School of Psychology and PsychotherapyUnderstanding the human psyche holistically

We combine in-depth understanding with practical application

The department is characterised in particular by the breadth and diversity of methods in teaching and research: all scientifically recognised approaches (behavioural therapy, systemic therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, talk therapy) are taught on an equal footing. Scientific perspectives are covered alongside psychodynamic, humanistic and systemic approaches. Through the optional Integrated Curriculum for Anthroposophic Psychology (IBAP), students and researchers can explore psychological phenomena from an anthroposophical perspective.

News from the School of Psychology and Psychotherapy

Teaching at the School of Psychology and Psychotherapy

Dynamic and practice-oriented: the psychology degree programme at Witten/Herdecke University combines academic excellence with a diversity of perspectives and a practical focus. The Bachelor’s degree programme in Psychology (B. Sc.) and the Master’s degree programme in Psychology with a specialisation in clinical psychology and psychotherapy (M. Sc.) are designed to equip students for a range of roles in therapy and research.

Small seminar groups and personalised support from lecturers create an atmosphere in which students acquire an in-depth, academically sound understanding of human behaviour, specialised therapeutic skills and comprehensive clinical diagnostic and intervention competencies.

In addition to the fundamentals of psychology and the specialisation in clinical psychology, the chairs and professorships in the School of Psychology and Psychotherapy cover, amongst other areas, neurobiology, developmental psychology, health psychology, personality psychology, as well as research methodology and statistics.

Our degree programmes

Two female students on the Psychology (B. Sc.) degree programme at the UW/H

Psychologie (B. Sc.)

Is your goal to become a psychotherapist? Then our Bachelor of Psychology with a specialisation in psychotherapy is the first step in your training. From the very first semester, you will experience in practice what it means to empathise with people. You will learn various therapeutic approaches and scientific methods. With a Bachelor of Science degree, you will have a broad knowledge of psychological theories and specialised knowledge in the fields of clinical psychology and diagnostics.

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A psychology student (M. Sc.) presents results on a metaplan wall.

Psychologie mit Schwerpunkt klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie (M. Sc.)

Have you successfully completed your Bachelor's degree in Psychology or are you about to? With the Psychology Master's programme at Witten/Herdecke University, you are taking the logical next step towards being allowed to practice as a psychotherapist after your studies, to do a doctorate or to go into research.

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Our Chairs and Professorships

Our institutes

Institute for First-Person Research (IEPF)

The Institute for First-Person Research (IEPF) conducts research into the human inner world and makes its findings applicable to specific fields of application. In this way, the Institute aims to develop a method-based approach to human experience, including sensory experiences, thought processes and emotions. The findings are incorporated into research in psychotherapy and medicine.

About the IEPF

Insitute for Interpersonal Dynamics (IID)

The Insitiute for Interpersonal Dynamics aims to conduct comprehensive research into the complex dynamics of the interaction between and within individuals. The research findings are used to develop practice-oriented strategies for professionals to explore and reflect on their own experiences and behaviour in the context of interpersonal relationships.

About the IID

Events

Research and Publications

Our research combines clinical psychology with findings from neuroscience, developmental psychology, health psychology and personality psychology.

Current research projects focus, amongst other things, on resilience, mindfulness, psychotherapy for people with disabilities, loneliness in children and young people, and the mental health of couples, families and LGBTQ+ individuals.

The Department places particular emphasis on open access to research findings (keyword: ‘Open Science’) in order to improve transparency and traceability in research. Find out more on our Open Science Initiative website.

Graphic of two essays, shown abstractly, on a green background

Publications

All publications from the School of Psychology and Psychotherapy at UW/H are included in the university bibliography.

University bibliography

Centre for Mental Health and Psychotherapy (ZPP)

Our Centre for Mental Health and Psychotherapy (ZPP) offers adults, children and young people professional support in challenging life situations, and in cases of mental health disorders or psychosomatic symptoms. By incorporating the latest scientific research findings, carrying out ongoing evaluation and conducting our own research projects, we continually review and improve the quality of our services and therapies.

About the ZPP

Basic training in therapeutic practice

As part of our basic training programme for trainee therapists, we actively involve Master’s students in Clinical Psychology in the treatment of patients in order to prepare them as effectively as possible for their future careers. Under the supervision of experienced supervising therapists, they treat adult patients over a period of several months. In this way, we enhance the students’ therapeutic skills whilst ensuring that patients receive care that is academically sound.

Basic Training in Therapeutic Care

Partner organisations

To ensure a close link between theory and practice, our departments collaborate closely with various university hospitals and partner hospitals.

Our clinical partners

Doctoral studies, PhD programmes and postdoctoral university lecturing qualifications

A thirst for knowledge and lifelong learning are the key to change. At the Faculty of Health, we open the doors to further academic qualifications.

Doctoral studies

Responsible persons

Portrait photo of Univ.-Prof Dr Thomas Ostermann

Univ.-Prof. Dr.

Thomas Ostermann

Chair Holder

Faculty of Health (School of Psychology and Psychotherapy)  |  Chair of Research Methodology and Statistics in Psychology

Department Management

Faculty of Health (School of Psychology and Psychotherapy)  |  Chair of Research Methodology and Statistics in Psychology

Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58455 Witten

Room number: E 79

Secretariat

Portrait photo of Karina Hahn

Karina Hahn

Secretariat

Faculty of Health (School of Psychology and Psychotherapy)  |  Department office

Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58455 Witten

Room number: E.073