Psychodermatology is a branch of dermatology that takes a holistic view of the skin and soul based on the biopsychosocial model of health and illness, incorporating the complex interactions between the skin and soul into treatment.
The skin and soul are closely connected and influence each other.
The skin is considered the “mirror of the soul”. It has been scientifically proven that stress can “get under your skin”.
Psychological factors and mental stress play an important role in many chronic and acute skin diseases. They can influence their occurrence, progression and intensity.
Psychodermatological work is characterised by the fact that it takes place at the interface between the “skin as an organ” and subjects related to mental and psychiatric illnesses and psychotherapeutic/psychiatric care.
In my psychodermatological work, I pay particular attention to the close interactions between skin and soul.
The following factors play a role
play a role, as these can be closely linked to skin conditions and can cause considerable suffering and impair quality of life.
There are a number of skin conditions where this can be the case. Examples include neurodermatitis, psoriasis, itching, vitiligo, acne, hair loss and hives (urticaria).
However, the interactions between the mind and skin also affect other conditions. Conditions such as
or other
primarily manifest themselves on the skin.
Body dysmorphic disorder (dysmorphophobia, also known as shame disease) is also associated with significant impairments in social, professional or other areas of life (including social withdrawal, feelings of isolation and hopelessness) and requires psychotherapeutic support.
As part of my treatments, skin and soul are considered and treated together in a holistic sense based on the biopsychosocial model of health and illness.
In particular, the complex and individual interactions between skin and soul with stress factors and specific therapeutic solutions are developed. This also includes
are given special consideration.
My focus is on depth psychology-based psychotherapy, based on psychoanalytic pathology.
The emphasis is on your individual needs, i.e. the focus is on your current psychological problems, symptoms and conflicts.
At the beginning, we will agree on appropriate therapy goals together, which can be adjusted during the course of therapy if necessary.
In an appreciative atmosphere, the dynamics of psychotherapeutic dialogue are used to gain access to unconscious inner processes.
Behavioural therapy methods for
are incorporated into the treatment, as these can be very helpful.
Group offers
The care of patients in groups/group therapy is particularly important to me.
In my experience, many patients benefit from this.
It has been proven that the effects are comparable to those of individual therapy sessions, but also have numerous other positive effects that are specific to the group itself.
Advantages of the group: This offers you the opportunity to exchange ideas under medical supervision.
You will find that you are not alone in facing the numerous challenges and psychosocial stresses that a skin disease entails, and that coping with them often exceeds your own capabilities.
My group offering/group psychotherapy is aimed at people/patients with a skin disease and psychosocial stresses such as anxiety, helplessness, shame, depressive reactions, social withdrawal/isolation, stigmatisation, problems in dealing with the disease or self-esteem issues.
In the group, you have the opportunity to experience new relationships and acceptance in an appreciative atmosphere, to learn from each other, to expand your social skills, to develop a sense of belonging, and to face existing stresses and challenges.
These are just a few of the factors that make the group effective in strengthening your self-esteem and increasing your self-confidence in dealing with the illness, allowing you to significantly expand your repertoire of problem-solving strategies.
The groups meet every 14 days (on weekdays in the late afternoon) and each session lasts 90 minutes.
The group format is semi-open, meaning that new group members are welcome and can join depending on capacity.