Combining celtic traditions with modern psychology!

My own journey of self-discovery led me to psychology and mindfulness. Today, I am a psychologist and an MBSR/MBEAT and MBCL teacher—and I love supporting people in understanding themselves better and growing a safe space within.

My story

Growing through Mindfulness: My Journey

I was born in Cork, Ireland—an environment where nature and stories have always played a big role. That is where I began my first degree in marketing. Yet, early on, I felt that I was interested in more than just numbers and strategies: human behavior, people’s inner motivations—and my own experience. After several years in England, I moved to Germany, where I worked for a long time in product management and sales. Along the way and over the 20 years, I discovered meditation which was a turning point for me. Mindfulness became not just a practice for me, but an inner compass. When the opportunity arose to change my career path, I became an MBSR teacher (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction). My lifelong interest in psychology—especially in the behavior of others and my own—led me to complete a Master’s degree in psychology. In addition, I am a trained IFS therapist and work as a psychologist. In my work as a mindfulness trainer and therapist, the Celtic concept of „bog ann“—the gentle arriving in the moment—is deeply embedded. Through a mindful and compassionate stance, we can arrive gently and calmly in new situations, embrace change, and heal.

Psychologist

Meine berufliche Entwicklung ist geprägt von kontinuierlicher Weiterbildung und fundierter Ausbildung in den Bereichen Achtsamkeit und Psychologie. Ich habe einen Master in Psychologie (M. Sc.) abgeschlossen und bin ausgebildete IFS-Therapeutin (Level 2).

IFS (Internal Family Systems) Level 2 Trained

Ich arbeite als IFS-Therapeut (Internal Family Systems, Level 2) und habe die Methode durch fortlaufende Supervision und praktische Erfahrung in meine therapeutische Arbeit integriert. Seit meiner Ausbildung begleitet mich IFS täglich in der Praxis – nicht nur als Methode, sondern als innere Haltung. Was mich an IFS besonders berührt, ist der respektvolle Blick auf unser inneres Erleben: Anstatt Anteile zu bewerten oder „verändern“ zu wollen, lernen wir, ihnen mit Neugier und Mitgefühl zu begegnen. Diese Herangehensweise schafft oft tiefgreifende Entlastung und ermöglicht nachhaltige innere Veränderung. In meiner Arbeit erlebe ich immer wieder, wie stärkend es für Menschen ist zu entdecken, dass selbst schwierige innere Anteile eine sinnvolle Funktion haben – und dass in jedem von uns ein stabiler, klarer innerer Kern vorhanden ist, aus dem heraus Heilung möglich wird. Wenn du spürst, dass dich dieser Ansatz anspricht und du deine inneren Prozesse besser verstehen und begleiten möchtest, lade ich dich ein, IFS gemeinsam mit mir zu erkunden.

Are you curious about IFS? More Info here

Masters Degree in Psychology (M. Sc.)

I completed my Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Psychology. Over the course of nearly five years of academic training, I focused extensively on topics such as mindfulness, self-compassion, mindset, and forgiveness. As early as my Bachelor's studies, I engaged in practical projects on mindful eating—including support for individuals with obesity—demonstrating that mindfulness interventions have positive effects on eating behavior. In further projects, I explored how mindfulness can support and alleviate distress for individuals facing specific life challenges, such as living with a cancer diagnosis. Finally, in my Master's thesis, I analyzed a forgiveness intervention, investigating the significance of self-compassion for personal growth and inner healing. These evidence-based experiences form the foundation of my therapeutic work today and inform my practice—whether through mindfulness exercises, IFS work, or guiding inner processes.

Mindfulness and Compassion (health insurance certified)

I am a certified mindfulness teacher for MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) and MBCL (Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living). These qualifications have shaped my therapeutic approach in a lasting way and form an integral part of my work. The skills acquired through these trainings continuously flow into my therapeutic sessions. Mindfulness helps to deepen connection with your inner experience, stay present in the current moment, and cultivate inner stability. In IFS work, it particularly helps strengthen access to the Self, allowing you to observe inner parts with greater clarity, awareness, and compassion. This creates a safe space where transformation happens not through pressure, but through conscious awareness, understanding, and inner kindness.

Mindfulness and Compassion by chronic pain

Accompanying individuals living with chronic pain has been a central part of my work for several years—including at a rheumatology practice in Elmshorn as well as at the Pain Center in Quickborn. Throughout these roles, I have supported people navigating persistent pain and stress, developing a deep understanding of the complex nature of chronic pain. This work has shown me that chronic pain extends far beyond physical symptoms alone. It is often closely linked to internal tension, stress responses, emotional exhaustion, and how one relates to oneself. Mindfulness and self-compassion make it possible to observe these internal processes more consciously and to create a lasting shift in how one approaches pain. To deepen my work in this area, I completed a six-week specialized course for therapists on mindfulness and self-compassion for chronic pain in 2025, led directly by Christiane Wolf, M.D. Additionally, I bring training in Yoga Nidra as well as my own personal practice with mindfulness and body-oriented methods into my work.

Mindfulness and Compassion

I have successfully completed the MBSR teacher training (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), am a qualified MB-EAT teacher (Mindful Eating), and have completed advanced training in MBCL (Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living). With this knowledge and experience, I support people in finding greater inner balance, gaining a deeper understanding of themselves, and achieving lasting change in their lives.

MBSR Teacher ( Mindfulness based Stress Reduction)

To qualify as an MBSR teacher, I underwent comprehensive and in-depth training. Before enrollment, I had to demonstrate several years of meditation experience and have had participated in five-day silent retreats. The actual training spanned 18 months and involved regular intensive weekend seminars, which lasted several days. During this time, I deepened my mindfulness practice through both theoretical and practical learning. The certification process concluded with the delivery of an MBSR course under supervision. Finally, I wrote a comprehensive thesis to successfully complete the program.

MB EAT Teacher (Mindful Eating)

As an MB EAT teacher, I completed a 6-month online training under the guidance of Jean Kristeller and Andrea Lieberstein in California. MB EAT (Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training) promotes mindful and conscious eating habits. This method helps people transform their relationship with food by recognizing emotional triggers and making healthier, more mindful choices.

MBCL Teacher (Mindfulness based Compassionate Living)

I am a certified MBCL teacher (Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living). The 8-week MBCL course integrates mindfulness practice with the development of self-compassion and compassion for others, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges more healthily, find balance, and lead a more meaningful life. The MBCL course is often offered as a deepening follow-up to an MBSR program. It builds upon the foundations of mindfulness while placing a stronger focus on cultivating compassion.

Yoga Nidra Teacher

As a certified Yoga Nidra teacher, I also integrate this unique form of deep relaxation into my practice. The Sanskrit word Nidra translates to "sleep"—referring to a state between wakefulness and sleep in which the body and mind reach a very profound state of rest while consciousness remains present. Scientific research shows that regular Yoga Nidra practice can be associated with reduced stress, improved sleep quality, heightened emotional balance, and enhanced mindfulness. Furthermore, evidence suggests that Yoga Nidra can serve as a supportive element in complementary programs for stress, pain, and emotional strain. In my work, I utilize Yoga Nidra as a resource-oriented practice that helps individuals settle into inner calm and cultivate a more conscious connection to their internal experience. This capacity—combining deep relaxation, presence, and self-compassion—complements other mindfulness-based approaches like meditation or IFS beautifully, offering valuable support during times of prolonged stress, chronic pain, or emotional exhaustion.

experience

Over the years, I have taken part in numerous meditation retreats, mindfulness workshops, and training programs that have deepened my understanding and practice. These include silent retreats at Gaia House, Vipassana meditation in Hamburg, and Insight Dialogue sessions, among others. Each of these experiences has contributed to my growth and experience in the field of mindfulness.

Experienced MBSR Teacher - Level 2

For several years, I have been guiding individuals as an MBSR teacher on their journey to greater mindfulness and inner peace. My training to become an MBSR teacher involved an intensive 18-month program. With the completion of the Level 2 certification, which includes additional supervision hours, the delivery of multiple MBSR courses, and a quality seal, I have further deepened my expertise. This recognition affirms my experience and commitment to mindfulness practice, which I have cultivated over many years.

More Mindful Experience

- Vortrag Online „Tonglen-Compassionate Breathing“ F. Koster
- Vortrag Online "Bereitschaft zur Vergebung" mit Frits Koster
- 6 x Online-Session "Supporting Resilience and Balance, Living Fully" Insight Dialogue
- Online MB-Training in Forgiveness - F. Koster
- Purpose Discovery Program Dr. Bernd Langohr/ Jay Willink Wilde

Retreats

- 6-day Online Retreat in Silence in Gaia House, England - 5-day Metta-Meditation Silent Retreat with Marie Mannschatz, Benediktus Hof.
- One day online introduction to Insight Dialogue with S. Hanser
- 3-Day-Online "Three Bases of Insight Dialogue" S. Hanser
- 12-Day Vipassana Retreat, Vipassana Meditation Hamburg - Philip
- 1-Day-Online-Retreat: Embodiment of Compassion-F. Koster
- 6-Tage-Online-Insight Dialogue Retreat "Not Knowing” Rosalie - 5-Day-Online-Retreat "Coming home to yourself“ in the Big Bear Centre, Los Angelos with Christiane Wolf

My Experience with Meditation

My daily meditation practice is like learning a musical instrument—the more consistently I practice, the deeper my understanding becomes and the clearer my mind feels. Just as with playing the piano, where daily practice enhances mastery, the same applies to mindfulness: daily meditation strengthens inner balance and creates a pause between stimulus and response. This practice allows me to approach my life with greater calm and clarity.
Through my years of daily meditation practice, I have developed an inner stability that helps me face challenges with greater calmness. Regular practice has taught me that mindfulness is not a destination, but an ongoing journey—a path that leads to greater inner peace and a deeper understanding of both myself and the world around me.

Trust