Hochschule Düsseldorf
University of Applied Sciences

​​​Living abroad and being a university student can be rewarding, yet also very challenging. High levels of stress and mental health problems are not uncommon. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to talk to one of our counsellors.
 

Our service

  • Counselling is free of charge, confidential and available to all enrolled students.
  • You can talk to us about personal problems as well as mental health issues.
  • We provide counselling in German and English.
  • We offer one-on-one sessions (in German / English), group workshops and self-study material (in German) and helpful links to relevant websites.
  • Sessions can take place on campus in person or via phone or video (TEAMS).
 

Reasons to contact us

You may find yourself struggling with living abroad, feeling lonely, suffering from anxiety or depression, feeling disoriented and de-skilled or finding it hard to return home.​​​​​


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What to expect from a counselling session

We understand counselling as a process of learning… about oneself, one’s feelings, and one’s relationships with others. Our attitude as counsellors is one of openness and acceptance. Whatever your experience, it is welcome. If you wish, we assist you in setting and reaching appropriate goals and we will treat whatever you tell us with respect and confidentiality.

Counselling can simply be about talking, sharing and feeling listened to. It can also involve trying out new behaviours, using resources to increase one’s understanding and coping skills.

We work with students in a holistic and collaborative way. This means that we consider your emotions, behaviour, health and relationships. And it means that we attend to your resources and strengths, as well as worries or issues.

If your concerns require interventions that are outside the scope of our services, we will offer referrals to other services on campus and in the community.​

​Helpful links to relevant websites

Below you will find a few suggestions. You may also want to check the resources of your home university or contact the counselling service back home to receive information in your native language and tailored to your particular situation.

 

Emergency contact

LVR-Klinikum Düsseldorf
Notfallambulanz / Haus 2
 +49 (211) 922-2801
Bergische Landstraße 2
40629 Düsseldorf



How to get an appointment

Counselling sessions are available by appointment only. In order to get an appointment, please send an email to info.psb@hs-duesseldorf.de​.


In your email you can include the days and times that work best for you as well as whether you would prefer a session online or in person on campus. If we can accommodate your preferences, we are happy to do so. Otherwise, we will come up with an alternative suggestion. Please make sure that you check your e-mails regularly so that communication can flow smoothly.


 

The counsellors

Counselling in German
Nina Kellerhoff
Marion Pahlen

Counselling in English
Marion Pahlen
 
We’ve been working with international students for many years. Having lived and worked abroad, we appreciate how exciting and challenging life can be away from home. We look forward to supporting you as needed.


 

Where to find us

We are on campus and part of the SSC (Studierenden Support Centre). You will find us in room 02.1.013.​