Zwiecoaching
Structured couples coaching as an alternative to long-term couples therapy
What is Zwiecoaching?
Zwiecoaching was developed by Dr Daniel Köpke as structured relationship coaching in defined phases. It combines modern, evidence-informed approaches from renowned couples therapists such as John Gottman, Michael Lukas Möller and Esther Perel with effective coaching methods including systemic constellations, solution-focused brief therapy, hypnosis and NLP.
Zwiecoaching is for couples with recurring conflict patterns where both people want change but repeatedly feel misunderstood. Unlike traditional couples therapy, we do not spend weeks working through the past; instead, we focus directly on the patterns that are putting a strain on your relationship.
How Zwiecoaching works
Initial analysis
In our first conversation together, we identify the deeper causes of your relationship situation. Whether the apparent issue is housework, in-laws or intimacy, the deeper issue is almost always something quite different. We explore what is really behind your conflicts, what each of you contributes and how you want to relate to one another more effectively in the future.
We set aside a whole afternoon for the first conversation – at least two hours, and often three or four. What happens in this conversation lays the foundation for everything that follows.
Individual coaching sessions
At the heart of Zwiecoaching are two separate coaching sessions – one for each partner. What makes them special is that the other partner is present during the session. For many people, this is understandably not the first instinct, as this kind of coaching is very intimate. Yet it is often what the relationship needs in a crisis. This setting creates not only the crucial impulse for lasting change in one partner, but also empathy in the other: empathy for why seemingly small things may feel so difficult, or why certain topics can be so emotionally charged.
Conclusion & integration
This is the moment when the loose ends come together: in the concluding conversation, we integrate the insights and develop the first steps towards practical routines that anchor progress sustainably in everyday life.
Transparent. Predictable. No open-ended commitment.
Introductory session
A no-obligation first session
1 hour
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Get to know me and my methods
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Plan the next steps together
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Online or in person
Zwiecoaching
The complete
Zwiecoaching process
4 conversations of around 3 hours each
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Initial analysis
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2 individual sessions
(one per partner) -
Conclusion & integration
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Holistic approach
Typical cost of couples therapy
Typical rates in Berlin
€150–200/hour · 8–15 sessions[1][2][3]
- Longer-term support, often 6+ months – valuable for deep-seated issues
- Diagnostic focus on underlying issues
Conventional
couples coaching
Short, intensive impulses
per hour
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One or both partners
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For shorter consultations
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Online or in person
I am so convinced by the Zwiecoaching model that I offer a satisfaction and money-back guarantee for this programme. If you complete the full Zwiecoaching process and are not satisfied with the result, I will refund the full amount in return for written feedback. The guarantee conditions are set out in section 5 of the German Terms and Conditions.
We can also structure the pricing flexibly. We usually start the first session with an hourly rate. After that first session, you can decide as a couple whether you would like to upgrade to the full Zwiecoaching programme.
In-person sessions in Berlin
Sessions usually take place in Berlin-Baumschulenweg (Treptow), on Scheiblerstraße. I have set up a room there with everything we need for Zwiecoaching. If it is easier for you organisationally and you feel comfortable with it, I also offer home visits within Berlin. If you do not live in Berlin but would still like to work with me, online sessions by video call (Zoom or Teams) are also available.
Frequently asked questions
Yes and no. In Germany, couples therapy is not a legally protected term and there are no statutory minimum qualifications required to offer it. Legally, there is therefore nothing preventing Zwiecoaching from being described as couples therapy. I nevertheless avoid the term “therapy” because, in my view, it unnecessarily pathologises people who simply have a difficulty in their relationship.
I also see therapy and coaching as differing not only in training, but in their basic philosophy. While I often experience therapeutic work as more problem- and cause-focused, many coaching approaches are more solution- and goal-oriented. That approach resonates more strongly with me, not least because of my own training. This is why I feel more comfortable presenting my work as “coaching” rather than “therapy”. In practice, however, there is no discernible difference between couples therapy, couples coaching and couples counselling.
As I am neither a Heilpraktiker (a German non-medical practitioner) nor a psychotherapist, there are also situations in which I cannot help you – and would not be permitted to, even if I wanted to. For example, if you:
- are seeking treatment or relief for a mental health condition, such as depression or a personality disorder;
- are dealing with anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions such as PTSD, or addiction that is severely affecting your relationship;
- are facing an acute risk of self-harm, suicidal thoughts or repeated self-injury.
In these cases, I strongly recommend seeking medical or therapeutic advice, or consulting a specialist for your condition. I also know several such specialists and may be able to refer you.
If either of you – or both of you – are currently receiving psychotherapy, that does not in principle rule out couples counselling. In that case, however, please clarify with your treating doctor or therapist whether couples counselling is suitable for you.
The discovery call is for getting to know each other and clarifying which way of working together fits you best. It usually takes around 30–60 minutes and can take place by phone or video call.
For personal issues around relationships, separation or a new beginning, individual coaching is a better fit. For working together as a couple, I recommend starting Zwiecoaching together. If your partner is not ready yet, we can clarify in the free discovery call which next step makes sense for you.
Sessions usually take place in Berlin-Baumschulenweg (Treptow), on Scheiblerstraße. I have set up a room there with everything we need for Zwiecoaching. If it is easier for you organisationally and you feel comfortable with it, I also offer home visits within Berlin. If you do not live in Berlin but would still like to work with me, online sessions by video call (Zoom or Teams) are also available.
No, my doctorate is in pharmacy. That also makes this clear: I am not a licensed psychotherapist, so I am not the right person if you are looking for a clinical diagnosis or treatment.
Although pharmacy and relationship coaching or psychology may seem unrelated, they share a common thread for me: I have always been fascinated by how outside influences can change how we think and feel – sometimes subtly, sometimes lastingly. What substances achieve pharmacologically, language and targeted interventions can achieve psychologically. That is the bridge I build in my work with couples.
I developed my understanding of relationship dynamics and change work not at university but in practice: through years of seminars, workshops, retreats and further training with renowned teachers including Tony Robbins, Joe Dispenza, Gunter Schmidt, Ralf Stumpf, Chris Mulzer and Bernd Isert. I have also studied the work of well-known couples therapists including John Gottman, Veit Lindau, Michael Lukas Möller, Esther Perel, David Schnarch, David Deida, Martin Ucik, Orian Taraban and Susanne Wendel. In Zwiecoaching, you receive the essence of this knowledge applied to your specific situation.
This is rare, but it does happen occasionally. If both of you realise during Zwiecoaching that separation is the better path, I am also happy to support you in finding a good and dignified ending together – without blame, drama or a months-long battle. My working assumption and experience, however, is that two people who are willing to invest significant time and money in Zwiecoaching are generally more willing to find common ground.
Ready for the first step?
I will get back to you within 24 hours.
The discovery call is free and without obligation.
Request a discovery call