Hi, I'm Svenja
Born in New Jersey to a German father and Belgian mother, I was raised in a multicultural and multilingual household, speaking English, German, and French fluently. Our family later moved to France, where I attended a French-German high school.
At 18, I relocated to Germany and studied psychology at the University of Mannheim. I graduated with the now defunct degree of "Diplom-Psychologin", positioned between a master's degree and a PhD. I subsequently completed my training in cognitive behavioral therapy at the private institute IFKV Bad Dürkheim, successfully passing the national licensing exam to become a "Psychologische Psychotherapeutin" (licensed psychotherapist).
After moving to Seattle in 2021, I was struck by the unique challenges facing tech professionals. Through my partner and close friends working in the industry, I observed the toll that constant connectivity, high performance expectations, and blurred work-life boundaries were taking on their well-being. Drawing on my 15+ years of clinical experience and my personal mindfulness practice since 2017, I found myself uniquely positioned to help. This inspired me to specialize in mindfulness coaching specifically for the tech community.
Services offered
Having experienced the transformative power of mindfulness in my own life, I'm deeply passionate about sharing these evidence-based techniques with others navigating high-stress environments, helping them cultivate both peace and resilience in their demanding careers. Each coaching relationship is tailored to your specific needs and goals. We'll begin with an initial consultation to understand your current challenges and aspirations, then develop a personalized approach drawing from these service areas:
Mindfulness Training
I provide personalized mindfulness techniques tailored to busy tech professionals. These practices can be integrated into your daily routine without requiring hours of meditation. Through mindfulness, clients experience improved focus, enhanced creativity, and greater present-moment awareness. Regular practice helps reduce rumination about past events and anxiety about future outcomes, allowing you to engage more fully with your work and personal life.
Stress Management
Tech environments often create unique stressors, from tight deadlines to on-call rotations. I'll help you identify your specific stress triggers and develop effective strategies to manage them. Benefits include reduced physical tension, improved sleep quality, and enhanced cognitive function. By addressing stress proactively, you'll maintain higher performance levels while protecting your long-term health.
Work-Life Balance
The boundaries between work and personal life can easily get crossed in tech roles, especially with remote work. Together, we'll establish healthy boundaries and create sustainable routines that honor both your professional commitments and personal needs. Clients report greater job satisfaction, improved personal relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose and enjoyment in both spheres of life.
Emotional Regulation
Tech work can trigger intense emotions - frustration with bugs, anxiety about deliverables, or conflict with team members. I'll help you develop skills to identify, understand, and effectively manage these emotions. Benefits include more stable mood states, reduced emotional exhaustion, and greater resilience when facing challenges. These skills transfer beyond the workplace, enhancing all areas of life.
Communication Skills
Effective communication is essential in collaborative environments. I offer coaching on non-violent communication, active listening, and navigating difficult conversations. Improved communication skills lead to stronger team relationships, more efficient collaboration, and reduced workplace conflicts. You'll learn to express needs clearly while remaining responsive to others.
Hardiness Development
Hardiness combines commitment, control, and challenge to build psychological resilience. I'll help you cultivate these qualities to thrive under pressure rather than merely survive it. Benefits include increased adaptability to change, greater persistence in the face of setbacks, and a more empowered approach to challenges. Hardiness serves as a psychological buffer against burnout and helps maintain motivation during difficult projects.