A Strasbourg resident’s online plea for recommendations of restorative spaces in and around the city has highlighted a growing demand for mental wellbeing resources, as clinicians in the region report increased patient loads.
The initial post, seeking “places where it feels good” and opportunities “to reconnect with life,” accompanied a note indicating the author was already engaged in psychotherapy. The query, posted publicly, quickly garnered responses suggesting parks, cafes, and cultural venues. However, it also underscored a broader need for accessible mental health support and spaces conducive to healing.
Serra Demir, a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist practicing in Strasbourg’s Neudorf district, offers individual psychotherapy sessions both in person and online, and speaks French, English, and Turkish. She is a trained EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) practitioner, a therapeutic technique used to help individuals process traumatic experiences. Her practice, like many others in the city, has seen a rise in demand for services.
According to listings on Psychologue.net, Strasbourg currently has at least 126 psychology practices. Laurence Guillermin, a psychopractitioner listed on the site, specializes in anxiety, depression, and phobias, and offers sessions starting at 70€.
Carmen Metzger, a psychologist practicing in Strasbourg since 2005, emphasizes the importance of the initial consultation as a foundation for a therapeutic relationship. Her practice, located near the city center and universities, offers both psychological support and in-depth psychotherapy, including couples therapy. Metzger notes that seeking help doesn’t require being in “great suffering,” but can be a proactive step towards self-understanding and improved wellbeing.
Doctolib, an online appointment booking platform, lists numerous psychologists in Strasbourg, facilitating access to care. The platform reflects the increased accessibility of mental health services in the region.
Whereas the initial online post sought personal recommendations for restorative spaces, the response and the availability of numerous mental health professionals in Strasbourg suggest a growing awareness of, and demand for, psychological support within the community.
