A warm welcome
My name is Philena Sophie Knobel and I am pleased about your visit to my website. I am a psychological psychotherapist with specialized expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as a lecturer in clinical psychology and diagnostics.
My teaching and therapy are shaped on eye level, culture-queer- and neurodiversity-sensitive.
I offer online therapy — therapy in English is also available.
My areas of focus:
On these pages you will find information about my therapy services, my qualifications, and the costs. I am happy to offer online therapy. We can clarify in an initial consultation whether this format suits your needs.
Unfortunately, billing with statutory health insurance is currently not possible.
About me
Background
My professional and academic path has been varied and rather unconventional. After my Abitur, I did not know that I would one day work as a psychotherapist. Today, I am very grateful for the experiences I was able to gain through the various interesting and enriching detours. These flow into my daily work with clients.
My studies in ethnology at the University of Cologne and the Université d'Auvergne in Clermont-Ferrand, France, taught me to appreciate the diversity of human ways of life and to contextualize the social and societal background of my clients' life realities. I particularly remember my fieldwork experience in India, Cameroon, and Tanzania on various questions of human life design with gratitude.
My studies in psychology at the Fernuniversität Hagen and the Alpen-Adria University in Klagenfurt, Austria, then brought me closer to the why of human experience and behavior. Both academic backgrounds help me today to meet my patients without prejudice, with interest, and with great respect. During my studies, I worked for more than ten years as a team leader for roadshows in the event industry and was on the road for various agencies in the DACH region.
Personal attitude and therapy philosophy
I see myself as a philanthropist and am committed to the values of humanistic thinking. Every person – regardless of their personal life story – deserves to be treated with respect and on eye level. I always design my therapies together with the clients. You will not get a standardized therapy from me; instead, we will first look at the symptoms against the background of your biographical, social, and societal context before developing a tailored therapy. The first step is mutual understanding, before we turn to change. If things get stuck at one point or another, we create an open space to discuss it.
Education & Qualifications
2025 Approbation as Psychological Psychotherapist with CBT expertise (Academy for Behavioral Therapy Cologne)
2021 Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Psychology (Alpen-Adria University Klagenfurt)
2020 Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Psychology (Alpen-Adria University Klagenfurt)
2018 Master of Arts (M.A.) in Ethnology (University of Cologne)
2013 Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in African Languages and Cultures & Ethnology (University of Cologne)
Group therapy certificate (AVT Cologne)
Professional experience
Therapy & psychological counseling
Center for Neurodivergence Cologne
Beavivo (Sympatient)
Psychotherapeutic practice group Carreño-Müther Cologne
Vringstreff e.V. Cologne
St. Hildegardis Hospital Cologne (Geriatric rehabilitation)
LVR Clinic Langenfeld (Medical rehab addiction / psychotherapy ward)
Teaching