Before the first step
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find answers to the questions I am asked most often before working together: about the difference between coaching and psychotherapy, how I work, confidentiality and the process.
The work
How we work together
What is the difference between coaching and psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy treats mental illness. Coaching is for people who are essentially stable and want to change something essential in their life or work. I am a psychologist and bring the depth of my training into the work, but I work exclusively as a coach.
If you are in an acute crisis or an illness needs treatment, psychotherapy is the right path. If you are currently in psychotherapy, we begin coaching once it has ended.
What happens in a session, and what does body-oriented mean?
We start with what is on your mind right now. Alongside conversation, we work with perception, breath, posture and movement. This way you do not only understand what is going on, you experience how it can feel different.
Body-oriented means: we include what you perceive in your body, such as tension, tightness or spaciousness. All exercises are voluntary, and there is no physical contact. Each session ends with a small practice for the time until the next appointment.
How long does coaching last, and how often do we meet?
I work in two packages: over three months with eight sessions or over six months with eighteen sessions. At first we meet weekly, then every two weeks. A session lasts about 60 minutes. An extension to one year is possible.
My company pays for the coaching. What does it learn?
Only the organizational details: when the coaching starts and ends and how many sessions have taken place. What we discuss stays between us. The company learns anything further only with your explicit consent.
At the beginning and at the end, a three-way conversation can take place if you wish. It is optional and included in the fee.
How confidential is the coaching?
I treat everything you entrust to me confidentially, also after the coaching has ended. I record sessions only with your explicit consent, and you decide whether and how a recording is used. Before we begin, you receive a data protection notice that explains exactly how I handle your data.
Practical matters
Appointments and setting
What happens after the initial call?
The initial call is free and without obligation. If we both have the impression that it is a good fit, you will receive an email on the same day with the suitable package and the fee, the coaching agreement and the data protection documents for digital signature. Then the invoice follows, in installments if you wish, and we schedule the first sessions.
Do we meet in Potsdam or by video call?
Both are possible: in my practice in Potsdam or by video call. You can also combine both. The initial call always takes place by video call.
What applies if I need to cancel an appointment?
You can cancel or reschedule free of charge up to seven working days before the appointment. I need this notice to be able to offer the slot to someone else. If you cancel later, the session counts as having taken place. If you fall ill, we will find a solution and reschedule.
Your question is not listed?
Ask me directly
Write to me at contact (at) drchristopherschwake.com or clarify your question in the free initial call. There you will also experience right away how I work.