Part IV: Who Remains When the Business Card Disappears?

A few days ago, I decided it was time to tidy up. Not half-heartedly. Properly. Cupboard by cupboard. Drawer by drawer. I’ve always believed that when you tidy your home, you’re often tidying something inside yourself as well. You sort things out. Memories. Ballast. Perhaps even a small part of who you used to be. My […]

Part III: Words Can Hurt.

My dog looks at me. Then he tilts his head. I’ve been talking to myself for what feels like ages. About words. Grammar. Language. He doesn’t understand a single thing I’m saying. Or perhaps he understands exactly what matters. My voice. My mood. The fact that I’m thinking. Then he yawns. I take that as a […]

Part II: Silence Would Be Easier.

A few mornings ago, I was out walking my dog, as I do every day, just after five. Lake Zurich lay almost perfectly still. The first light of dawn had caught a few wisps of cloud. A gentle breeze moved across the water. Such peace. Such silence. For a brief moment, it felt as if the […]

Part I: Hello. I’m No Longer Eligible for Unemployment Benefits.

1 July 2026. 5:00 a.m. The alarm goes off. “Good morning. You are no longer eligible for unemployment benefits. Congratulations.” Or at least that’s how I imagined it. I honestly expected the sky to split open dramatically on my first day of being “ausgesteuert.” Dark storm clouds. Thunder. A booming voice worthy of Philip Maloney announcing […]

The Power of Gratitude – The Taxi Ride That Changed Everything

A few years ago, I was traveling on business and found myself in Frankfurt. As I left the airport, I climbed into a taxi. The driver was warm, friendly, and easy to talk to, and within minutes we were engaged in conversation. At one point he turned to me and said, “May I tell you a […]

The Power of Gratitude – Part 3: The Most Effective Gratitude Practice You’ve Never Heard Of

When most people think of a gratitude practice, they imagine a journal. Every evening they write down three things they are grateful for. While this can certainly be beneficial, neuroscience suggests that an even more powerful approach exists. The secret lies in stories. Human beings are storytelling creatures. Long before books, podcasts, or social media, stories […]

The Power of Gratitude – Part 2: What Gratitude Does to Our Nervous System

Imagine that a single emotion could influence your thoughts, your relationships, your stress levels, your immune system, and even the way your brain responds to future challenges. That emotion is gratitude. Scientists have spent decades studying what happens inside the brain when people experience genuine gratitude. What they have discovered is both fascinating and encouraging. Gratitude […]

The Power of Gratitude – Part 1: Why Gratitude Is More Powerful Than We Think

Most people think of gratitude as good manners. Saying thank you. Counting blessings. Taking a moment to appreciate what we have. But what if gratitude is far more than a pleasant habit? What if it is one of the most powerful tools available for improving mental well-being, strengthening relationships, increasing resilience, and even influencing physical health? […]

Opening Offer: 10% Discount on Mental Health Coaching

With the opening of my new practice space, Headmatters is entering a new chapter. A space has been created that offers room for what often gets lost in everyday life: pausing, gaining clarity, developing new perspectives, and intentionally building inner mental strength. To mark this opening, I would like to consciously accompany this step and make […]

Mental Spring Cleaning – Part 8: Your Personal Mental Reset

You’ve explored where your patterns come from. You’ve begun to recognize how they show up—and why they tend to stay. You’ve discovered first tools to gently shift them. Now it’s about bringing all of this together. Not as a large-scale project. But as something that fits you—quietly, naturally—into your everyday life. Because a mental spring cleaning […]

Mental Spring Cleaning – Part 7: Understanding Setbacks—and Using Them

You’ve cleared space. Sorted things out. Made conscious changes. And then—unexpectedly—it happens again: You react the way you used to. You say “yes” when you mean “no.” You find yourself in familiar thoughts, familiar emotions, familiar patterns. And almost instantly, the thought appears: “I’m back at the beginning.” Here is the honest—and essential—truth: You’re not. Setbacks […]

Mental Spring Cleaning – Part 6: Establishing New Ways of Thinking and Acting

You’ve started to recognize your old patterns. You’ve questioned some of them—and perhaps even experimented with doing things differently. Now comes the decisive part: How does the new actually stay—rather than fading after a short time? Because this is where many people get stuck. Not in understanding. Not in intention. But in making change sustainable. Or, […]

Mental Spring Cleaning – Part 5: Changing Old Patterns—Consciously

By now, you understand where your patterns come from, how they show up—and why “just letting go” is rarely effective. Now the focus shifts. From insight to application. The central question becomes:  How do you change something that has been reinforced over years? The answer is less dramatic than many would hope: Not through a radical […]

Mental Spring Cleaning – Part 4: Why “Just Letting Go” Doesn’t Work

“You just have to let it go. It’s a well-intentioned phrase—and often a frustrating one. Because if it were that simple, you likely would have done it already. The reality is more nuanced: Old patterns don’t disappear simply because you decide they should. They can’t be discarded like an old T-shirt you no longer wear. They […]

Mental Spring Cleaning – Part 3: How to Recognize Your Own Patterns

By now, you have a sense of the kinds of “mental clutter” that tend to accumulate over time. The next step is where things become more personal—and often, where the first real moment of clarity emerges: Which of these patterns are actually yours? Because as clear as they may seem while reading, in everyday life they […]

Mental Spring Cleaning – Part 2: The Most Common Mental Clutter

After taking a first look at your “inner space” in Part 1, we now move a little closer: What is actually still there—and what might quietly be ready to leave? Some mental patterns are easy to recognize. Others are far more subtle. They tend to disguise themselves as a sense of responsibility, kindness, or high personal […]

Mental Spring Cleaning – Part 1: Why We Hold On to Old Patterns

Mental Spring Cleaning – Part 1: Why We Hold On to Old Patterns Let’s be honest: when was the last time you cleared out not just your home—but your mind? We clean our windows, declutter our closets, and let go of things we no longer need. But our inner patterns? They tend to stay. Even when […]

My new practice space is now open

Change also begins in my own mind. With great joy, I am pleased to introduce my new practice space to you. A place that reflects exactly what my work stands for: clarity, calm, and a sense of safety and trust. The room is lovingly designed, filled with natural light, and located in a quiet setting. It […]

Celebrating Achievement: My Journey through the MSc in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health at King’s College London

It was a great honour for me to participate at last week’s graduation ceremony for my Master’s degree in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health from King’s College London. This programme is part of the esteemed Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), renowned as the largest center for postgraduate education in its field in Europe. […]

What is serotonin? And why is it important for the brain to be supplied with enough serotonin?

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger in the brain that helps to relay signals between nerve cells. It is often referred to as the “happy hormone,” although its functions are more complex than solely regulating happiness. Serotonin plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including mood regulation, sleep, appetite, memory, learning, sexuality, and social […]

First aid for people with mental health problems

I am very pleased to announce that I have been awarded the “ensa First Aid Focus Adult” certificate! On behalf of the Pro Mente Sana Foundation, ensa awarded me this certificate after I completed the course in full and successfully passed the exam. As an ensa first aider, I am able to provide first aid to […]

How can mental coaching support people in their job search?

Mental coaching can support people in their job search in several ways: Stress Management: Job searching can be stressful, especially if it lasts for an extended period. Mental coaching can teach stress management techniques to reduce anxiety and worries, helping individuals maintain a clear mind. Building Confidence: The job application process can sometimes undermine confidence. Mental coaching helps […]

Why is crucial for the elderly to maintain their mental health?

As we journey through life, one of the most cherished phases is often our golden years, where the wisdom of age is accompanied by a wealth of experiences. However, for many elderly individuals, this period can also bring unique challenges, particularly concerning mental health. Maintaining mental well-being is crucial for the elderly, yet it is often […]

Receiving the degree of Master of Science in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health, I conclude an incredible voyage 

My journey through the MSc Programme has been marked by ‘blood, sweat, and tears.’ Three years of tireless commitment and a relentless willingness to invest as much time and energy as possible next to a family and a full-time job as a communications professional now draw to a close. Looking back to an extensive professional background […]

On International Women’s Day: Let us continue advocating for the mental health needs of girls and women in Switzerland!

In Switzerland, as in many countries, women’s mental health is influenced by a variety of social, economic, and cultural factors unique to the region. While Switzerland boasts high standards of living and a robust healthcare system, women still face challenges that impact their mental well-being. One prominent issue is the persistent gender gap in the workforce. […]

When it comes to the brain, there are differences between a man’s and a woman’s. How is this relevant for mental health?

Differences between the brains of men and women have been a subject of scientific inquiry for many years. While there are some structural and functional differences, it’s essential to understand that the brain is highly complex, and individual variation within genders is significant. However, these general differences can have implications for mental health in several ways: […]

How can deep breathing exercises support mental health?

Deep breathing exercises are important for mental health for several reasons: Stress Reduction: Deep breathing activates the body’s relaxation response, which helps reduce stress levels. When you’re stressed, your body goes into a state of “fight or flight” where your sympathetic nervous system is activated. Deep breathing helps counteract this response by activating the parasympathetic nervous […]

How does mental coaching work? What are the techniques to change thoughts, emotions, and behaviour?

Mental coaching, also known as cognitive coaching or psychological coaching, is a process that helps individuals enhance their mental skills, performance, and well-being. Mental coaching draws from various psychological theories and techniques to help individuals change their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to achieve their goals and improve their overall mental health and performance. Here […]

Don’t believe everything you think – What are negative thinking patters, where do they come from, why can they be in our way, and how can mental coaching help?

Negative thinking patterns refer to habitual ways of interpreting and reacting to situations that tend to focus on the negative aspects rather than the positive ones. These patterns can manifest in various forms such as pessimism, catastrophizing, overgeneralization, personalization, and black-and-white thinking, among others. Negative thinking patterns can stem from various sources including past experiences, upbringing, […]

How does anxiety work and how can mental coaching help?

Anxiety is a complex neurological process involving the intricate interplay of various brain regions. Essentially, the anxiety response is an evolutionary mechanism that enables living organisms to react to potentially threatening situations and protect themselves. From a neurological perspective, the anxiety response involves several key brain regions, including: Amygdala: The amygdala is a core structure in the […]

How does pain work from a neurological perspective and how can mental coaching help to manage pain?

Pain is a multifaceted phenomenon that involves complex interactions between physiological, psychological, and emotional processes. Understanding pain from a neurological perspective provides insights into how it’s processed and perceived by the brain, while mental coaching offers strategies to manage pain more effectively. Neurological Perspective on Pain: Physiological Basis: Pain begins with the activation of specialized nerve fibers […]

Why do we hardly manage to stick to our new year’s resolutions?

Why do we make New Year’s resolutions? For many, the start of a new year symbolizes a fresh start, an opportunity for self-reflection and planning for personal change. The motivation behind these resolutions often lies in the desire for personal growth, happiness, and an overall more fulfilling life. The turn of the year provides a natural […]

How do mental health and physical health influence each other?

Mental and physical health are interconnected and mutually influence each other in various ways. The mind and body are intricately linked, and changes in one can have significant effects on the other. Here are some ways in which mental and physical health interact: Understanding and addressing the interconnectedness of mental and physical health is crucial for […]

How can hypnotherapy help women in menopause?

While research on the specific benefits of hypnotherapy for menopausal symptoms is limited, some studies suggest that it may be helpful in addressing certain aspects of menopause. Here are ways in which hypnotherapy may potentially benefit women going through menopause: It’s important to note that while some individuals may find hypnotherapy beneficial, its effectiveness can vary […]

How can hypnosis help with relaxation?

Hypnosis can be used as a relaxation technique to bring the mind into a state of deep calm and concentration. Here are some ways hypnosis can help with relaxation: 1.      Deeper relaxation: During a hypnosis session, an attempt is made to guide the mind into a state of deep relaxation. This can help to reduce tension and stress, […]

How can regular relaxation promote mental health?

Regular relaxation can promote mental health in various ways. Here are some of the most important aspects: 1.      Stress reduction: Relaxation exercises, such as meditation, progressive muscle relaxation or breathing techniques, can help to reduce stress levels. Chronic stress can lead to various mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. 2.      Improving sleep: Relaxation practices can help to improve […]

How hypnosis can help with sleep problems

Here are some ways hypnosis can help with sleep problems: 1.      Promote relaxation: Hypnosis can help to achieve deep relaxation. This can help to reduce the physical and mental tension that is often associated with sleep disorders. 2.      Stress reduction: Hypnosis can help to reduce stress and address those thoughts and anxieties that may be interfering with falling asleep. Promoting […]

Why sleep is important for mental health

Sleep plays a crucial role in mental health for a number of reasons. Here are some of them: 1.      Recovery and regeneration: Sleep allows the body, and especially the brain, to recover and regenerate. During sleep, various repair and growth processes are activated that are important for maintaining physical and mental health. 2.      Memory and learning: Sleep is crucial for the […]

MSc Program in Psychology and Neuroscience

Over the past few years, I have been active as a mental health coach and hypnotherapist, striving to help my clients to activate their mental resources and fortify positive, encouraging, and strengthening thoughts in order to master the challenges of modern life. Recently, I concluded my MSc Program in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health at […]

Now also for children and adolescents

From now on I also accompany children and adolescents with their smaller and bigger concerns. Perhaps your teenager, like so many others, is suffering from the effects of the Corona pandemic. Maybe he or she has trouble motivating himself or herself for school, concentrating when studying or taking exams. Maybe they suffer from anxiety or compulsions, […]

I am here for you!

Today is the day. Headmatters is open for business. Please get in touch with me and send me an e-mail or leave a message on my voice mail. I will be more than pleased to call you back so that we can arrange for an initial meeting. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Successful completion of the training to become a certified hypnotherapist

In October 2020, I completed the training to become a certified OMNI Hypnotherapist at the OMNI Hypnosis Training Center. During this training, I was able to learn efficient methods of hypnosis therapy and gain valuable experience. After completing the training, I was accepted as a member of the Swiss Professional Association for Hypnotherapy (SBVH) and the […]

World Mental Health Day 2020

Life is precious. And everyone deserves to live a life full of positive, encouraging, and strengthening thoughts.

Pain therapy with hypnosis

On 12 September 2020, I completed a fascinating specialist training course at the Mindgroup Coaching Academy on the subject of pain therapy with hypnosis. The lecturer, Lorenz Bigler, trainer for NLP and hypnosis as well as hypnotherapist, focused on the topic of chronic pain and impressively demonstrated which mental techniques and methods can be used to […]

Welcome!

I am pleased to welcome you to my website. Browse through the different pages and inform yourself about my offer, about me and my background. I hope the pages trigger your interest and look forward to hearing from you.