Andrea Berger

Andrea Berger

I am a child and adolescent psychotherapist, supervisor, lecturer, and EMDR trainer (EMDR Europe).

For over 30 years, I have been supporting children, adolescents, and their families.

Trauma-sensitive. Resource-oriented. Professionally grounded.

Alongside my therapeutic work, I share trauma-pedagogical and therapeutic knowledge through training courses and international non-profit projects — fostering understanding and healing across cultural boundaries.

Professional Background

My professional path brings together perspectives from social work, medicine, law, and psychotherapy. Over many years, a clear focus has emerged: the sensitive support of traumatised or burdened children, adolescents, and their families.

What interests me is people’s inner strength in dealing with difficult experiences. Which internal and external resources help them regain a sense of safety and allow development to unfold? In my work, I approach children and adolescents with respect for the coping strategies they have already developed. Growth requires understanding, relationship, a protected framework, and professional competence.

This attitude shapes my therapeutic practice as much as my work in continuing education, supervision, and international projects.

Education

  • State licensure (Approbation) 2011
  • Training as a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), AFKV Gelsenkirchen (2007–2011)
  • Training as a Procedural Guardian (Verfahrenspflegerin), Fachhochschule Münster (2004–2006)
  • Diploma in Social Work, Fachhochschule Münster (1996–1999)
  • Pre-clinical studies in Medicine, RWTH Aachen (1993–1995)

Certified Additional Qualifications

  • EMDR C&A Trainer (EMDR Europe)
  • Supervisor (CBT/EMDR)
  • Specialist Psychotraumatology for Children and Adolescents (DeGPT)
  • Ego State Therapy (EST-DE)
  • Hypnotherapy
  • Integrative Attachment-Based Trauma Therapy (I.B.T.)
  • Trauma-Focused Psycho-Social Support+ (TPSS+)
  • Group Therapy

Professional Experience

  • Since 2017: Head of the outpatient clinic (Institutsambulanz) at AFKV in Herten.
  • Since 2013: Co-director of a group psychotherapy practice in Herten and Marl.
  • 2011–2013: Psychotherapist in a private practice in Werne.
  • 2007–2011: Self-employed procedural guardian (“advocate for the child”) at district and regional courts.
  • 1998–2007: Staff member at the Department of Social Services, City of Dülmen.

Teaching, Supervision, and Continuing Education

  • Since 2026: EMDR C&A Trainer (EMDR Europe)
  • Since 2020: Personal development group facilitator in the training of psychotherapists at AFKV Gelsenkirchen.
  • Since 2020: Supervisor (CBT) and supervisor for EMDR and trauma therapy.
  • Since 2018: Director of the advanced training programme “Specialist Psychotraumatology for Children and Adolescents” (DeGPT).
  • Since 2015: Lecturer in the training and continuing education of child and adolescent psychotherapists.

International and Non-Profit Work

  • Since 2015: Member and active participant in Trauma Aid Germany – Humanitarian Assistance e.V., including international humanitarian missions.
  • 1997–1998: Six-month humanitarian placement working with street children in Bolivia (Ciudad del Niño Jesús).
  • 1992–1997: Volunteer carer and later group leader for holiday programmes for children from socially disadvantaged families.