Online Counselling

From home or wherever you are. For individuals, couples and families. Specialised in international and cross-cultural life.

I currently have a few openings. If you think we might be a good fit, you’re welcome to get in touch.

Everything you need to know about
my online counselling services.

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Dr Sonia Jaeger sitting at a table and smiling at the camera

My Clients

 

My clients are people like you and me, navigating the complexities of everyday life, often with a specific issue they can’t seem to solve or figure out on their own. Some of the most common issues my clients struggle with are:

  • Relationship & family conflicts
  • Self-esteem struggles
  • Stress & burnout
  • Issues relating to expat/cross-cultural life, from identity questions to relationship issues and the famous “should I stay or should go” question.

Many of the people I work with don’t quite fit into conventional boxes. They might live abroad, in-between cultures or languages, identify as LGBTQIA+, or simply be questioning what they want out of life. Whether they’re looking for clarity, stability, or just a space to think aloud, my role is to support them with empathy, honesty and a grounded therapeutic approach.

While some of my clients only come for a few sessions (usually 5-10), others are looking for longer-term support in difficult times or just a safe space to think aloud, question themselves and get to know themselves better. Some of my clients have been working with me for multiple years, and others come back every so often when a new (or often similar) issue arises. 

In addition to individual sessions, I also offer sessions for couples, friends, business partners, or adult family members.

 

 

My Approach 

 

My online counselling services are solution-focused and strengths-based.

After completing my studies in psychology, I trained as a psychotherapist in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). I received further training in other counselling methods and love using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in my online counselling sessions.

My clients are free to book their sessions whenever it best fits them and their schedules. We usually start with weekly sessions, but overall, many of my clients talk to me 1-2 times per month, while some come 1-2 times per week. I try my best to adapt to my clients’ scheduling needs, and as I travel quite a bit myself, my clients will also need to adjust to my changing time zones every once in a while. 

All sessions take place via video calls.

New clients  – Intake session

If counselling with me feels like a good fit, you’re welcome to get in touch to explore next steps.

After your intake session

 Couples and Family Counselling

If counselling with me feels like a good fit, you’re welcome to get in touch to explore next steps.

Blog

FAQ

Answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Is online counselling suitable for me?

Online counselling can be a good fit if you’re looking for reflective, structured support around specific topics or life situations, and are able to engage actively in the process.

Many people I work with are generally functioning well in their daily lives, but want support with patterns, decisions, transitions, or ongoing challenges. Sessions don’t have to take place weekly and can be adapted to your needs and circumstances.

Online counselling is not suitable in situations of acute crisis or severe mental health conditions requiring intensive or local support.

Psychotherapy – online counselling – coaching: what's the difference?

To simplify, psychotherapy is usually used when a mental health diagnosis is present, such as depression, anxiety, or similar conditions.

Coaching is generally focused on a specific topic over a defined period of time.

Online counselling sessions are often personalised and flexible, and can also take place over a longer period.

The boundaries between these approaches are fluid, and many methods and exercises can work across different formats.

If you are unsure which format is best for your situation, please get in touch!

In which language is the counselling conducted?

This question is particularly relevant for people living abroad or with international backgrounds. I generally offer consultations in German, French, and English.

While it may initially be easier to speak in the everyday language, it can be helpful to discuss difficult topics or emotions in the language of your childhood or early life. It’s not uncommon for us to communicate in writing in English, but then switch to German or French during the sessions. We can also alternate languages within a single session or explore together which works best for you.

What is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive behavioural therapy focuses on thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes. Many CBT methods are also used in counselling and coaching.

We explore together which thought and behaviour patterns are contributing to your current challenges. These are often automatic reactions or habits that repeatedly appear in certain situations. While these patterns may have been helpful in the past, they can sometimes create obstacles to living a fulfilling life.

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a method used in psychotherapy as well as in counselling and coaching, and it is part of the so-called “third wave” of behavioural therapy.

ACT emphasizes acceptance and mindfulness, but also practical action and change. The goal of ACT is to increase psychological flexibility so that you can act according to your values in a constantly changing internal and external world, and lead a personally meaningful and fulfilling life.

How long are the counselling sessions?

The intake session lasts 90 minutes. This allows us enough time to get to know each other and for me to gain a good understanding of your situation and needs.

Follow-up sessions usually last 50 minutes for individuals and 90 minutes for couples or family sessions. In some cases, individual follow-up sessions can also last 90 minutes, but in my experience, 50 minutes is an appropriate duration for most people.

How often should sessions take place?

During the first few weeks, a weekly schedule is usually recommended to get started and settle into the process. Later on, sessions every two to three weeks are often more suitable, allowing enough time between meetings to apply what we discussed in your daily life.

How far in advance can/should I book sessions?

My booking calendar is generally set up so that sessions can be booked from 48 hours up to 90 days in advance. Because my availability depends on my travel schedule and time zones, the calendar may not always be open as far in advance.

In some cases, sessions can also be scheduled on shorter notice. Details can be found in the online counselling contract, or you can contact me directly.

Will I receive a reminder for my appointment?

Once you have booked your online counselling session (or I have entered it into the system for you), you will receive a confirmation email containing the meeting link and the option to add the appointment to your calendar. This is especially useful if you also frequently travel across different time zones.

The system then automatically sends additional reminders 72 hours (three days) and one hour before the consultation.

How do the session packages work?

I offer two different packages: one with 4 counselling sessions (10% discount) and one with 10 sessions (20% discount).

In both cases, you first purchase the package and then receive a code that can be used to book the individual sessions. The code is valid for 6 months from the date of purchase. For longer-term support or repeated purchases of packages, it is possible to extend the validity period. Please feel free to contact me directly about this.

I can’t afford it – what can I do?

It’s true that my rates are higher than those of many other therapists, especially those just starting their careers.

In some cases, sessions may be tax-deductible or reimbursed by certain (international) insurance providers, so it’s worth checking.

In addition, I reserve three places for people who cannot afford my regular rates but for whom I am the most suitable support person.

Please get in touch if you would like to learn more.

Does my insurance cover the cost?

It depends. I generally work only with clients paying for sessions themselves. However, some international insurance providers, particularly for expats and digital nomads, may reimburse sessions with me. It is worth checking your policy or contacting your insurance directly.

Is online counselling tax-deductible?

Depending on where you pay taxes and the format/content of the sessions, they are often tax-deductible. Feel free to discuss this with me, and we can check whether it applies in your situation. It may also be helpful to consult your tax advisor.

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Dankeschön!