English-speaking therapist in Lisbon & Berlin — online worldwide | Integrative therapy and counselling
"Change occurs when one becomes what he is,
not when he tries to become what he is not." (Beisser)
ABOUT ME
Hello,
I'm Katya, an English-speaking integrative therapist based in Lisbon and Berlin, offering online therapy worldwide.
In my work, I am dedicated to facilitating healing, guiding positive change, and supporting you during your most vulnerable moments.
Growing up in a family of doctors and surrounded by five aunts, I learned to care deeply for people and developed an interest in the human experience from an early age.
In my first career as a film producer I had the opportunity to meet people from many cultures, express my creativity, and organise projects with diverse teams. The connection with people from all walks of life and the collaborative aspect of the work was what I enjoyed most about the profession.
A few years ago, I followed my inner voice and transitioned to Counselling and Psychotherapy. I now hold an Advanced Diploma from Oxbridge in the UK.
As a psychotherapist, my focus is on anxiety, depression, trauma, developmental challenges, relationships, and family dynamics. I also offer specialised therapy for expats, drawing on my own experiences of migration and cultural transitions.
I combine various approaches to create a unique and supportive therapy journey that has your own wisdom and experience at its core. My goal is to encourage your self-discovery, facilitate personal growth, and gently support your natural healing process. So you become empowered rather than dependent on therapy.
I am certified in Integrative Adult Psychotherapy and Counselling, CBT, Gestalt Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS) Treatment, and NLP, and I continue to expand my knowledge in Positive Psychology, Mindfulness, and Psychodynamic perspectives.
Fluent in English and Russian, I am committed to celebrating and valuing the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and identities of my clients. I am a member of ACCPH (UK) and hold worldwide insurance coverage.
INTEGRATIVE THERAPY
Integrative adult therapy and counselling blends different therapeutic methods to fit each client's unique needs.
It recognises that no single approach works for everyone and instead tailors techniques to the individual rather than fitting a person into one specific therapy. This approach values insights from all major schools of psychology and aims to support the whole person — emotional, behavioural, cognitive, and physical — while also considering their social and spiritual dimensions.
In my therapy practice, I tailor support using techniques from various approaches, such as:
• Humanistic therapies
• Psychoanalytical and psychodynamic therapies
• Cognitive and behavioural therapies (CBT)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
This approach promotes a healthy mind-body connection and supports clients in setting and achieving goals within their personal and external limits.
Humanistic Therapies focus on helping client achieve their fullest potential and understanding themselves better. They emphasise personal growth, self-awareness, and the belief that everyone has the ability to find their own path to fulfilment and meaningful life.
Psychoanalytical and Psychodynamic Therapies dive into client’s past, exploring how early experiences and unconscious thoughts shape their current behaviour and feelings. The goal is to uncover deep-seated issues and gain insight into their inner world.
Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (CBT) are all about identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. They focus on the present, providing practical strategies to manage and overcome challenges in daily life.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) offers a compassionate and empowering way of working with the different “parts” of oneself. It helps you build an understanding and acceptance of your inner world, fostering healing and a stronger sense of internal harmony.
CORE VALUES
I deeply believe in Person-Centred Therapy and incorporate it as the foundation of my practice. This approach is guided by its core principles—empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard. I use these principles to create a supportive and non-judgmental space where clients feel truly understood and valued. This helps build a strong, trusting relationship that is essential for personal growth and healing.
IFS THERAPY
Alongside my integrative work, I offer Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy as a certified practitioner.
IFS is a compassionate therapy approach that recognises that we all have various inner “parts” — protective, reactive, or vulnerable — that influence our emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. A simplified version of this inner system is illustrated in the film "Inside Out".
What makes IFS unique is its ability to focus on one part at a time, even when other parts interrupt — for example, a sceptical voice, a rational commentator, or a storyteller that pulls your attention away. The method gently helps these parts step back so the one that truly needs attention in the moment can be heard.
While I use an integrative approach in my general therapeutic work, some clients choose IFS specifically when they want to explore their inner dynamics and protective strategies more deeply. In this model, your core Self — calm, compassionate, and curious — leads the process and helps each part feel understood and supported.
IFS sessions are usually 75 minutes long, providing enough space for deeper connection with your inner parts.
How It Works
IFS works by connecting you with your undamaged core Self, which can guide your parts to:
- Free themselves from extreme roles and burdens, such as pain, shame, or limiting beliefs
- Restore trust in the Self
- Coordinate and harmonise with each other, so the Self can lead the internal system
When It’s Used
IFS therapy has been effective for a wide range of challenges, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety and panic
- Phobias
- Trauma
- Overall emotional well-being and functioning
By working with your parts rather than against them, IFS fosters inner harmony, self-compassion, and resilience, helping you achieve lasting change from the inside out.
Read my article about IFS Therapy →
SERVICES
Individual Therapy
I offer online individual therapy in English for adults seeking emotional support, personal growth, and deeper self-understanding. Each session is customised to your unique needs, creating a safe and confidential space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours without judgment.
Whether you're dealing with everyday stress or deeper emotional issues, my goal is to support your personal journey
towards a more fulfilling life.
Specialised Areas
I provide support in several key areas of emotional and psychological wellbeing:
• Anxiety — Learn tools to calm your mind, manage intrusive thoughts, and feel more grounded in daily life.
• Depression — Reconnect with motivation, meaning, and self-compassion.
• Trauma — Heal from painful experiences through a gentle, integrative approach, including Internal Family Systems (IFS) techniques.
• Migration & Expat Stress — Navigate cultural transitions and identity shifts whilefinding balance and belonging in a new environment.
How It Works
Integrating different therapeutic techniques, my approach is flexible and responsive to your needs.
During our sessions, I might use elements from humanistic, psychoanalytical, cognitive-behavioural, or IFS therapies.
Together, we will move through:
• Assessment: Understanding your current situation and defining your goals.
• Tailored Techniques: Applying the most effective methods for your specific needs.
• Ongoing Support: Adapting techniques as your process evolves.
• Empowerment: Equipping you with tools and insights to handle future challenges independently.
Our collaboration focuses on sustainable growth, self-awareness, and inner balance — helping you move forward with confidence and authenticity.
QUALIFICATIONS & SPECIALISED TRAINING
Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling, Oxbridge / UK
Certified Gestalt Therapy Practitioner, iGCLC
Certified NLP Practitioner, The Academy of Modern Applied Psychology
Diploma in Foundation in Counselling (Level 3 equivalent), Heartwood Counselling and Psychotherapy / UK
Course in Psychosocial Support for Migrants, The International Organization for Migration / UN
Certified CBT Practitioner, The Academy of Modern Applied Psychology
Certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS) Trauma Treatment, trained by Dr. Frank Anderson / USA
Certified Practitioner in Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) — IFS Institute (trained with senior trainer Mariel Pastor)
CONTACT
If you’d like to learn more or schedule a free 15-minute online intro call, please get in touch. This brief conversation allows me to understand your individual needs and gives you the opportunity to see whether this work feels right for you. Email: contact@katyakuhn.com When reaching out, please include your telephone number (with country code) and time zone. All inquiries are kept strictly confidential — your privacy is fully respected, and no information will ever be shared with third parties.
