1. General Information About the Practice & Dr. Julia Giesemann
Who is Dr. Julia Giesemann, and what are her qualifications?
I am a licensed psychological psychotherapist specializing in behavioral therapy. I earned my Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees and subsequently completed my training as a psychological psychotherapist at the University of Trier. While pursuing my training, I earned my Ph.D. in the Department of Clinical Psychology at the University of Trier. My research focused on the application of AI in psychotherapy research to predict treatment outcomes (About Me).
What type of therapy do you offer?
I offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults. This therapeutic approach focuses on the connections and interactions between thoughts, emotions, and behavior, with an emphasis on changes in the here and now that foster positive developments in the future. (Psychotherapy)
Is the practice a private practice, and what does that mean?
Yes, my practice is exclusively private. I treat patients with private health insurance, government-subsidized health insurance, and self-pay patients. Unfortunately, I cannot bill statutory health insurance providers directly. (Costs)
In which district of Munich is the practice located?
My practice is located in the Munich-Laim district at Schäufeleinstraße 5, 80687 Munich-Laim. The practice is easily accessible by public transportation via the S1–S6/S8 S-Bahn lines to the Hirschgarten stop, and via tram lines 18 & 19 and bus line 62 to the Lautensackstraße stop. Unfortunately, there is currently no patient parking available. (My Practice/Contact)
2. Treatment & Therapy
For which problems or conditions is cognitive behavioral therapy suitable?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most extensively studied and effective forms of therapy and is particularly well-suited for treating the following problems and conditions:
-
Depression and depressive moods
-
Anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety)
-
Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia
-
Burnout and chronic stress
-
Sleep disorders (insomnia)
-
Somatoform disorders and chronic pain
-
Self-esteem issues and perfectionism
CBT is also very helpful for life crises, recurring negative thought patterns, or if you simply feel “stuck” and want to make a change.
What does therapy with you involve?
Therapy with me always begins with an initial consultation (50 minutes). During this session, we get to know each other, you describe your concerns, and we clarify the framework for our work together.
This is followed by a brief diagnostic phase, during which we gain a deeper understanding of the issues. Together, we then develop personalized therapy goals.
The actual therapy typically takes place in weekly 50-minute sessions. If needed, double sessions (100 minutes) can also be arranged.
I work in a transparent, active, and goal-oriented manner. You will receive specific exercises and strategies that you can try out between sessions. The focus is primarily on the “here and now” and on practical changes.
How many sessions does therapy typically last?
The duration of therapy is highly individual and depends on the nature and severity of the issues as well as your personal goals.
In classic cognitive behavioral therapy, most treatments range from 25 to 50 sessions. Short-term, well-defined problems can sometimes be significantly improved with just 10–20 sessions, while more complex or long-standing issues often require more time.
We regularly review your progress together and adjust the duration of therapy flexibly.
Do you also offer online therapy or video consultations?
Yes, I offer video therapy (e.g., via Zoom).
Studies show that the effectiveness of video therapy is comparable to in-person sessions for most conditions. This is a great relief, especially for patients with demanding jobs or those who need flexible scheduling.
However, at the start of therapy, at least one in-person session will take place at the practice. After that, we can flexibly schedule sessions as either in-person or video sessions—depending on your needs and your current life situation.
What is the difference between behavioral therapy and other forms of therapy (e.g., psychoanalysis, depth psychology)?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is solution-focused and present-oriented. It primarily examines the interactions between thoughts, feelings, and behavior and actively works on making changes in the here and now.
In contrast:
-
Depth psychology therapy and psychoanalysis focus on addressing unconscious conflicts and early childhood experiences.
-
Behavioral therapy is generally shorter, more structured, and more focused on specific goals and exercises.
Many patients benefit particularly from the clear, practical, and scientifically well-supported approach of CBT.
Do you work with couples or families?
No, I do not offer couples or family therapy and currently work exclusively with individuals (adults). If necessary, I can, of course, still conduct individual sessions with family members.
How much does a psychotherapy session with you cost?
The fee for a 50-minute session is €167.58 (in accordance with the Fee Schedule for Psychotherapists – GOP, Section 801/812, 2.3 times the standard rate). The fee for the initial psychotherapy consultation is €134.07. The cost for a therapy session as part of long-term therapy (after the 24th session) is €167.58 (according to the Fee Schedule for Psychotherapists – GOP, Section 870, 3.5 times the standard rate & 801a; 2.3 times the hourly rate; 50 minutes).
Does public health insurance cover the costs?
No, public health insurance does not cover the costs directly.
Since I run a private practice that is not contracted with public health insurance, patients with public health insurance can only receive therapy as self-paying patients.
Is the treatment covered by private health insurance or government health insurance?
Yes, private health insurance and government health insurance generally cover the costs of psychotherapy.
The fee is based on the Fee Schedule for Psychotherapists (GOP). Most private insurers reimburse 2.3 times the standard rate if the treatment is medically indicated.
Important: Please clarify with your insurance provider or government health insurance office before starting therapy to determine the extent to which costs will be covered. I am happy to assist you with the necessary documentation (e.g., fee agreement, invoices).
Will the costs be covered by the workers' compensation insurance association or other insurers?
Yes, if the treatment is medically necessary, costs may be covered by:
-
Workers' compensation insurance associations (BG)
-
Accident insurance providers
-
Other insurers (e.g., the German Armed Forces, police, etc.)
Do I have to pay the bill myself and then submit it?
Yes. At the end of the month, I will issue you a detailed invoice, which you will need to pay yourself first. You can then submit the invoice to your private health insurance, government health insurance, or another payer.
Most insurers will then reimburse you directly.
3. Scheduling & Process
How can I schedule an appointment?
You can easily schedule an appointment:
-
By email
-
Or by phone (please leave a message on the answering machine; I will call you back as soon as possible)
I will usually get back to you within 1–2 business days to find a suitable appointment time.
How long is the wait for therapy?
In my private practice, wait times are generally short. Currently, you can usually get an initial appointment within 1–3 weeks (as of May 2026). In cases of acute distress, I will do my best to offer you an appointment as soon as possible.
What happens during the initial consultation?
During the initial consultation (approx. 50 minutes), we’ll get to know each other. You’ll have the opportunity to calmly describe what’s troubling you and what you hope to gain from therapy. I’ll ask specific questions to better understand your situation.
Together, we will clarify:
-
Whether psychotherapeutic treatment is appropriate
-
Which approach (e.g., behavioral therapy, schema therapy, etc.) is right for you
-
The next steps and the general framework
The conversation is confidential and serves to determine whether we have good chemistry and whether you feel comfortable with me.
Can I come without a referral?
Yes. In a private practice, you do not need a referral or a recommendation from a general practitioner or psychiatrist. You can contact me directly.
4. Practical Information
Is there parking available near the practice?
Unfortunately, there are currently no patient parking spaces available.
Depending on the time of day, you can find parking spots on Agnes-Bernauer-Straße (1 hour with a parking disc or subject to a fee) or in the Edeka underground parking garage (1 hour free), as well as in the HIT supermarket underground parking garage (€2 per hour).
How accessible is the practice by public transportation?
The practice is very well connected. My practice is located in the Munich-Laim district at Schäufeleinstraße 5, 80687 Munich-Laim. By public transit, the practice is easily accessible via S-Bahn lines S1–S6/S8 to the Hirschgarten stop, and via tram lines 18 & 19 and bus line 62 to the Lautensackstraße stop. Unfortunately, patient parking is currently not available.
Do I need to bring anything to my first appointment?
Since I run a private practice, you do not need a health insurance card or a referral.
Please bring the following if applicable:
-
A list of your current medications
-
Any existing medical reports, doctor’s letters, or psychological test results (if available)
-
Your personal contact information
We’ll discuss everything else in a relaxed conversation.
What are the rules regarding data protection and confidentiality?
As a licensed psychotherapist, I am strictly bound by legal confidentiality requirements (§ 203 StGB). Everything you share with me remains strictly confidential and will not be disclosed to third parties—not even to family members, employers, or insurance companies.
Your data will, of course, be securely stored and processed in accordance with the current provisions of the GDPR.