A Space for Your Whole Self
Hi, I'm Sadie (they/them), a Psychological Counsellor offering client-centred, strengths-based, trauma-informed talk therapy and Music and Imagery therapy in English, from my office in Berlin and online with both local and international clients.
I work primarily (though not exclusively) with queer, enby, trans* and other 2SLGBTQI+* folks, kinky and polyamorous folks, their families, and allies. My affirming presence and understanding of gender, sexual, and relationship diversity supports folks to work on whatever is current for them, whether or not it relates directly to their gender or sexual identities.
I have significant experience supporting folks navigating their various and intersecting identities and how these shape their lived experiences. This can include exploring sexuality, gender, and creating affirming relationships, as well as family of origin experiences, trauma, boundaries, and consent. I also support survivors of physical and sexual assault, and those who have experienced systemic discrimination and oppression. This may mean folks wish to actively process trauma in our sessions, or simply have this aspect of their history acknowledged as they focus on other areas.
I believe in honouring and uplifting our inherent human dignity and worth. Through navigating our lived experiences and traumas in the context of society and culture within a nurturing therapeutic alliance we can create paths to unburden ourselves and live life as our most authentic selves.
Ultimately, the aim of our therapeutic alliance is to create sustained positive change in your life through getting to know your inner world. My job is to foster your innate capacity for healing, growth, and self-discovery using a combination of therapeutic approaches.
I offer counselling for individuals, partnerships, families, and groups. For organisations, I offer workshops, training, and team facilitation; you can find out more on the Organisations page.
Primary Therapeutic Approaches
Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-informed care means that I recognise trauma as part of our lived experiences. Particularly for those who have survived physical, sexual, and emotional violence, and/or have experienced gender-based discrimination, racism, sexism, transphobia, queerphobia, fatphobia, and other forms of discrimination and marginalisation.
Trauma is a normal reaction to an abnormal experience, held in our souls, minds, and bodies. It occurs when our limits or boundaries have been breached in a way that our bodies and minds experience as a massive threat, loss of agency, or helplessness. The body and mind disconnect with the aim of keeping us alive. This may happen once, continuously, or be sustained over a period of time.
You may experience trauma as:
- anxiety or panic
- nightmares or intrusive thoughts
- feeling like you cannot trust others or depend on them
- feeling like you cannot trust yourself
- feeling like you are always on high alert
- feeling like you have all the feelings, or none of the feelings
- depression or loss of interest in things that previously brought you joy
- feeling like you struggle to connect with others
- addictive behaviour relating to substances or activities
- self-harm
Trauma-informed care helps us to establish a sense of safety, understand our traumatic experiences, and integrate them. Allowing you to move forward with agency, together.
Client-Centred, Strengths-Based Therapy
Client-centred, strengths-based therapy means you are the expert in your own lived experience. You have autonomy, agency, dignity, and worth. Within our therapeutic alliance we are equals; you bring your inherent strengths and lived knowledge, and I bring tools and resources from the therapy world. Together we create an affirming therapeutic space where you can be seen, heard, held, and supported.
When we are struggling, it can be hard to notice what is working, what skills we are drawing on, or the ways we are showing up for ourselves. My job is to put a magnifying glass on your strengths; so that we can use them intentionally, resource them even more, and celebrate them.
Music and Imagery Therapy
Music and Imagery therapy is a music-based psychotherapy; a branch within the music therapy tree where recorded music is used to facilitate getting to know our inner worlds. You do not need any musical skills or background. Together we can build our relationship to music so that it becomes a source of attachment and comfort.
Music and Imagery therapy is a gentle, creative way to engage in therapy because music speaks when words fail.
You can learn more by visiting the [Music and Imagery Therapy page].
What to Expect when Starting Psychological Counselling
Getting started is straightforward, and there's no commitment required until you're ready.
- Free Initial Consultation (30 minutes): We get to know one another. You can ask any questions, share what's on your mind, and get all the information you need to make an informed decision for yourself.
- You choose your format: in person at my Berlin office, online, or a mix of both.
- We begin, at a pace that works for you.
Fees
I offer a sliding scale to make access to therapy as equitable as possible. I am private pay, these sessions are not covered by Krankenkasse or insurance. The sliding scale exists specifically so that cost is less of a barrier.
Individual Sessions
- 50 minutes: €70 / €90 / €110
Partnership Sessions
- 60 minutes: €110 / €130 / €150
- 75 minutes: €125 / €145 / €175
A note on the scale: The lower end is for those receiving social or community support who struggle to make ends meet. The middle is the regular rate for folks who are able to meet their needs. The upper end is for those with income above their needs, who choose to support the scale and expand access for others.
Payment: You'll receive an invoice at the end of the month, payable within 14 days.
Cancellations: If you need to cancel, please give at least 48 hours' notice, this allows the time to be offered to someone else who needs it.
In Person in Berlin
I'm located at SPARK Collective Berlin, Markgrafendamm 20, 10245 Berlin, a queer led space for counselling, therapy, and bodywork that is wheelchair accessible and covid conscious.
Online Sessions
Do you often feel overwhelmed by new places? Or is it difficult to find a suitable affirming therapist in your area? Online sessions mean you can access counselling from wherever feels most comfortable and safe for you.
Online sessions also give you the freedom to shape your surroundings; snuggling under your blanket, your lighting, your space.
Online Sessions are available globally and can accomidate different time zones.
Why Crescendo Counselling?
A "crescendo" is more than a musical term—it's a metaphor for the transformative journey we embark on in therapy.
Just as a crescendo builds gradually, so too does our inner work leading to growth, empowerment, and integration. My work is guided by my passion for music therapy, specifically Guided Imagery and Music psychotherapy.
A journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment
Taking the courageous step to seek counselling is an act of vulnerability, and I am deeply honoured by your trust.
I'm committed to creating an affirming, equitable therapeutic space that celebrates the rich tapestry of sexual orientations and gender identities. Together, let's embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment.
To ensure we're the right fit, I offer a free initial session where you can feel truly seen, heard, and valued for who you are.