About Me
A glimpse into my world!
A glimpse into my world!
I, My Approach, Señor A, and My Books.
About Me
A glimpse into my world!
I, My Approach, Señor A, and My Books.
[01] About Me
Welcome – I’m Dr Dirk Stemper. In my private practice in Berlin, I combine long-standing medical experience with therapeutic insight, offering psychotherapy, coaching and counselling tailored to your individual needs.
Welcome – I’m Dr Dirk Stemper. In my private practice in Berlin, I combine long-standing medical experience with therapeutic insight, offering psychotherapy, coaching and counselling tailored to your individual needs.
Qualifications and Training
Qualifications and Training
Education
Education
Licence to practise medicine, 1989
Licence to practise medicine, 1989
Specialist in Internal Medicine, 1999
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Institute for Psychotherapy, Health Sciences and Organisational Development, University of Rostock (2013)
Narrative Therapy, The Dulwich Centre, Adelaide, Australia (2010)
Rational-Emotive Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Institute for Cognitive Management Stuttgart – affiliated with the Albert Ellis Institute, New York (2008)
Diploma in Science Journalism, Sächsische Medienakademie Leipzig (2003)
Doctorate in Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Haţieganu” Cluj-Napoca, Romania (1989)
Professional Experience
Professional Experience
Partner, Institute for Leadership Dynamics GmbH
Focus:
Partner, Institute for Leadership Dynamics GmbH
Focus:
adaptive leadership
resilience,
wellbeing,
executive health.
Associate, Management Advisory Service (UK) Ltd – member of The WellBeing and Performance Group
Associate, Management Advisory Service (UK) Ltd – member of The WellBeing and Performance Group
Head of Prevention, Conradia MVZ Charlottenburg; Medical Director, Conradia Medical Prevention (until 2019)
Head of Prevention, Conradia MVZ Charlottenburg; Medical Director, Conradia Medical Prevention (until 2019)
Managing Director & Medical Director, ias PREVENT GmbH (until 2018)
Managing Director & Medical Director, ias PREVENT GmbH (until 2018)
Senior Physician, PREVENT Berlin (until 2011)
Senior Physician, PREVENT Berlin (until 2011)
Languages
Languages
German
German
English
Romanian
French (basic knowledge)
Italian (basic Knowledge)
Spanish (basic knowledge)
Media & Publications
Media & Publications
german expert Interviews
german expert Interviews
Berliner Morgenpost: Healing a toxic relationship – Four essential steps
Berliner Morgenpost: Healing a toxic relationship – Four essential steps
Berliner Morgenpost: Am I toxic? Take the self-test here
Berliner Morgenpost: Am I toxic? Take the self-test here
WAZ: Toxically positive – When forced happiness becomes dangerous
WAZ: Toxically positive – When forced happiness becomes dangerous
Berliner Morgenpost - Positively Toxic: When Constant Happiness Becomes Dangerous
Berliner Morgenpost - Positively Toxic: When Constant Happiness Becomes Dangerous
Philosophical Publications
Stemper, D. (2025) – The Occident, Its Endangerment and Decline. Three Myths of the New Right, Narthex. Magazine for Radical Thinking, Issue 9, pp. 44–52
Stemper, D. (2025) – The Occident, Its Endangerment and Decline. Three Myths of the New Right, Narthex. Magazine for Radical Thinking, Issue 9, pp. 44–52
Stemper, D. (2024) – The Elpistic Manifestos, Narthex. Magazine for Radical Thinking, Issue 8, pp. 47–53
Stemper, D. (2024) – The Elpistic Manifestos, Narthex. Magazine for Radical Thinking, Issue 8, pp. 47–53
How to Find Your Way in Times of Multiple Crises? Five Essays from the 2022-24 Prize Competition Held by the Foundation for Philosophical Orientation
How to Find Your Way in Times of Multiple Crises? Five Essays from the 2022-24 Prize Competition Held by the Foundation for Philosophical Orientation
Stemper, D. (2025) – Overview of Historical Polycrises: A Comparative Analysis, in: Mueller & Stegmaier (Eds.), How to Orient Oneself in Times of Multiple Crises?, Orientations Press, Nashville (in print)
Stemper, D. (2025) – Overview of Historical Polycrises: A Comparative Analysis, in: Mueller & Stegmaier (Eds.), How to Orient Oneself in Times of Multiple Crises?, Orientations Press, Nashville (in print)
Guidebooks & Workbooks
The AD(H)D Basics Workbook (2024): Understanding neurodiversity with practical tools
The AD(H)D Basics Workbook (2024): Understanding neurodiversity with practical tools
Escaping Toxic Ties (2023): Breaking unhealthy relationship patterns
Escaping Toxic Ties (2023): Breaking unhealthy relationship patterns
Listen, Think, Then Talk (2023): A workbook for better communication
Listen, Think, Then Talk (2023): A workbook for better communication
Toxic Guilt and Shame (2023): Self-reflection tools for emotional resilience
Toxic Guilt and Shame (2023): Self-reflection tools for emotional resilience
Stemper, D., 2023f. Escaping Toxic Ties: Unraveling & Defeating Destructive Relationship Habits. Psychologie Halensee, Berlin.
Stemper, D., 2023f. Escaping Toxic Ties: Unraveling & Defeating Destructive Relationship Habits. Psychologie Halensee, Berlin.
Self-Discovery & Self-Organisation for Managers (2020): Leadership through empathy, values and clarity
Self-Discovery & Self-Organisation for Managers (2020): Leadership through empathy, values and clarity
[02] My Approach
My Approach
My Approach
In the present
In the present
Therapy starts in the here and now – today’s problems reflect today’s thinking.
Therapy starts in the here and now – today’s problems reflect today’s thinking.
With scientific grounding
With scientific grounding
I integrate psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioural methods and narrative approaches.
I integrate psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioural methods and narrative approaches.
With empathy and realism
With empathy and realism
Alongside working through challenges, we also focus on your inner resources – such as curiosity, joy and agency.
Alongside working through challenges, we also focus on your inner resources – such as curiosity, joy and agency.
With biographical awareness
With biographical awareness
Your history is a source of meaning and strength. We explore how your past informs your present.
Your history is a source of meaning and strength. We explore how your past informs your present.
On equal footing
On equal footing
I offer respectful, non-hierarchical dialogue – supporting your goals at your own pace.
I offer respectful, non-hierarchical dialogue – supporting your goals at your own pace.
[03] About Señor A
About Señor A. – My Four-Legged Assistant
About Señor A. – My Four-Legged Assistant
Señor A. is a Shar-Pei, a proud Bavarian from Scheyern and a valued companion in the practice. If helpful, he may join our sessions – many clients find his calm presence grounding. If you are allergic or uncomfortable around dogs, just let us know. He will politely remain in the next room.
Señor A. is a Shar-Pei, a proud Bavarian from Scheyern and a valued companion in the practice. If helpful, he may join our sessions – many clients find his calm presence grounding. If you are allergic or uncomfortable around dogs, just let us know. He will politely remain in the next room.
[04] My Books
Companions for your personal development – for insight, clarity, and resilience
Companions for your personal development – for insight, clarity, and resilience
My books offer practical support and therapeutic guidance for those navigating emotional challenges, relationship patterns or professional development. Whether you're seeking clarity, growth or renewed strength, these resources provide grounded and accessible tools.
My books offer practical support and therapeutic guidance for those navigating emotional challenges, relationship patterns or professional development. Whether you're seeking clarity, growth or renewed strength, these resources provide grounded and accessible tools.
Escaping Toxic Ties
A compassionate guide for breaking free from unhealthy dynamics. This book explores why we enter toxic relationships, how they affect us, and what patterns often underlie them. Covering romantic, familial, social and workplace relationships, it offers step-by-step strategies to recognise harmful dynamics, let go of destructive scripts and build healthier connections.
Listen, Think, Then Talk
A workbook dedicated to the art of listening – in a world where speaking often dominates. Learn how active listening fosters better understanding, improves relationships, and enhances communication at work and in life. A practical guide for anyone who wishes to deepen dialogue and sharpen interpersonal awareness.
Toxic Guilt and Shame
This workbook supports your journey in understanding and managing toxic guilt and shame, often rooted in childhood trauma. Through reflective exercises and practical approaches, it promotes emotional healing, self-acceptance and more fulfilling relationships.
The AD(H)D Basics Workbook
A clear, neuropsychologically grounded guide to understanding ADHD as a form of neurodiversity. It explains core characteristics, cognitive and emotional challenges, and offers concrete tools to support daily life. For adults, parents, and professionals working with ADHD.
Self-Discovery & Self-Organisation (German only)
A hands-on leadership guide for executives seeking to lead with empathy, values and clarity. With practical strategies for time management, deep work and emotional intelligence, it provides a roadmap for agile, resilient leadership in times of digital change.
Escaping Toxic Ties
A compassionate guide for breaking free from unhealthy dynamics. This book explores why we enter toxic relationships, how they affect us, and what patterns often underlie them. Covering romantic, familial, social and workplace relationships, it offers step-by-step strategies to recognise harmful dynamics, let go of destructive scripts and build healthier connections.
Listen, Think, Then Talk
A workbook dedicated to the art of listening – in a world where speaking often dominates. Learn how active listening fosters better understanding, improves relationships, and enhances communication at work and in life. A practical guide for anyone who wishes to deepen dialogue and sharpen interpersonal awareness.
Toxic Guilt and Shame
This workbook supports your journey in understanding and managing toxic guilt and shame, often rooted in childhood trauma. Through reflective exercises and practical approaches, it promotes emotional healing, self-acceptance and more fulfilling relationships.
The AD(H)D Basics Workbook
A clear, neuropsychologically grounded guide to understanding ADHD as a form of neurodiversity. It explains core characteristics, cognitive and emotional challenges, and offers concrete tools to support daily life. For adults, parents, and professionals working with ADHD.
Self-Discovery & Self-Organisation (German only)
A hands-on leadership guide for executives seeking to lead with empathy, values and clarity. With practical strategies for time management, deep work and emotional intelligence, it provides a roadmap for agile, resilient leadership in times of digital change.
Escaping Toxic Ties
A compassionate guide for breaking free from unhealthy dynamics. This book explores why we enter toxic relationships, how they affect us, and what patterns often underlie them. Covering romantic, familial, social and workplace relationships, it offers step-by-step strategies to recognise harmful dynamics, let go of destructive scripts and build healthier connections.
Listen, Think, Then Talk
A workbook dedicated to the art of listening – in a world where speaking often dominates. Learn how active listening fosters better understanding, improves relationships, and enhances communication at work and in life. A practical guide for anyone who wishes to deepen dialogue and sharpen interpersonal awareness.
Toxic Guilt and Shame
This workbook supports your journey in understanding and managing toxic guilt and shame, often rooted in childhood trauma. Through reflective exercises and practical approaches, it promotes emotional healing, self-acceptance and more fulfilling relationships.
The AD(H)D Basics Workbook
A clear, neuropsychologically grounded guide to understanding ADHD as a form of neurodiversity. It explains core characteristics, cognitive and emotional challenges, and offers concrete tools to support daily life. For adults, parents, and professionals working with ADHD.
Self-Discovery & Self-Organisation (German only)
A hands-on leadership guide for executives seeking to lead with empathy, values and clarity. With practical strategies for time management, deep work and emotional intelligence, it provides a roadmap for agile, resilient leadership in times of digital change.
[05] TV appearance
My TV appearance on Pro7
My TV appearance on Pro7
Would you like to see me in action? In this excerpt from a Pro7 segment about toxic relationships, I share my insights as an expert on this topic:
Would you like to see me in action? In this excerpt from a Pro7 segment about toxic relationships, I share my insights as an expert on this topic:
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[05] Contact
Whether you have a question, wish to share feedback or would like to connect, I warmly invite you to get in touch.
Whether you have a question, wish to share feedback or would like to connect, I warmly invite you to get in touch.
Would you like to enquire about a book, schedule a consultation, or simply start a conversation? I look forward to hearing from you. Your thoughts, experiences and ideas are welcome.
Feel free to use the contact form, send an email or give me a call. All communication remains confidential.
Would you like to enquire about a book, schedule a consultation, or simply start a conversation? I look forward to hearing from you. Your thoughts, experiences and ideas are welcome.
Feel free to use the contact form, send an email or give me a call. All communication remains confidential.
Contact Form
