your English-speaking counselor in Leipzig
I offer systemic counseling in English and German for individuals, couples, and families, both in Leipzig and online. As a trained systemic counselor (SG) with a background in communication studies, I help you understand relationship dynamics, resolve conflicts, and improve communication in personal and professional contexts.
My work is grounded in academic insight, empathy, and a solution-focused approach.
Since 2018, I have worked as a freelance communication trainer for universities, nonprofits, and companies. In 2023, I began offering systemic counseling for individuals, couples, and families, initially at Haus Steinstraße e. V., and since February 2026, in my own practice in Leipzig and online.
Professional Experience
- Communication Trainer (since 2018) & Systemic Counselor (since 2023)
- Communication Trainer, Barkhausen Institut Dresden (2023–2025)
- Managing Director, Günter Thiele Foundation for Communication and Management; Project Lead, Academic Society for Corporate Management & Communication; Founding Member, Executive Board (2020–2023)
- PhD-scholarship & Research Associate, Leipzig University (2010–2016)
Awards & Scholarships
- EXIST Women (2025)
- Mathilde Planck Contract Lectureships (2023)
- Emerald Literati Award (2018)
- Hering Schuppener PhD scholarship, Leipzig University (2010-2013)
- Guenter Thiele Prize (2010)
Selected Publications
- Viertmann, C. (2024). Sündenbock. In: Diskursmonitor. Glossar zur strategischen Kommunikation in öffentlichen Diskursen. Hg. von der Forschungsgruppe Diskursmonitor und Diskursintervention. Veröffentlicht am 13.09.2024.
- Viertmann, C., & Zerfass, A. (2024). Communication Management. In: K. Podnar (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Corporate Communication. Cheltenham (pp.), UK: Edward Elgar Publishing.
- Viertmann, C., Schneider, L., & Zerfaß, A. (2022). Von der Kommunikationshoheit zur Polyphonie: Steuerungsverlust und Vielstimmigkeit in der Unternehmenskommunikation. In A. Zerfaß, M. Piwinger, & U. Röttger (Hrsg.) Handbuch Unternehmenskommunikation (S. 173-188). Wiesbaden: Springer Gabler.
- Viertmann, C. (2018). “Scapegoating in media coverage: Analysing blame-giving rituals in the public sphere”, Public Relations Inquiry, 7(3) pp. 261–278.
- Zerfass, A., & Viertmann, C. (2017). “Creating business value through corporate communication: A theory-based framework and its practical application”, Journal of Communication Management, 21(1), pp.68-81.
- Viertmann, C. (2015). Der Sündenbock in der öffentlichen Kommunikation. Schuldzuweisungsrituale in der Medienberichterstattung. Wiesbaden: Springer VS.