Ben Schuster
ICEEFT certified emotionally focused couples therapist and supervisor
My passion lies in working with people and their relationships. For as long as I can remember, I have been deeply fascinated by what makes us feel and act the way we do. I am grateful that I get to live this passion in my work every day.
I look forward to meeting you personally, understanding your story, and discovering what makes you the person you are.
About me
Education & Training
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
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Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist (ICEEFT, developed by Dr. Sue Johnson) – 2023
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Certified EFT Supervisor (ICEEFT) – 2024
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EFT Externship and Core Skills Training – 2022
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EFIT Essentials with Christine Weiß – 2024
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EFT and Shame with Christine Weiß – 2023
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Attachment Science in Practice, Psychwire (online) – 2021
Foundational Training
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3.5-year professional training in individual, couples, and family counselling, qualifying as a Psychosocial Counsellor (Lebens- und Sozialberater) in Austria
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3-year training in the Foundations of Transpersonal Process Work with Richard Stiegler
Professional Memberships and Networks
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Member of ICEEFT (International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy)
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Member of the WKO Expert Network for Couples Counselling (Austria)
Methods & Experiences
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My couples counseling is based on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, developed by Susan Johnson.
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My foundational training was strongly influenced by the work of Jesper Juul, particularly his focus on present-moment experience and mindfulness.
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In addition, I bring over 15 years of experience supporting people in interpersonal relationships - as a trainer, coach, supervisor, and facilitator.
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I have worked with adolescents, adults, small and large groups, as well as in social, non-profit organizations and corporate settings.
Personal
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I am the father of a wonderful son, who has already completed his schooling.
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I am personally familiar with the challenges of long-term relationships and their endings, life in a blended family, and the exploration of alternative relationship forms.
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I grew up in Australia with an Austrian father and have been living in Innsbruck since 2007.
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I speak German and English fluently.
My Core Values
Throughout my work as a counselor, coach, and facilitator, the following principles have become particularly important to me.
Empathy & Humility
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Every person needs empathy in order to heal and grow. I will not judge or tell you what is “wrong” - instead, I seek to understand the good reasons behind why you act the way you do.
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Every person and every relationship is unique. I don’t know your truth - but I make an effort to truly listen, put myself in your shoes, and understand what makes your situation special.
Potential & Growth
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Humans are emotional beings, and our feelings often have more power over us than our thoughts. I support you in allowing uncomfortable emotions without letting them take control - so you can act in accordance with your values again.
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Every person carries the potential and resources within themselves to find solutions to their challenges. Giving advice is easy - but the person who knows best what they need is you. My goal is to guide you in emotional growth so that you can discover your own solutions.
Openness & Security
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Relationships require both openness and vulnerability, as well as protection and safety. It is perfectly okay to go at your own pace. What matters to me is that you feel safe and can share your vulnerability step by step - in a supportive process that challenges without overwhelming.
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We cannot change other people, but when something changes within us, the relationship changes too - and often, so do the people around us. My focus is on how you feel and how you relate to others and to the world. My aim is to guide you so that you truly experience and feel change, not just understand it intellectually.