Alžbeta Zetzmann - psychological support in Basel in English & Slovak
A space to slow down, understand what you’re going through, and find a way forward - at your own pace.
Welcome, I’m Alžbeta
I am a psychologist and psychotherapist with 10 years of experience working with clients in different settings, including clinical care, counselling, psychotherapy, and online support.
Over time, I have learned that each person comes with a unique story, and my role is to create a space where you can feel safe enough to explore it.
I work in a way that is both gentle and structured, supporting you in understanding yourself more deeply and finding your own way forward.
I am recognized as a psychologist and psychotherapist in Switzerland by the Commission for Psychological Professions (PsyKo) and registered in the list of psychotherapists of the Slovak Republic (Slovak Psychotherapy Society). I work under regular professional supervision.
Services
My services are shaped around your individual needs, pace, and current life situation.
Psychological Counseling
Life is full of change, and there are times when our usual ways of coping no longer work and a sense of well-being feels out of reach. In such moments, reaching out for support can be an important step. In our work together, we create a space where you can slow down, explore what you are going through, and gradually find a way back to a greater sense of inner freedom and stability. This is usually a medium- to long-term process of working together.
Psychedelic Integration
Altered experiences can be a meaningful part of human life, sometimes shifting our perspective on ourselves and the world. When approached with care and integrated mindfully, they can become a valuable source of insight, connection, and personal growth, helping us reconnect with ourselves, others, and the world around us. In my work, I support clients in making sense of these experiences and integrating them into their unique life story, while strengthening inner resources. This type of support is typically short-term.
Therapeutic approaches
Gestalt Therapy
My work is strongly influenced by Gestalt therapy, which invites you to deepen self-awareness through mindful attention to the present moment – including thoughts, emotions, and bodily experience.
Together, we explore patterns that shape your well-being and relationships, working with what is happening “here and now.” This approach supports a deeper understanding of your experience while helping you reconnect with your inner resources and capacity for change.
At the core of this work is the belief that each person carries an inherent creative potential and an inner wisdom that can be accessed and developed over time.
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Emotion-Focused Therapy offers a gentle and structured way to understand emotions and needs – especially within relationship patterns, whether with a partner, family members, or yourself.
In our sessions, we explore emotional experiences with compassion, deepen emotional awareness, and work with patterns that may lead to tension, disconnection, or conflict. This process supports the development of self-compassion, more authentic ways of responding, and a stronger sense of connection – both with yourself and others.
EMDR Therapy
Some clients seek support for trauma-related symptoms, distressing memories, or anxiety responses. In such cases, I may draw on EMDR and trauma-sensitive approaches.
This work supports the natural processing of difficult experiences, helping them become less overwhelming and more integrated into your life story. The process is always collaborative, carefully paced, and grounded in a strong focus on safety, stabilization, and your internal resources.
Topics you can reach out to me about
If you’re trying to find a therapist in Basel and you’re unsure where to start, these are common reasons people reach out.
We will clarify your needs together and tailor the work to your individual situation in a confidential, supportive space.
Anxiety
Persistent worry, tension, panic symptoms, or fear that feels hard to manage can affect daily life and relationships. Together we explore patterns, strengthen inner resources, and develop steadier ways of coping.
Stress & burnout
Long-term stress can show up as exhaustion, irritability, sleep problems, or feeling constantly “on.” In our work, we focus on self-awareness, boundaries, and practical strategies that support wellbeing over time.
Low mood / depression
Sadness, numbness, loss of motivation, or a sense of heaviness can make even simple tasks feel difficult. We create a supportive space to understand what is happening and to reconnect with meaning and vitality step by step.
Self-esteem & identity
Low self-esteem often comes with harsh self-criticism, people-pleasing, or feeling “not enough.” Together we explore emotional needs, strengthen self-compassion, and support a more stable sense of self.
Trauma-related concerns
After overwhelming experiences, the nervous system can stay in a state of alert, shutdown, or disconnection. I work in a trauma-informed way, carefully paced and focused on safety, stabilization, and strengthening your inner resources.
PTSD-related symptoms
Intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance, or sudden emotional reactions can be signs that the body and mind are still trying to process what happened. We approach this gently, building stability and clarity while supporting your capacity to feel safe in the present.
Grief & loss
Loss can bring waves of sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, or a sense that life has changed irreversibly. I offer a compassionate space to honour your experience and to find ways of living with the loss over time.
Loneliness
Loneliness can happen even when you’re surrounded by people, especially during major life changes. Together we explore the emotional layers beneath it and support connection - to yourself and to others - in a way that feels authentic.
Substance use & addictive behaviours
When substances or behaviours become a way to cope with stress, pain, or emptiness, it can feel hard to step out of the cycle. We look at triggers and underlying needs, and build alternative strategies that support mental wellbeing.
Relocation & expat adjustment
For many people, living abroad brings culture shock, isolation, and identity shifts - especially during major life transitions. Relocating to Basel or elsewhere in Switzerland can also bring pressure to adapt, perform, and find stability in a new environment. I support you in making sense of this transition, strengthening resilience, and finding steadier ground in your new life.
What can you expect during our sessions?
In our initial session, we’ll explore your reasons for seeking support and discuss your needs. Whether you prefer to speak English or Slovak, and whether you are based in Basel or connecting online, we’ll look at your situation in context and identify the key areas to focus on in our work.
The next 2–3 sessions serve as a trial period to see if our collaboration feels right and makes sense for you. During this time, we will also clarify the terms of our work together and decide on the frequency of the sessions.
After this initial phase and reflection, if we decide to continue, we will agree on a mutual contract.
Areas outside my scope
Please note that I do not provide emergency or crisis support.
In case of an emergency, please contact local emergency services (144) or dial 112. For emotional support, you can also contact 143.
If you are outside Switzerland, please contact local emergency services, call 112, or visit the nearest emergency room. Specific services available in your country, which you can contact in an emergency, can be found here.
Practical information
Format
Sessions are available online as well as in person at Heuberg 16, 4051 Basel.
Session length
A session lasts 50 minutes.
Payment
Sessions may be partially reimbursed through supplementary health insurance, depending on your individual plan.
I recommend checking directly with your provider, as coverage varies.
Payment for the first session is required upfront.
Cancellation policy
If you need to cancel, please do so at least 48 hours in advance to avoid being charged the full session fee.
Languages
Sessions are available in English, Slovak, and Czech.
German can be used for communication if needed; however, sessions are not conducted in German.
Taking the next step
Reaching out can feel like a big step. If you’re unsure whether this is the right place for you, you’re welcome to get in touch and ask. We can explore your situation together and see whether working together feels like a good fit.
About Me
Beyond my professional background, I am inspired by practices that cultivate awareness, presence, and connection – such as yoga, movement, music and time in nature. I am also interested in spiritual perspectives and indigenous traditions, which approach human experience in a holistic and interconnected way.
These influences gently inform my work, shaping a way of being with clients that is grounded, open, and guided by curiosity, presence, and respect for each person’s unique path. I believe that each person carries an inner capacity for growth and change, even – or especially – in difficult moments.
Work experience
Certified professional trainings
During and after my studies in psychology, I gained experience in a corporate environment within the human resources field.
I then spent several years working with individuals struggling with addiction – first in a resocialization center, and later in a specialized psychiatric clinic in Bratislava.
I further expanded my experience by providing individual support in outpatient clinical psychology and psychotherapy settings.
Today, I work online as a psychologist for an international consulting company, while also maintaining my private practice with individual clients.
Symbol Therapy, KIP, Bratislava, Slovak Republic (2026-2027)
Advanced Trauma Therapy Training EMDR, SIPE, Trenčín, Slovak Republic (2025–2026)
Advanced Psychotherapeutic Training in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), ITZE, Olomouc, Czech Republic (2023–2025)
Integration of Psychedelic Experience (Training for Helping Professionals), ICEERS, Barcelona, Spain (2023–2024)
Long-Term Comprehensive Psychotherapeutic Training in Integrative Gestalt Therapy, Instep, Prague, Czech Republic (2017–2023)
Career Counseling, Career Navigation, Bratislava, Slovakia (2015)
Master’s Degree in Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia (2013–2015)
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia (2010–2013)
Show further education and seminars
AI in Psychotherapy, ČAP, Tereza Komárková, online (2026)
Reclaiming Wholeness: A Compassionate/Relational Gestalt Understanding of Trauma and Addiction, New York Institute for Gestalt Therapy, Rafael Cortina, online (2026)
Online Gestalt Therapy, ČAP, Mgr. Nina Schautová Ph.D., online (2025)
Organization and Structure of Personality (Psychodynamic Perspective on Personality in Health and Pathology), Verum Esse, Mgr. Dominika Bednárová, online (2025)
From Struggle to Thriving, Vidyamala Burch, online (2025)
Master’s Commentary Series, Dr. Leslie Greenberg, online (2025)
Cultivating Compassion in EFT, ITZE, Laco Timuľák, PhD., online (2025)
Being in psychotherapy, Terraln, Mgr. Hana Vojtková, online (2024)
Neurodiversity in Psychotherapeutic Practice, ČAP, MUDr. Kristýna Drozdová, online (2024)
Post-Traumatic Dissociation, Terraln, Mgr. Hana Vojtková, online (2024)
Understanding Trauma and Dissociation through Neurobiology and Attachment, Terraln, Mgr. Hana Vojtová, online (2023)
Crisis Intervention for Helping Professionals, Mgr. Peter Porubský, Mgr. Barbara Ernest, online (2023)
Rorschach Method, PhDr. Igor Obuch, Bratislava, Slovakia (2022)
Introduction to Suicidal Behavior in Children and Adolescents, Velký vůz sever, Bc. Pavlína Klabníková, online (2022)
ASSYST Humanitarian Psychosocial Project ©, Czech Association for Psychotraumatology and EMDR, PhDr. Zuzana Čepelíková, online (2022)
Trauma and crisis, PhDr. Yvonna Lucká, online (2022)
Dreams alive, PhDr. Martin Jára, Prague, Czech Republic (2022)
Dance as a means of improving concentration, attention and tension in children, Mterapio, Mgr. Zuzana Románová, online (2021)
The mystery of borderline personality disorder, I care project, Mgr. Adam Táborský, online (2021)
Fundaments of attachment styles, Diane Poole Heller, Online (2021)
Palliative psychology and grief, Slovak Health University, Bratislava, Slovakia (2020)
TK in social medicine and healthcare organization, Slovak Health University, Bratislava, Slovakia (2020)
Basics of the main psychotherapeutic directions, psychotherapeutic methods and special techniques of psychotherapy, Slovak Health University, Doc. PhDr. Miloš Šlepecký, Csc., Bratislava, Slovakia (2020)
Preparation for Work in Healthcare, Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia (2019)
The most important psychodiagnostic methods and Theories of personality, motivation, learning from the perspective of their application in clinical psychology, Slovak Health University, PhDr. Etela Mišaničová and PhDr. Zuzana Mičková, PhD., Bratislava, Slovakia (2019)
Yoga instructor, Power yoga akademie s.r.o., Prague, Czech republic (2018-2019)
Basics of Crisis Intervention, Déčko Liberec, Mgr. Lucie Husová, Olomouc, Czech Republic (2018)
Effective Helping Conversation, Coachingplus, Mgr. Vladimír Hambálek, Mgr. Ivan Valkovič, Bratislava, Slovakia (2017)
Autogenic Training I., Pro mente sana, MUDr. Jozef Hašto, Bratislava, Slovakia (2017)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mgr. Andrej Jeleník, Bratislava, Slovakia (2016)
Group Dynamics, Coachingplus, Mgr. Vladimír Hambálek, Mgr. Ivan Valkovič, Bratislava, Slovakia (2016)
Body and Dreams, Popi Slovakia, Mgr. Brigita Trimajová Dipl.POP, Mgr. Ing. Jana Sarah Kašáková Dipl.POP, Bratislava, Slovakia (2016)
Treasures, Challenges and Boundaries in Helping Relationships, Popi Slovakia, Ivan Verny Dipl.PW., Marianne Verny Dipl.PW , Bratislava, Slovakia (2016)
Violence against Children, Young People and Adults, Centrum Slniečko, Mgr. Mariana Kováčová, PhD, Bratislava, Slovakia (2015)
Principles of treatment and care for terminally ill children and families in a children’s home hospice, Plamienok, n.o., MUDr. Mária Jasenkova, Bratislava, Slovakia (2015)
Psychological assessment of credibility and current methods of criminal and investigative psychology, Slovak Institute of Applied Psychology, Mgr. et Mgr. Ondrej Kubík, PhD., Bratislava, Slovakia (2012)
Memberships in professional organizations
Inspiration
Books
Irvin D. Yalom: The gift of therapy
Erich Fromm: The art of loving
Viktor E. Frankl: Man´s search for meaning
Rick Hanson: Buddha´s brain
Videos
Contact
If you would like to get in touch or have questions before booking a session, feel free to contact me. I will respond as soon as possible.
Alžbeta Zetzmann, MSc
Psychologist and Psychotherapist
I regularly support clients from: Basel-Stadt (BS), Basel-Landschaft (BL), Aargau, Solothurn, Jura. Online sessions make it possible to work together regardless of where you are located within Switzerland, while still offering local, Basel-based support.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know exactly what I want to work on before reaching out?
Not at all. Many people who are trying to find a psychologist in Basel don’t have a clear label for what they are experiencing. We can take time in the initial sessions to explore your situation together and clarify what feels most important to focus on.
Is this the right place if I’m unsure whether I need counselling?
Yes. Feeling unsure is very common. You are welcome to reach out even if you’re still deciding whether psychological counselling feels right for you. A first conversation can help you gain clarity without any obligation.
Do you work with clients only in Basel?
While I am based in Basel, I work with clients from Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft, and surrounding cantons such as Aargau, Solothurn, Jura, and Bern. Online sessions also make it possible to work together across Switzerland.
Are sessions available in English?
Yes. I am an English-speaking psychologist, and sessions are available in English, as well as in Slovak and Czech. Language preferences can be discussed during our first contact.
How do I know if we are a good fit?
The first sessions are an opportunity for both of us to see whether working together feels supportive and meaningful. A trusting, collaborative relationship is an important foundation for effective psychological work, and it’s okay to take time to sense whether it feels right.
Can I start online and continue in person later?
Yes. At the moment, sessions are offered online. In-person sessions in Basel are planned, and we can discuss preferences and possibilities as your situation evolves.
What if I’m going through a major life change?
Life transitions—such as relocation, career changes, or shifts in relationships—are a common reason people seek support. Psychological counselling can offer a stable, reflective space to navigate change and strengthen inner resources during uncertain times.
Is what we talk about confidential?
Yes. Sessions take place in a confidential and respectful setting. Creating a safe space where you can speak openly is a central part of my work.