Dr. Katja Aegerter (PhD)

Psychological Counselling Practice

My Work

At times, life feels like a mountain that seems impossible to climb. The path is steep, the view is limited—and in the midst of all the effort, not only does the summit disappear, but so does the beauty all around. That’s exactly where I come in: I’ll guide you with an outside perspective—and help you see again what you can’t see on your own right now.

 

Change is a part of life—but it can also feel overwhelming. Moving to a new country. Children leaving home. Menopause. A separation from a lifelong partner - or even just the thoughts thereof. A phase of life that no longer feels right. Moments when you feel: I need someone here who will listen and think things through with me.

 

I offer psychological counseling in a safe, supportive environment. No one-size-fits-all advice—just guidance tailored to you and your life.

My counselling is primarily aimed at individuals who are going through a challenging phase of life or a period of transition and who:

 

  • want to better understand their own patterns
  • want to develop constructive ways of dealing with difficult emotions
  • seek professional support in stressful situations

  • are looking for clarity - about themselves, their values, and their next step.

 

You don’t need to have a diagnosis. You don’t have to be “sick” either. It’s enough if you feel that you could use some support right now...

My work is values-based and preventive. As a trained ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) practitioner, I use approaches that help you resist life less—and move more toward what truly matters to you.

 

I offer counseling in German, Swiss German, and English—at my practice in Bern or, if necessary, online.

Before you book a session, feel free to get to know me during a short, free phone call. Just send me a WhatsApp message or give me a call—I’ll get back to you.

When do people seek my support?

I’ve noticed that I don’t want to continue living like this.

 

Not every difficult phase begins with an obvious crisis.

Often it starts with a quieter feeling:

  • that something no longer feels right

  • that everyday life is becoming increasingly exhausting

  • that there is a growing emotional distance from oneself

  • or that one has somehow become disconnected within their own life

 

Many people continue functioning very well from the outside during these periods. They keep working, caring for others, and meeting responsibilities — sometimes even more intensely than before. And precisely because of that, their own needs often remain unnoticed for a long time.

 

Instead of slowing down, more pressure usually follows:

  • “I should just manage myself better.”
  • “Other people seem to cope.”
  • “I shouldn’t be struggling with this.”

 

Many people then try to:

  • push uncomfortable emotions away
  • distract themselves
  • become even more productive
  • or fight against their exhaustion internally

 

In the short term, this may appear to work. But over time, it often creates even more distance from one’s own needs, boundaries, and values.

 

How we might work together

The ACT approach i am using in my work is not about feeling good all the time. Instead, it helps people develop a different relationship with inner pressure, self-criticism, and difficult emotions.

 

Together, we might explore:

  • Which inner rules or expectations are shaping daily life?

  • Which thoughts create the most pressure?

  • Which emotions are rarely allowed space?

  • And what would a life that feels more aligned actually look like?

 

An important part we may work on together involves stepping out of automatic patterns.

This may include:

  • noticing difficult thoughts without automatically believing or obeying them
  • allowing uncomfortable emotions to exist without constantly fighting them
  • reconnecting with what truly matters
  • and gradually making decisions that are more strongly guided by personal values

 

The goal is not perfection or constant self-optimization. Rather, it is about rebuilding a stronger connection with oneself — even in the presence of stress, uncertainty, or difficult emotions. Many people experience not only relief through this process, but also a renewed sense of agency and direction in their lives.

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