Who I Am
I am Miriam Rürup, alternative practitioner for psychotherapy and coach in Berlin.
I'm interested in how we understand each other through stories: about the stories we tell about ourselves, about what we have experienced and about what has shaped us.
This becomes particularly important in life crises, transitions and times of inner reorientation - when the previous self-image is no longer sustainable and new orientation becomes necessary.
What I Do
I listen carefully and pay attention to your narrative patterns. I unravel the narrative threads and turning points of your life and help you to make your values, wishes and desires more visible.
During the conversation, I not only hear the problem, but also what is next to it, underneath it or despite it.
My Path
Language, culture and identity fascinated me from an early age and turned me into a bookworm. I found different perspectives, experiences, life plans and realities in books. I have always been particularly interested, what doesn't seem to fit together at first glance - and what can happen when it becomes a real encounter.
A key moment for me was the discovery of the Hero’s Journey in a seminar on screenwriting over twenty years ago. She showed me how people pass on their experiences, how they face challenges, interpret transitions and talk about what it means to be human.
In my work at the intercultural context I was able to hear many different life stories. This has always made me question my own point of view and broaden my perspective.
It became increasingly clear to me how much self-worth and belonging are linked to how we understand, categorise and narrate our experiences.
Beyond the Story
My work is called 'Beyond the Story' because I believe:
✨ There’s always more behind every story. ✨
More than roles, labels, and old narratives.
More than what’s considered 'functional.'
More than what fits on Instagram or a résumé.
What I Stand For
🌱 I’m convinced that stories - or narratives - shape our lives , both personally and socially.
🌱 Narrative therapy and intercultural coaching are grounded in genuine curiosity and deep respect for others.
🌱 Our differences are what make life flavorful. A diverse society is more creative, more innovative, and more livable than one that strives for uniformity.
🌱 Each person knows their own life and challenges best - I simply help uncover what’s hidden and loosen limiting thought patterns to dissolve.
🌱 Storytelling works. Advertising uses it to manipulate - I use it to empower. I firmly reject manipulative storytelling.
What Defines Me
I believe that each person holds their own solutions within. My approach is shaped by listening, asking questions, and discovering new ways together. I use creative methods that invite reflection and development - often playful, sometimes unconventional, but always with depth.
I’m structured, attentive and professional. I work with heart - but without making false promises. I take people seriously - even between the lines. I believe in change. And in storytelling as a key to it.
Hard Facts About Me
🧾 Over 15 years of experience in the intercultural education and working with people from more than 60 countries
🧾 B.A. in Cultural Studies (FernUniversität in Hagen)
🧾M.A. in Biographical and Creative Writing (Alice Salomon University, Berlin)
🧾 Licensed Alternative Practitioner for Psychotherapy (Berlin Health Authority, Lichtenberg)
🧾 Trained Narrative Therapist (Institute of Narrative Therapy, UK & Institut für ressourcenorientierte Gesprächsführung, Hamburg)
🧾Further training Systemic heroine and hero journey with Prof Holger Lindemann
🧾 Trained Certified Systemic Coach and Integration Consultant (Institut für Bildungscoaching)
🧾Training as a author, editor, and dramaturg (Skript Akademie, Berlin)
🧾 Published short story 'Abgefahren' in the anthology 'Vom Aufstehen' (Schibiri Verlag, 2021)
Fun Facts
🎈 When swimming- my favorite sport - I’m as blind as a mole without my glasses
🎈 I’m an early bird. My best ideas come at 5 a.m.
🎈 I laugh heartily at my own 'misheard lyrics' - like thinking 'Sweet dreams are made of cheese' instead of 'Sweet dreams are made of this' by the Eurythmics
🎈 I collect curious quirks of the German language - like: 'Du kannst ruhig lauter sprechen' or 'Wir sollten uns langsam mal beeilen'
In Short
Miriam Rürup is a non-medical practitioner for psychotherapy and coach in Berlin. She supports people in life crises, transitions and phases of inner and outer reorientation. Her work is characterised by narrative and combines psychotherapeutic responsibility with a culturally sensitive perspective.