Online

Online
counseling

No time for long journeys? We have also been offering appointments online since 2016.

On site & online

We are at your side regardless of your location

We approached the format very cautiously. In 2016, online couples therapy was not yet in vogue. As we wanted to be available for inquiries from outside Berlin because of our book, we initially launched the intensive days, which still took place in person. Once we got to know the clients, we thought we could also offer follow-up appointments in virtual meetings. That worked well. In 2020, for many people, no other contact was possible, and we then realized that the quality of online sessions was in no way inferior to face-to-face sessions. Since the podcast in ZEIT Online, we’ve even had requests from couples living abroad. Today, both formats have become a matter of course for us, and the decision as to whether meetings take place in person or online can therefore be made quite simply from a practical point of view.

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

Frequently asked questions

How much does couples therapy cost? How much does sexual therapy cost?

Successful couple 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 sex 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.

Submit your inquiry today

Paartherapeut Berlin und Sexualtherapeut Ralf Sturm

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

7 + 8 =

© Middendorf Sturm GbR, Couples & Sexual therapy, 2025

Imprint | Privacy policy