English-Speaking Psychologist in Vienna, Mag. Diana Tutschek – Therapy for Life Challenges
Counselling in 1060 Wien and Online to Improve Your Relationships and Support Mental Health
I am a psychologist and counsellor with over ten years of experience helping individuals overcome various life challenges, including those that may coexist with mental health conditions, such as trauma, depression, anxiety or ADHD, and I offer individual counselling and couples therapy in Vienna (Austria) or online for clients worldwide seeking an English-speaking therapist. Currently, I am a PhD candidate in Clinical Psychology. I received my master’s degree in psychology from King’s College London and the University of Vienna (Universität Wien). I also completed professional counsellor training at Österreichische Akademie für Psychologie.
As a GISA-licensed psychologist in Vienna (license number 36779604), I do not diagnose or clinically treat disorders. I provide supportive, change- and insight-oriented counselling (psychologische Beratung, Einzelberatung, Onlineberatung) or coaching for people with or without neurological or mental health issues. My counselling and couples therapy, which I deliver in 1060 Wien or online (in English), may be complementary to, but are not a replacement for, psychiatric or medical treatment. I am a member of the Wirtschaftskammer Österreich (WKO), which is the mandatory professional body for licensed psychological counsellors.
I aim to create a non-judgmental, empathetic and confidential environment where people feel safe sharing their experiences, feelings and thoughts. This setting provides the foundation for our collaborative work to address challenges and solve problems.
Counselling Fees
My fee for a therapy or counselling session ranges from 70 to 120 euros, depending on whether a session is held in person at my practice in Vienna (Stumpergasse 48, 1060 Wien) or online, and also on the duration of a session (60-90 minutes). I may offer a reduced price per session for my suggested counselling course of a longer duration, depending on the issue. Typically, I recommend having 3–6 sessions in the initial phase to make it meaningful.
How do You Know You Should Consider Psychological Counselling?
Common reasons people may seek help from a psychologist or therapist are
- overwhelming stress
- doubts and uncertainties
- worries and overthinking
- self-esteem issues
- communication issues
- career changes
- life transitions
- professional relationship difficulties
- marital problems
- procrastination or a lack of motivation
- the aftermath of psychological trauma
- loss
- grief
- “bad” mood and moodiness
- difficulties controlling anger
Counsellors may also provide support in navigating life difficulties (e.g., related to personal growth, low self-worth, or communication difficulties) for individuals with clinical mental health, neurological, and psychiatric conditions who are undergoing medical treatment. In such cases, we typically encourage cooperation with a person’s medical care provider. These conditions may include the following:
Common Mental Health Concerns for Which People May Seek Psychotherapy in Vienna or Online
- Clinical depression manifests through persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Individuals with depression may also experience changes in appetite, sleep disturbances and difficulties concentrating.
- Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) features excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of daily life. This is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension and difficulty sleeping.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviours (compulsions). These compulsions cause distress and markedly interfere with daily functioning.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arises after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It comprises symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety and emotional numbness.
- A panic attack in panic disorder or in other conditions is a sudden surge of overwhelming fear that causes intense physical symptoms. These involve heart palpitations, breathlessness, sweating and trembling in the absence of any real threat.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition manifesting as impulsive, inattentive, and hyperactive behaviour. It can be extremely disruptive to performance, relationships and overall functioning. Typically, symptom onset is in childhood; yet in some cases, symptoms may first appear in adulthood.
Alongside supportive counselling, a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist may recommend broader assessment of intellectual functioning, e.g., through the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) or other clinical diagnostic tools. These are provided by BMSGPK-registered clinicians.
Relationship Problems That May Lead Couples to Decide on Marriage Counselling or Therapy
Among the reasons for people to start counselling are often relationship crises or difficulties, such as
- a lack of trust,
- poor communication,
- individual diffirences (cultural or other),
- issues related to jealousy, intimacy, infidelity and betrayal trauma or other challenges that may arise within relationships.
As a psychologist and couples therapist providing in-person sessions in Vienna and international online counselling (in English), I certainly acknowledge that each person’s concerns are highly subjective. Therefore, the support I provide is not standardised or manualised. Here is my article on the general concepts of psychological counselling. Here is another article that specifically covers the purposes and process of couples therapy or marriage counselling. Just a heads-up, my articles may appear a bit lengthy. Thus, I’d be happy to give you the highlights and break down any concepts you’re interested in when we meet online or in person.
Counselling in Vienna or Online: Which is Right for You?
Choosing between in-person counselling in Vienna and online sessions is a matter of personal preference rather than differing effectiveness. According to converging research evidence and my experience as a therapist, whether sessions take place remotely or in person in Vienna does not affect outcomes. Rather, factors such as the counselling relationship (connection), the therapist’s competence, and the client’s motivation, engagement and belief in their ability to change play a more significant role in determining results.
Alavi and colleagues in their recent research found similar improvement trajectories for in-person and online sessions. However, they indicated that high dropout rates remain a challenge in both settings. This suggests that a deeper understanding of adherence mechanisms is needed, which I am exploring in my current PhD project.
Integrative Approach
My background is neuroscience-based and informed by several approaches developed during my education in Austria and the UK. These include cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), family therapy, stress management, performance coaching, and humanistic counselling. These approaches have a strong evidence base for being helpful for both clinical and non-clinical conditions. For example, studies indicate that CBT principles are effective in addressing issues such as low self-esteem, anger, and communication difficulties. Similarly, employing EMDR principles may help improve concentration and focus and address procrastination. However, depending on the case, I may not be influenced by those approaches.
While offering help and guidance, my primary goal is to empower individuals to make their own adjustments and decisions by means of our collaborative work. Yet, clients shape their own understanding and meaning of their direction towards a better life. Another major goal is to help individuals gain the insights necessary for achieving a sustainably balanced life and state of mind.
Examples of My Counselling Cases at Psychologist Diana Tutschek, Stumpergasse 48, 1060 Wien and Online
Stress, Procrastination and ADHD
Gabi struggles with stress and procrastination related to important job-related tasks. This affects her daily functioning, work performance, interpersonal relationships and overall well-being. She is currently receiving pharmacological treatment for ADHD. However, she wants to be more productive, stop self-sabotaging and reduce stress or the way she copes with it.
Anger Issues at Work and in Personal Life
Reem experiences anger-related problems that harm her romantic relationships and workplace interactions. She aims to learn how to control her temper.
Addiction Recovery, Anxiety and Relationship Challenges
Berndt is in recovery from addiction, and he is also undergoing anxiety treatment. Despite having strong support systems, he seeks help to address ongoing challenges related to his current romantic relationship. He wants to improve his communication skills.
Work-Related Disappointment and Depression
Ahmad feels disappointed with his situation at work. He believes he has been treated unfairly, which has led to withdrawal, disengagement, depressive symptoms and self-diminishing thoughts. Several months ago, a psychiatrist prescribed him medication. He then sought a psychologist in Vienna to work towards his current goal of having a constructive conversation with his boss.
Violence and Jealousy Issues
Gregor and Helga are in a high-conflict relationship, and both struggle with trust issues and emotional regulation. They encounter all possible types of jealousy based on their earlier life experiences, dysfunctional cognitive schemas and core beliefs. They decided to see a therapist, either in person or online, to address their individual jealousy issues first.
Not Feeling Safe with a Partner
Laura raises concerns about Marcus exhibiting “strong narcissistic traits”, including lying and being verbally aggressive. Marcus is ready to engage in counselling.
Self-Confidence and Communication Issues
Rita associates her communication issues with her low self-esteem. She believes this may stem from a highly distressing event. She wants to build her self-worth while understanding the impact of that earlier life event.
Confidentiality Note: The cases outlined do not contain any identifying information.
LGBTQ and Mental Health Risks
Branstrom and colleagues in their study suggest that LGBTQ individuals have higher rates of mental health issues compared to the heterosexual population. Research evidence from Europe, South and North America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania shows that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals have higher rates of depression and anxiety as well as substance use, compared to heterosexual people. This highlights the importance of access to inclusive and culturally competent mental health support, which I offer as a psychologist, therapist and counsellor in 1060 Wien or online.
About Confidentiality Rules: Mag. Diana Tutschek, Counselling Psychologist in Vienna
I adhere to Austrian and international legal and ethical standards for psychological counselling.
Psychotherapy Versus Counselling
Counselling focuses more on the process of change or transformation while addressing common life challenges, including communication problems, personal growth concerns, anger issues, low performance, procrastination, etc. Yet, these difficulties may coexist with mental health or personality conditions. The counselling process of gaining insights and embracing change is as important as the outcome of the counselling journey. In contrast, psychotherapy typically addresses and treats clinical conditions, aiming to reduce specific symptoms that constitute diagnostic criteria. It may involve treatment for depression, anxiety disorders, dependencies, ADHD, trauma, borderline personality disorder, eating disorders and other mental health, neurological or personality conditions.
Benefits and Challenges of Online Counselling
Online therapy and counselling offer certain advantages. The main benefit is that you may attend a session from your preferred place without sacrificing time for commuting. Moreover, it is a solution for those who can not find a competent or suitable therapist or counsellor nearby. Yet, you should be comfortable using online technologies and have a secure, stable Internet connection.
How to Book a Session with an English-Speaking Therapist in Vienna (1060 Wien), Psychologist Mag Diana Tutschek, In Person or Online
To book a counselling session in Vienna or remotely (e.g., via Zoom), including for individuals with trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD (or other disorders) who seek to address broader life difficulties while undergoing medical treatment for the condition (e.g., by a psychiatrist or neurologist), email Diana at diana@betterlifepsychologist.com, send her a WhatsApp message to +43 664 3884264 or fill in this contact form.
You may also contact her via her verified profiles on Psychology Today Austria and Diana Tutschek on Psychology Today International
or simply use this link for instant scheduling.
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Addressing Life Challenges at Psychologist Diana Tutschek Wien: FAQ
Research shows that online psychotherapy and counselling are just as effective as in-person interventions in resolving various mental health and relationship issues.
Psychotherapy tends to explicitly treat clinical conditions (e.g., depression, ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, borderline personality disorder), whereas counselling primarily focuses on general life challenges, which may or may not be linked to mental health or personality issues.
Low self-confidence and various insecurities are issues for many people, and both EMDR and CBT work well to improve self-confidence. Whereas CBT mainly targets identifying deep-seated and often not easily accessible core beliefs and factors that perpetuate low self-esteem, such as reassurance seeking, EMDR may address trauma associated with being insecure in the present. Both therapies may be applied in parallel unless it is a severe case (e.g., severe PTSD), when either CBT or EMDR should be employed first.
Procrastination and ADHD can be well addressed in EMDR and CBT. In EMDR for performance enhancement, we would work on a new functional, desirable state that is opposite to procrastination. In addition, in CBT we learn various techniques, e.g., cognitive restructuring, activation and motivation to overcome dysfunctions associated with ADHD.
We need to understand what you put into that meaning, as the terms narcissism and narcissist are largely misused and popularised by the media. Yet, if you believe that your partner is aggressive and manipulative, start by assessing how threatening the situation is to your safety and take appropriate steps if there is physical abuse or risk. If the situation is manageable, seek professional help as early as possible. Individual therapy for each partner alongside couples counselling may help in less severe cases. However, in a more difficult case, your priority should be protecting yourself through clear boundaries, attention to your own mental health and building a support network. Sometimes, addressing the situation appropriately may include considering separation.