Getting Started

How do I know if counselling is right for me?+

You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling. Many people come to us feeling stuck, stressed, or simply wanting a safe space to reflect and gain perspective. Whether you're navigating a life change, managing difficult emotions, or looking for personal growth — counselling can help. If you're unsure, a discovery call is a great first step to explore what might work for you.

What happens in the first session?+

Your first session is about getting to know each other. We'll explore what brings you here, your goals, and what you'd like to get out of our work together. There's no pressure to share more than you're comfortable with — the pace is always yours. By the end, you'll have a clear sense of the approach we'll take and what to expect going forward. Book your first session.

Do I need a diagnosis to start working with you?+

Not at all. Many of our clients come without any prior diagnosis — they simply want support with everyday challenges, transitions, or personal development. We're here to help you move forward, regardless of whether you have a clinical diagnosis. Try our free Pathfinder to discover which service fits you best.

I've never been to counselling before. Is that okay?+

Absolutely. A large number of our clients are coming to counselling for the first time, and it's completely normal to feel a mix of curiosity and nervousness. We'll guide you through the process and make sure you feel comfortable at every step. Start with a free discovery call — no commitment required.

Our Services

What is the difference between counselling and coaching at Overlook?+

Counselling focuses on emotional wellbeing — processing experiences, managing challenges like stress, anxiety, or relationship difficulties, and building resilience. Coaching is more future-oriented: it's about setting goals, building motivation, and creating actionable plans for personal or career development. Both are valuable, and we can help you determine which approach best fits your needs. Our free Pathfinder can also help you explore this.

What issues do you work with?+

We work with a wide range of concerns including stress and burnout, anxiety, low mood, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship difficulties, career direction, confidence, and personal growth. On the business side, we support leadership development, team dynamics, and workplace wellbeing. If you're unsure whether we can help with your specific situation, get in touch — we're happy to discuss it.

What is a neurocognitive assessment?+

Our neurocognitive assessment explores how your mind works — attention, memory, processing speed, executive functioning, and more. It includes an initial consultation, two structured assessment sessions, a detailed feedback session, and a written report with personalised recommendations. It's suitable for children, teenagers, and adults, and is available in English and Portuguese.

What therapeutic approaches do you use?+

We draw on evidence-based approaches including cognitive-behavioural methods, person-centred therapy, and integrative techniques. Our work is always tailored to you — we don't follow a one-size-fits-all model. Sessions are structured, collaborative, and goal-oriented, while remaining flexible enough to address what matters most to you. Learn more about our approach.

How does Overlook use technology in sessions?+

We use clinical analysis tools that help your practitioner identify patterns and track progress across sessions. These tools analyse aspects like speech patterns and emotional expression to surface insights that complement your practitioner's expertise. All technology is optional, consent-based, and designed to enhance — never replace — the human relationship at the heart of your care. Learn more about our approach.

How do you measure my progress?+

We use validated psychological assessments at key points in your journey to create an objective picture of your wellbeing. Combined with your practitioner's clinical observations and session analysis tools, this gives both you and your practitioner a clear view of how things are evolving. You'll never have to wonder whether it's working — the data speaks alongside your experience. Try our free Wellbeing Tests to see where you stand today.

Sessions & Logistics

Do you offer online sessions?+

Yes. We offer both in-person sessions at our Hamburg office and online sessions via secure video call. Online sessions follow the same structure and quality as in-person meetings, and research consistently shows equivalent outcomes for most concerns. You can also switch between online and in-person as needed. Book a session.

How long is each session, and how many will I need?+

Counselling and coaching sessions are 50 minutes, and business consulting sessions are 90 minutes. The number of sessions depends on your goals — some people benefit from 4–6 focused sessions, while others prefer longer-term support. We'll discuss this together during your first session and adjust as we go. There's no minimum commitment. See our pricing and packages.

What language are sessions conducted in?+

All our sessions — counselling, coaching, business consulting, and neurocognitive assessments — are available in both English and Portuguese. This makes our services especially well-suited for international professionals and expatriates in Hamburg.

What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?+

We ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice may be charged in full. We understand that life is unpredictable, and we'll always do our best to accommodate changes when possible.

What are your opening hours?+

We're available Monday to Friday. In-person sessions in Hamburg are offered between 11:00 and 20:00 CET, and online sessions are available between 11:00 and 23:00 CET — giving you flexibility if you're in a different time zone or prefer evening sessions. Check available slots.

Fees & Payment

How much do sessions cost?+

Individual counselling and coaching sessions start at €120 per 50-minute session. Business consulting starts at €200 per 90-minute session. We also offer packages with savings of up to 15%. View detailed pricing for all services.

Do you accept health insurance?+

No — we are a private-pay practice. We do not accept or bill any insurance directly, including statutory (GKV) and private (PKV) health insurance. Our pricing is transparent, with session packages available at reduced rates. You will receive a detailed invoice for each session.

What payment methods do you accept?+

We accept credit and debit cards as well as SEPA Direct Debit. Payment is processed securely at the time of booking. For packages, the full amount is charged upfront.

What is a discovery call?+

A discovery call is a brief 30-minute online conversation where we get to know each other and discuss what brings you here. It's a no-pressure way to see if we're the right fit before committing to a full session. Book a free discovery call.

Privacy & Confidentiality

Is everything I share confidential?+

Yes. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our practice. Everything discussed in sessions remains strictly private. The only exceptions are those required by German law — for example, in situations involving imminent danger to life. We adhere fully to GDPR (DSGVO) data protection standards and will explain our confidentiality policy in detail during your first session. Read our Privacy Policy.

Will my employer or anyone else know I'm seeing you?+

No. We will never share information about your sessions with your employer, colleagues, or anyone else without your explicit written consent. Your privacy is protected both by our professional duty of confidentiality and by German data protection law.

Are online sessions secure?+

Yes. Our online sessions use end-to-end encrypted video connections. All data is stored in the EU with strict access controls, and we do not use third-party analytics or tracking tools. Your data is protected in accordance with the GDPR (DSGVO). Read our Privacy Policy.

International Clients

Do you work with expats and international professionals?+

Yes — it's a core focus. Our practitioners have lived and worked across Sweden, Finland, Germany, and Luxembourg. We understand the unique challenges of building a life in a new country, from cultural adjustment to navigating healthcare systems in a foreign language. Meet our team.

Can I have sessions in my own language?+

We offer all sessions in both English and Portuguese. Our practitioners are fluent in both languages, and sessions are designed for English- and Portuguese-speaking clients, including non-native speakers.

Do you accept insurance?+

No — we are a private-pay practice and do not accept or bill insurance directly (neither GKV nor PKV). Our pricing is transparent, and we offer session packages at reduced rates. You will receive a detailed invoice for each session.

Can I continue sessions if I relocate from Hamburg?+

Absolutely. We offer secure online video sessions that work from anywhere in the world. Many of our clients continue their work with us after relocating to other cities or countries. Book an online session.

Do you understand third-culture and cross-cultural challenges?+

Our team has direct personal and clinical experience with cross-cultural transitions. We work with third-culture kids, multicultural families, and professionals navigating identity across borders. This isn't just professional knowledge — it's lived experience. Learn more about us.

Free Tools

What is the Pathfinder?+

The Pathfinder is a free, 2-minute interactive questionnaire that helps you discover which of our services might be the best fit for your situation — whether that's counselling, coaching, or business consulting. It's completely anonymous and your responses are processed in your browser only. No data is stored on our servers. Try it now.

What are the Wellbeing Tests?+

The Wellbeing Tests are free, scientifically validated self-assessments that measure your wellbeing across seven dimensions, including mood, anxiety, stress, and life satisfaction. You'll receive a personalised visual profile with your results. They're informational — not a clinical diagnosis — but can be a helpful starting point for understanding where you are and what kind of support might be useful. Take a test now.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you need clarity, support, or a fresh perspective — we are here to help.

Book an Appointment