Days
The couple intensive days can show you a way out of the crisis. The aim is to put your partnership on a trusting footing, e.g. after affairs or external relationships. You will learn to understand and change ingrained relationship patterns and their interactions, as well as new ways of communicating your needs.
How we can advise you:
- Session 01: The eight-eye conversation
- Session 02: One-on-one conversations
- Session 03: Looking into the eyes
- Session 04: Online check-in
Find out more
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Experiences of our clients

“Katharina Middendorf and Ralf Sturm convinced me because I had the feeling that they knew what they were talking about from their own experience.”
Patchwork family, 42 years old
“The discussion framework is benevolent and relaxed. Contrary to expectations, difficult topics were not difficult to address.”
Couple, 65 & 72 years
(married for 37 years)
“When I need tips, I read a book! With Middendorf-Sturm, I found solutions that suited me and us that you can’t find in literature.”
Newly in love, 28 & 32 years
(together for 2 years)

Do you have any questions?
Call us directly at our practice and arrange an initial consultation. Here we can clarify any questions you may have about the therapy and procedure.
You can reach us Monday to Friday from 8.30–9.00 a.m. by phone on 030-98 37 59 22 or by e-mail info@middendorf-sturm.de or contact form.
We are happy to support you!
Ralf Sturm
Couples and sex therapist
Possible process

01
Make a non-binding inquiry or book an appointment for an initial consultation directly
02
Have a personal preliminary talk (approx. 10 minutes) and/or make an appointment directly
03
First therapy session on site or online (duration approx. 90 min.)
04
Discuss further course of therapy – usually approx. 5–8 appointments

About our approach
We support you in remaining or becoming a couple.
Couple problems occur (especially) in the best relationships. Our aim is to offer you the opportunity to redesign, deepen or rediscover your relationship in a safe environment.
Our way of working is influenced by Dr. Ulrich Clement, Dr. Arnold Retzer and David Schnarch, who have helped couples all over the world to have fulfilling relationships.
Submit your inquiry today


Get in Touch
Please feel free to use the contact form for your first inquiry or send us an e-mail directly to: info@middendorf-sturm.de.
You can also leave a message on our answering machine. You can reach us on the telephone number 030 983 759 22
We will get back to you within 24 hours.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Ralf Sturm and Katharina Middendorf
Frequently asked questions

How much does couples therapy cost? How much does sexual therapy cost?
Successful couples therapy should cost at least as much as a video recorder did in the 1980s. But no more than a family had to pay to buy one back then. We believe that good conversations have value, but must be affordable for everyone. Couple therapy has a beginning and an end, and should only take place for a certain period of time and not be or become a permanent theme.
How many sessions does it take for successful couple therapy?
As a rule, 80 % of therapy successes are achieved after 6 to 8 sessions. This is not only our observation in our office, but according to Arnold Retzer also the result of studies across all forms of therapy. Some couples are satisfied after just a few sessions. And some also attend more sessions to deepen their relationship, because it is not only work, but also fun and therefore every appointment is worthwhile.
How does sexual therapy work?
Sexual problems can have physical or psychological triggers. However, the most common cause – in addition to a possible interplay between the two – is communication; the conversations that take place or do not take place. In sexual therapy, there is also room to discuss difficult topics. As therapists, we believe it is important to be neutral, i.e. neither sex-positive nor sex-negative. The goal and content of the therapy is determined by the client, not the therapist.
I have problems in my relationship. Can I come to couples therapy alone?
It can be better to come alone than with a partner who doesn’t want to talk. However, one-to-one sessions sometimes develop into couples therapy. This may be because you have already developed better ways of communicating in one-to-one conversations. Or the other person realizes that it is about something that could mean the end of the relationship in the long term, which you can avert if you are interested in talking.
Can couples therapy save our relationship?
That sounds like a bold promise, but: Yes! Having a good relationship is not rocket science and love(ing) can be learned. We encounter many myths about love and sexuality in our daily work with couples (which we also write about in our column). Addressing these and finding the real feelings and needs has helped many couples.
How many years should you be together before you go to couples therapy?
Sometimes people come to us who have only been together for a few months. Our oldest couple had been married for 57 years on their first visit and had been together even longer.

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