Meaning-centered counseling in Zurich
for people in life transitions –
especially expat women*

A quiet space to find your bearings again

You may look like you are managing life well from the outside – but inside, it feels very different.

My name is Bettina Eckert. I offer meaning-centered counseling and logotherapy-based guidance for people in life transitions – with a special focus on women and especially expat women in Zurich who are going through life transitions and feel lost, exhausted or “between worlds”.

Sessions take place in my practice in Dübendorf (near Zurich) or online.

Book a free initial call

* In principle, everyone who feels resonant with my attitude and way of working is welcome.

Woman walking in a desert landscape, symbolising meaning-seeking, new beginnings and meaning-centered counseling at Sinn-Leben in Dübendorf near Zurich.

A message of meaning
to counter meaninglessness.

“To say yes to life, in spite of everything.”
– Viktor E. Frankl

Logotherapy, as developed by Viktor E. Frankl, is an important foundation of my work. It shows that even in times of crisis and loss of meaning, a new “in spite of everything” is possible – leading towards inner strength, responsibility and meaning.

Do you recognise yourself in this?

Maybe some of this feels familiar:

You appear strong and responsible, but inside you feel empty, drained or very small.
At work you tend to end up in supporting roles, you are not really seen – or you cannot find a place that fits your qualifications and values.
Your relationship is in crisis, you have gone through a separation, or you feel repeatedly left alone as a single.
You live in Switzerland as an expat or as the partner of an expat and feel that you never fully arrive –

a lot of adaptation, little real connection, and a quiet sense of loneliness.

On paper, your life “makes sense” – but something essential is missing.
You feel: I can’t continue like this. But I don’t see the next step yet.

If you recognise yourself in some of these points, you are very welcome here.
Together we explore what your next step could look like – and what truly matters to you now.

What can change through our work together

Our work is not about quick tricks or simple positivity.
It is about real, sustainable change – inside and outside.

Possible developments can include:

more inner clarity about what is truly important for you,
a more stable sense of self-worth, less depending on how others see you,
more calm in your thoughts and emotions, less overthinking and self-criticism,
bolder, more aligned decisions in work and relationships,
a growing sense of inner direction: “I am living a life that fits me better.”

You are not here to make yourself small or to only function.
You are allowed to live a life that feels honest and meaningful to you.

How I work: meaning-centered, holistic, strengthening

In my practice I combine logotherapy & existential analysis, holistic health counseling and mental training

into an approach that speaks to mind, heart and attitude.

„People who find meaning in their lives are more resilient, healthier and happier.“
— Martin E. P. Seligman, Flourish (2011)

Meaning-centered

Change happens where we see what gives our life meaning.
We clarify your values, look at important decisions and translate meaning into concrete steps in your everyday life – so that your life slowly becomes more aligned with who you really are.

Holistic

Body, psyche and spirit are in constant interaction.
A holistic view helps us understand symptoms and inner tension not just as problems, but also as signals. With mindfulness and self-responsibility you can strengthen your inner balance and listen more kindly to yourself.

Symbolic image of sun and light – mental training for focus, clarity and inner strength at the Sinn-Leben practice in Dübendorf.

Mental strengthening

Thoughts and inner images have a strong impact on how we feel and act. With elements of mental training you learn to become more aware of your inner dialogue, to calm it, to gently loosen unhelpful patterns of thinking and to direct your attention towards what gives you strength, confidence and a sense of agency in everyday life.

In the combination of these three pillars, a space opens for awareness, self-responsibility and

the realisation of what gives your life value, direction and depth.

→ Want to know more about me and my background?

Learn more about Bettina & my approach

Portrait of Bettina Eckert, logotherapy-based and holistic counselor at Sinn-Leben practice in Dübendorf near Zurich.

Bettina Eckert
Logotherapy-based
& holistic counselor

Offers & formats

I offer different ways of working together – always individually tailored to your situation.

Sinn-Kompass – a 6-week process for women in transition

A structured 6-session process for women – especially expat women in and around Zurich –

who are in a period of transition and want to reconnect with their inner compass.

In this process you can:

feel again what you want to get up for in the morning,
understand and accept your current life phase more deeply,
rediscover your values and inner resources,
relate to yourself in a kinder, more compassionate way,
develop 2–3 clear next steps that feel right for you.

We look at your life situation, your questions and your decisions in the light of meaning and values –

so that you can navigate your transition more consciously.

Individual counseling sessions

You can also work with me in single sessions, for example when you:

first want to sort out your situation before deciding on a process,
need support in a specific decision or stressful situation,
want to deepen topics after a Sinn-Kompass process,
wish for an occasional “meaning-centered check-in” for orientation.

Sessions can be 60 or 90 minutes, in the practice or online.

Support for young people – with a focus on young women

On request, I also support young people – especially young women and teenagers – who feel lost between school, family and social media expectations. Here, the focus is on:

strengthening self-worth,
finding an inner compass beyond comparison and pressure,
offering a calm, reliable adult space outside family and school.

You are welcome to contact me if this is relevant for your daughter or a young person in your environment.

Languages, fees and reduced-fee places

Sessions are available in German, English and Spanish.
Counseling is a self-paid service (not covered by health insurance).
My usual fee for a 60-minute session is CHF 150.–.
For people with limited financial means, I keep a small number of reduced-fee places.