Psychology & Coaching
Katharina Knebel
Psychologist & Coach
Multicultural Psychological Focus
Personal Motivation
Already from a young age, I developed a deep and sincere interest in people. At about 14, I began exploring books about self-development and psychology, which eventually led me to pursue to a BSc and Msc in Psychology. Over time, helping others on their life journeys became my own life journey.
My curiosity about the diversity of human experiences also sparked a passion for travel, prompting me to live in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Qatar, Japan, the USA, the UK and Poland. These experiences have enriched my understanding of people across cultures, complementing my academic knowledge and shaping my own multicultural perspective.
For over 20 years, I had the privilege of working in personal development across international settings, particularly in the Asia, the Arab world, and Europe. This has deepened my commitment to supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds at various stages of life. I find immense fulfillment in helping people rediscover hope, believe in themselves, and unlock their potential.
Whether through counselling, coaching, hypnotherapy, or training, I have worked with adults, adolescents, and children, guiding them on their personal and professional journeys and watching them thrive.
Which Way of Working can be Expected?
My qualifications encompass a diverse range of tools, which I select and tailor to meet the unique needs of each individual, often with a preventive focus. In my sessions, I strive to create a natural atmosphere of trust and safety. My approach is highly empathetic, with a strong emphasis on relatability and intercultural sensitivity, ensuring that the quality of the interpersonal relationship is built on equality and mutual respect.
I place the client at the center of the process, viewing each person as a holistic individual influenced by their systemic environment. Listening carefully to the client’s perspective is key to understanding their situation. By considering the person in their entirety, including their surroundings, I aim to capture what a situation feels like from their point of view.
While bringing my own objectivity to the table, we collaborate to find realistic, actionable solutions. My approach is intuitive and rooted in a deep understanding of human nature. I also incorporate interventions from Positive Psychology, encouraging clients to focus on their strengths rather than their weaknesses, helping them achieve their desired state of well-being.
I am deeply committed to the humanistic belief of helping others to help themselves.
Top Character Strength - Honesty
Research suggests that honest people are typically viewed as trustworthy, which contributes to healthy, positive relationships. Honesty is also linked to improved accuracy of goals, reflecting true values and interests. The Character Strength of Honesty allows for more accurate self-assessment of competencies and motivations to others and oneself.
What are your top 5 character strengths according to Dr. Martin Seligman’s VIA Character Strength Finder? For a free online assessment of all your 24 strengths click here to access the survey.
Developmental methods
INNER
STRENGTH
OUTER ORIENTATION
RESILIENCE
(CONTROL + COMMITMENT)
Coping with life’s difficulties
POSITIVITY
(CONFIDENCE + CHALLENGE)
Seeing and seizing opportunities
Mental Toughness - Mental Strength - Resilience
Difference between Resilience and Mental Toughness
Your ability to cope with stress and pressure is closely tied to your Resilience or Mental Toughness. A highly regarded tool for measuring and developing Mental Toughness (MTQ) is a psychometric test – an excellent resource for anyone looking to strengthen their mental resilience. While the term “Resilience” is often used interchangeably with Mental Toughness, there is a significant difference.
Resilience is about bouncing back after setbacks and simply continuing on your path. In contrast, Mental Toughness comprises a broader, more proactive mindset. It involves self-confidence, optimism, and a positive outlook on the future. While Resilience helps us survive, Mental Toughness empowers us to thrive. People with high Mental Toughness face challenges with readiness and self-assurance, knowing they can navigate adversity. They are less affected by setbacks and show greater perseverance, turning failures into opportunities for growth and improvement.
Mental Toughness not only supports mental well-being but also boosts performance, aspirations, and agility. It cultivates a healthy mindset, positive attitude, and confidence, all of which enable individuals to maintain a robust belief in themselves.
For a deeper understanding of Mental Toughness, click here.
How Effective is MTQ?
What does Implementation Look Like?
Let’s take a look at an example. If the subscale emotional control (see figure) turns out to be low (3 on a scale of 1-10) the accredited coach draws up an action plan that positively supports the development of this particular construct. After following the plan for an agreed period of time, the results of another test indicate whether the construct has developed to the desired level or the action plan requires extension or revision for further implementation. In this way favourable changes are achieved in both private and professional life. For more information vistit Doug Strycharczyk’s website AQR international, who, together with Professor Peter Clough developed the psychometric tool.
MTQ is also suitable for children. It becomes more and more apparent that it is important to promote Mental Toughness and Resilience during early developmental stages in order to prepare children for future challenges. Just like the principles of Positive Psychology and Coaching (explained below), Mental Toughness has wide impact on all areas of life and is therefore an excellent method to increase the quality of life in general.
Positive Psychology and Coaching
Positive Psychology - An Overview
Positive Psychology examines the aspects of what humans experience as the GOOD LIFE. It explores what makes individuals lead fulfilled, satisfied and happy lives and thrive in society. For example, Resilience and Mental Toughness (explained above) are topics within this discipline.
Positive Psychology has emerged as a relatively new field of study. It is an alternative or complementation to traditional therapy approaches. Instead of re-living negative emotions, it shifts attention away from problems and thus encourages expansion of positive emotions and growth in a healthy direction. This is mainly accomplished with the so-called science-based Positive Psychology Interventions that are designed to promote wellbeing. Positive Psychology is also strongly associated with personality strengths development (find the link to the free VIA survey above).
Furthermore, one of the major benefits is a holistic approach that also comprises negative experiences. It teaches how to successfully integrate drastic events and situations into people’s lives by adding positive meaning, value and purpose. For more information please visit this website, which is purely on Positive Psychology.
Similarities and Differences to Coaching
The principles of practising Positive Psychology and Coaching are very similar. Both disciplines focus on the shift from the current state to the desired state, adopting an entirely forward approach. Also, both assume that the necessary tools for self-optimization reside within each human being and therefore each person is able to determine their own wellbeing. The considerable difference is that Positive Psychology is based on scientifically tested Interventions, while Coaching relies heavily on the coach’s experience and intuition.
Positive Psychology Coaching
Combining both disciplines results in an extremely powerful approach that an experienced and sensitive coach can adapt to each individual for extraordinary achievements. Similar to Mental Toughness, the goal here is to support the individual holistically in their entire uniqueness. It is also fundamental to gain a positive attitude towards oneself and one’s external circumstances. Therefore, it is pivotal to focus on: (1) establishing a subjective satisfaction and self-awareness, (2) approach dramatic events more easily and draw positive conclusions from them, and (3) maintain an optimistic view of the future. With this in mind, creative and realistic solutions are discussed and developed together with the coach.
Coaching with NLP
Another tool that can be of great advantage in Coaching is NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming). The practise is largely based on verbally modeled approaches. These act on thoughts that promote actions that in turn contribute to successfully reaching set goals. With the help of various NLP methods, such as visualisation techniques, thoughts can be directed quite precisely towards the desired outcomes.
NLP is primarily suitable for people who work well mentally. However, it is important to understand that negative feelings also have a place and should not be suppressed with this instrument. It is paramount to perceive and accept them in order to be able to use their energy to excel. Positive Psychology interventions provide a perfect complementation for a balanced approach.
Trainer and Facilitator
In respect of personal development my experience ranges from leading one-on-one sessions as well as developing groups of people. I was also involved with Learning & Development in the corporate world for several years; particularly conducting training courses, designing training material as well as business development in the same field. Training was delivered to employees from companies of various industries: automotive, banking, education, FMCG, trade, aviation, maritime, mechanical engineering, oil and gas and governmental institutions.
This includes training courses in leadership, customer service and personal development as well as the so-called soft skills. Some of these courses are; emotional intelligence, counselling skills, interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, building an effective multicultural team, coaching for optimal performance, creative and innovative thinking, diversity, team building as well as problem solving and decision making. One of my major strengths in facilitation is the ability to engage each individual personally, even when training is a group setting.
Ericksonian Hypnosis
During the time in Dubai I also offered Hypnotherapy. A form of therapy that I consider highly rewarding for my clients. Today, I use Hypnosis as a modality to promote wellbeing.
Experience
Social Commitment
In my spare time I volunteered at the Al Noor Center for children with special needs in Dubai. The tasks included ABA therapy with autistic children and providing support for children with physical and mental disabilities. Also in Germany I helped teaching English to toddlers in playful and creative ways in a kindergarten.
Social Project
In Nepal in the middle of the Himalayas I funded a school project and volunteered to teach children between 5-17 years of age. The aim was to inform teachers about creative learning methods and how to use those methods in teaching. In addition to the language barrier, the greatest challenge was to offer effective learning aid to children with malnutrition in order to support their mental and physical development.
Career Advancement
Education
MSc in
Developmental Psychology
BSc in Psychology
Memberships
Professional Association of German Psychologists (BDP)
British Psychological Society (BPS)
Qualifications
2013
Trainer/Facilitator
Dubai, UAE
2013
Psychometrics – MTQ48 & Plus
Mental Toughness
Dubai, UAE
2011
Life Coach
Dubai, UAE
2011
NLP Practitioner
Dubai, UAE
2011
Master Hypnotist
Dubai, UAE
Voluntary Work
2013
Humanitarian Work at a Public School
Barabise, Nepal
2012-2013
Al Noor Center for Children with Special Needs
Dubai, UAE
Social Engagement
2021
Schifferkinderheim Würzburg e. V.
Child and Youth Welfare
Würzburg, Germany
2022
Haus St. Lioba IN VIA Würzburg e. V.
Social Work for Girls and Women
Würzburg, Germany
2023
Haus Marienthal Schweinfurt gGmbH
Child, Youth and Family Welfare
Schweinfurt, Germany