
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
Our Chairs and Professorships
- Chair of Experimental Psychology
Prof. Jan Philipp Röer
- Chair of Research Methodology and Statistics in Psychology
Professor Thomas Ostermann
- Chair of Fundamentals in Psychology
Professor Ulrich Weger, Ph.D.
- Chair of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy I
Professor Dr Julia Velten
- Chair of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy II
Professor Johannes Michalak, PhD
- Chair of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy III
Professor Dr Christina Hunger-Schoppe
- Chair of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy IV
Professor Stefan Westermann
- Chair of Neurobiology and Genetics of Behaviour
Professor Dr Martina Piefke
- Chair of Personality Psychology and Diagnostics
Professor Dr Michael Dufner
- Professorship of Developmental and Educational Psychology
Professor Susanne Bücker
- Chair of Experimental Pathopsychology
Professor Dr Anke Haberkamp
- Chair of Experimental Psychology (vacant)
- Professorship of Health Psychology
Professor Dr Anne Milek
- Chair of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
Prof. DrAnne Möllmann
- Senior Professorship in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy
Prof. Dr Ulrike Willutzki
- Chair in Psychological Research Methods
Prof. Dr Ruben Lennartz
- Junior Professorship of Specific Fields in Clinical Psychology
Junior Professor Dr. phil. Jan Schürmann-Vengels
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.
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.
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.

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

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

Karina Hahn
Secretariat
Faculty of Health (School of Psychology and Psychotherapy) | Department office
Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58455 Witten
Room number: E.073




