Praxis Demir
A safe space — in German, English, Turkish, Arabic.
Welcome. I'm Dr. Leyla Demir, a licensed psychotherapist in Berlin-Mitte. This is a place where you don't have to explain yourself — you'll be met with care in the language that feels closest to you.
What I focus on
Areas of practice
Six themes that people most often come to me with. If yours isn't among them — write to me anyway.
Anxiety disorders
When your internal alarm system goes off too often.
Depression
When the world stays grey and nothing costs strength, because nothing gives strength.
Burnout & stress disorders
When you function but no longer live.
Trauma & EMDR
Processing distressing experiences — with evidence-based EMDR.
Couples therapy
Speaking to each other again — structured guidance.
Cross-cultural therapy
Between languages, between worlds — no translation loss.
Process & Fees
How therapy unfolds with us
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Step 1
Inquiry
Reach out via the form, by email, or by phone. Within two working days I get back to you and propose a slot for a free 15-minute first consultation.
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Step 2
First consultation
15 minutes on the phone. You describe in your own words what brings you here. We clarify whether I am the right therapist for you — if not, I help with a referral.
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Step 3
Probatory sessions
Two to four trial sessions (50 minutes each). We assess whether the work fits, clarify the diagnosis and submit the application to your insurer.
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Step 4
Therapy
Weekly sessions across 24 to 60 appointments (short- or long-term therapy). We work structurally on your goals — and regularly review whether the direction is right.
Voices from the practice
What patients say
Here I felt understood for the first time without having to explain everything.
I was sceptical whether CBT was something for me. Dr. Demir showed me it can go together with warmth and depth.
Finally a therapist who understands my family without me bringing a glossary.
Anonymised, written consent obtained.
Frequently asked
Answers to the most common questions
Does my health insurance cover the therapy?
Yes. I have public-insurance approval. Statutorily insured patients can use the consultation, probatory sessions and the subsequent therapy with no out-of-pocket payment. Privately insured patients are billed according to GOÄ/GOP, self-payers 110 € per 50-minute session.
How long is the wait for an appointment?
For the free 15-minute first consultation, usually 5–10 working days. For regular consultation sessions, 2–4 weeks. You can see current availability directly in the online booking.
How many sessions are needed?
It depends on the concern. CBT in Germany is approved as short-term therapy (24 sessions) or long-term therapy (up to 60 sessions, longer in exceptional cases). We look together at what fits your situation.
Do you also offer online sessions?
Yes, via a GDPR-compliant, EU-hosted video platform. Online sessions have been regularly insurance-approved since the pandemic relaxation in 2020. Prerequisite: you have a quiet, private space during the session.
What if I notice it doesn't fit?
Say so. A good therapeutic match is the precondition for effect. In the early consultations a change is uncomplicated. Even later it is not 'ungrateful' — being able to address that openly is part of a mature therapy.
Journal & insights
From the practice
Recognising burnout early — three signs many miss
Burnout creeps up. If you read the early signals, you can adjust course before your body pulls the emergency brake.
Read articleWhat cognitive behavioural therapy is — and what it isn't
CBT is the most-researched form of psychotherapy in Germany, and yet it is often misunderstood. An honest framing beyond the clichés.
Read articleTherapy in your mother tongue — more than a comfort
When you feel in a second language, you translate before you understand. In therapy that costs depth. A take stock.
Read article