Fabio Sannino – Systemic therapist and trauma-informed counselor

I am a systemic therapist and a non-medical practitioner specialising in psychotherapy. I also studied social work and have many years’ experience of working with queer organisations. My work is based on clarity, empathy and a practical approach: helping people in crisis to stabilise, further developing their identity, clarifying relationships, breaking addiction patterns and integrating trauma.
If you’re wondering whether therapy is the right step, my answer is: yes. Anyone seeking help takes responsibility – for themselves, their feelings and their quality of life.
From my work with queer people, I’ve learnt how important a safe space, a reliable approach and clear language are. Identity isn’t something you sort out on the side. It takes time, clear information, respectful consistency and concrete steps. Different ways of life are not a problem, but a resource. I bring this approach to every session: you set the pace, the goals and the focus. Whether it’s about coming out, belonging, self-worth or insecurities – we work in a goal-oriented way, but without pressure. My approach is systemic: problems do not arise in isolation; they reflect the relationships, patterns and systems within which you live. That’s why we look together at your family, circle of friends, work and other relevant relationships. The aim isn’t a ‘quick fix’ to solve problems, but sustainable solutions that fit into your everyday life.

We develop practical strategies for dealing with stress, conflicts or crises, so that you can make better decisions about what really matters to you. In practice, this means that we discuss topics such as identity, crisis, relationships, addiction and trauma openly and without judgement. Identity is about self-perception, acceptance and freedom of choice.
In times of crisis, we create stability during acute moments, organise your resources and plan the next step. We approach relationship issues as shared patterns: what dynamics are at play, where are boundaries needed, and how can you communicate more clearly? We take addiction seriously, viewing it as a challenge within the system of your life, and work on alternative ways of coping. We integrate trauma gently: with transparency, safety and structures that relieve the strain on the nervous system. In addition, I work as a crisis counsellor at the Berlin Crisis Service. There, I experience every day just how important immediate, pragmatic support is: rapid reassurance, guidance and accessibility. These experiences feed directly into my therapeutic work. You’ll be met with clear language, straightforward steps and a clear focus on your goals.
My aim is for you to feel that you’re not alone, and that there are concrete ways forward, even after difficult times. I’m constantly furthering my professional development – most recently with advanced training to become a trauma-centred specialist counsellor. This means I take a holistic approach, pragmatic and sensitive to the nervous system. If you decide to take the step towards therapy, I will support you honestly, reliably and without making you feel intimidated. You can be sure that your issues will be taken seriously, your boundaries respected, and that together we will find a meaningful, practical solution. Get in touch. Tell me what you’re struggling with at the moment. Then we’ll work out together how to proceed – step by step, at your own pace.

                                                                             

                                                                             About me – my therapeutic background

– Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Social Work with state recognition – HSAP (University of Applied Pedagogy), Berlin, 2022
– Trauma-centred specialist counselling / trauma pedagogy (DeGPT/FVPT) – Institute for Trauma Pedagogy, Berlin, 2023
-EMDR – Christoph Mahr Institute, Berlin, 2023
-Licence to practise psychotherapy – Lichtenberg Public Health Authority, Berlin, 2024
-Systemic therapy and counselling – GST (Society for Systemic Therapy), Berlin, 2024–2027
-Hypnotherapy – TherMedius Institute, 2026

-Since 2021, I have been working as a psychosocial counsellor at Schwulenberatung Berlin, the largest queer organisation in Europe. My specialism is psychosocial counselling on the topics of coming out, sexuality and relationships; shaping one’s life and future; living with HIV/AIDS, STIs and hepatitis; social isolation, mental health issues, suicidal thoughts, addiction and experiences of violence. I also lead a queer open addiction support group and a coming-out group.

In addition, I work as a crisis counsellor at the Berlin Crisis Service, carrying out crisis interventions in person or over the phone and referring clients to further support and care services as appropriate.