MOBILE FAMILY SUPPORT

My World(s)

About Me

I am a psychologist and researcher specializing in the well-being of internationally mobile families, expatriates, and Third Culture Kids (TCKs). My work combines academic expertise, professional teaching experience, and nearly two decades of personal experience living a globally mobile life.

I completed my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy at the University of Basel, Switzerland, where my research focused on transition-related stress and the well-being of expatriate families and children. Over the past several years, I have designed and facilitated psychoeducational courses, workshops, and parent trainings for internationally mobile and diplomatic families in collaboration with several European foreign ministries and international organizations.

In addition to my teaching and training mandates, I now offer individual psychological consultations and support for expatriates, accompanying partners, parents, and adult TCKs navigating the emotional and relational challenges that can arise in internationally mobile lives. My approach integrates evidence-based psychological knowledge with a deep understanding of the realities of global mobility.

I am also the author of Goodbye Again, a children’s book addressing farewells, grief, and transition experiences commonly faced by Third Culture Kids.

Having lived abroad for almost 20 years myself — including in the United States, Switzerland, Kyrgyzstan, and North Macedonia — I understand both professionally and personally the opportunities and complexities that come with building a life across cultures.

My goal is to help internationally mobile individuals and families strengthen resilience, navigate transitions more smoothly, and feel more supported and connected wherever life takes them.

Dr. Katja Aegerter

EDUCATION

• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Basel University, Switzerland
• Master of Science in Psychology, Roehampton University, UK
• PG Certificate in Child, Adolescent, and Family Mental Health, Sheffield Hallam University, UK
• CAI Online Coach, Karlsruher Institut, Germany

TRAININGS

• 2023: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Worrying, Ruminating & Obsessing, Dr. Russ Harris
• 2022: (1) Developing Psychologically Flexible Children and Adolescents, Darin Cairns; (2) ACT mit Eltern und anderen Bezugspersonen, ACT Lab Hamburg
• 2021: (1) ACT with Parents, Lisa Coyne, Ph.D. & Evelyn Gould, Ph.D.; (2) ACT for Adolescents, Russ Harris; ACT for Grief and Loss, Russ Harris; (3) ACT for Beginners, Russ Harris

• 2020: (1) Childhood Adversity - The Impact of Childhood Maltreatment on Mental Health, University College London, Certificate of Achievement; (2) Experiencing the Body Keeps the Score, Certificate in Trauma and Body-Based Approach, Bessel van der Kolk

My work is values-based and preventive. As a trained ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) practitioner, I use approaches that help you resist life less—and move more toward what truly matters to you.

I offer counseling in German, Swiss German, and English—at my practice in Bern or, if necessary, online.

Before you book a session, feel free to get to know me during a short, free phone call. Just send me a WhatsApp message or give me a call—I’ll get back to you.

When do people seek my support?