"My work is based on scientifically sound methods of systemic consulting – combined with a deep respect for the diversity of human relationship experiences."
Couple therapists Doris & Bernd Nickel
– Your guides for relationship issues
Welcome! On this About Us page, you can learn more about us, our approach, and our methods in couples therapy. We are couples therapists and, as Doris & Bernd Nickel, we support couples with systemic couples therapy – online or in person. As guides for relationship issues, we are happy to support you if you are seeking greater clarity, connection, and new steps forward. In our couples counseling, we bring 15 years of experience and over 8.000 sessions from our practical work.
Competence meets life experience
We are a certified, systemic couples counseling team with life experience and many years of practical experience. Our services are aimed at people who want to reflect on their relationship style, overcome challenges, or seek psychological support – regardless of how they love.
We support you online or in person to improve your communication, build understanding, and experience greater connection. Learn more about our approach and book your initial consultation with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Why you can trust us
Our work is based on scientifically sound methods, many years of experience and a deep commitment to your satisfaction.
📚 Experience
- 15+ years of consulting experience
- 70+ years of life experience as a couple
- Thousands of successful consulting hours
- Authentic perspectives from one's own partnership
🎓 Expertise
- Certified systemic therapists
- Education at the Catholic University of Mainz
- Systemic Institute Heidelberg (SI-HD)
- IGST Heidelberg (Sex Therapy)
- Members of DGSF & VFP
⭐ Expert authority
- Professional publications & blog articles
- Operator of experienced-couple-counseling.de
- Nationwide inquiries
- Continuous professional development
- Recognized experts in the field
🤝 Trust
- 100% satisfaction guarantee for the initial consultation
- Absolute discretion
- Clear ethical stance
- No hidden obligations
- Numerous positive customer reviews
Get to know us
Bernd Nickel (German)
Certified systemic couples therapist and sex therapist
Qualifications:
- Systemic consultant and coach (Catholic University of Mainz)
- Couple therapist (SI-HD, Heidelberg)
- Systemic sex therapist (IGST Heidelberg)
memberships:
- DGSF - German Society for Systemic Therapy
- VFP - Association of Independent Psychotherapists
Doris Nickel (German & English)
Certified systemic couple therapist
Qualifications:
- Couple therapist (SI-HD, Heidelberg)
- Experiences with counseling couples (Michael Mary, Hamburg)
- Systemic Counseling
Focus:
- Systemic couple therapy
- Communication patterns in relationships
- Solution-oriented consulting
"With empathy and practical experience, I accompany couples on their journey to a more fulfilling relationship."
The counselor couple concept: Unique in couple therapy
Why a counseling couple instead of a single therapist?
Bernd and Doris Nickel are not only a couple in life, but also a professional team in couples counseling. This constellation offers unique advantages:
Reflecting Team
One leads, the other observes and reflects
Multiple perspectives
Two professional perspectives on your situation
Model effect
Authentic example of a functioning partnership
balance
Neutral balance through male and female perspectives
Our Philosophy & Working Method
Heidelberg School – PD Dr. Arnold Retzer
Systemic couple therapy according to Arnold Retzer is an important approach in couple and family therapy. It does not view the couple in isolation, but rather within the context of their relationships and interactions.
Key aspects:
- Focus on communication patterns between partners
- Identifying and changing dysfunctional interactions
- Examining love myths
- Promoting realistic relationship expectations
Consulting Experience – Michael Mary
Michael Mary's approach of "Experiential Counseling" is characterized by a particularly practical and individual approach.
Basic principles:
- Couples find their own solutions.
- Consultants as observers and companions
- Respect for the individuality of each relationship
- Promoting self-regulation in relationships
- Focus on the resonance within the relationship
Our solution-oriented approach
We combine both schools of thought into an individual, solution-oriented approach. In just a few sessions spaced further apart, you can test new insights in your everyday life. Personal initiative is the focus – You develop your own solutions, we support you in doing so.
Why choose us?
In-person & Online
Available worldwide
German English
Both languages fluently
Flexible appointments
Also in the evenings & on Saturdays
Fair prices
No surcharges for late appointments
Short term
Fast appointment scheduling
Intensive processes
For in-depth work
Your contact to us
Your contact person: Cindy Molkenthin
Cindy Molkenthin is the organizational backbone of our practice. She answers your questions about appointments, fees, and our services quickly and competently.
Grünstadt/Carlsberg
Rheinland-Pfalz
Ready to take the first step?
Schedule your free initial consultation now – with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.