PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING, COACHING AND THERAPY WITH A SCANDINAVIAN TOUCH. I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU.
Maria Tapia
With Scandinavian roots, I support you on your path toward greater well-being, inner strength, and resilience.
With Scandinavian roots, I support you on your path toward greater well-being, inner strength, and resilience.
I grew up in Sweden and feel deeply shaped by Scandinavian values and the Swedish work culture, even though I’ve lived in Bavaria since 1997. Scandinavians are among the happiest people in the world – perhaps because they expect well-being, joy, and personal fulfillment in both their private and professional lives. They value flexible solutions and a considerate work environment that fosters health, engagement, and creativity. When people can live and work in a supportive atmosphere, they can reach their full potential – and find more joy in life.
Raised in a start-up entrepreneur family, I was encouraged early on to think boldly and creatively. In my youth, I discovered dynamic meditation and visualization techniques and developed an interest in relaxation methods and mental training. When I moved to Germany at the age of 24, I encountered a new professional and societal culture. This sparked a strong desire in me to help others find their individual path in life and experience a greater sense of well-being.
In Munich, I completed my M.A. in Psychology of Excellence in Business & Education and gained valuable experience in the field of Human Resources. As a systemic business coach and strength-based consultant, I supported people in their personal and professional development – with a focus on effective tools for stress regulation, resilience, and trauma integration. I also trained in methods such as autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation, mental coaching, and Body2Brain CCM®.
Encountering Somatic Experiencing® by Dr. Peter Levine, a body-based approach to resolving trauma and the effects of stress, was a turning point for me. Inspired by this work, I completed the three-year Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner training and deepened my focus on psychological counseling and therapeutic support. In addition to my freelance practice, I work in social education and psychiatric support services. It is deeply fulfilling to accompany people on their journey toward more quality of life, self-regulation, and the unfolding of their potential – and to support them in navigating the impacts of stress and trauma.
Freelance based work activities
Since 03/2014
Counseling, Coaching, Therapy (licensed HP psych.), Workshops
Professional experience
Since 10/2023
Social Worker, Marita-Beissel-Haus, Johanniter, Wielenbach
Since 10/2021
Psychiatric Crisis Service, Specialist, AWF, Projekte e.V., Munich
02/2023 – 03/2024
Social Worker, Supported Independent Living, Ariadne e.V., Munich
09/2020 – 03/2023
Social Worker, Social Psychiatric Service, Projekteverein gGmbH, Planegg
09/2019 – 08/2020
Project Manager, Women and Work Support Center, Bad Tölz
06/2007 – 02/2019
HR Manager (2014–2019) and HR Officer (2007–2013), ifb KG, Seehausen am Staffelsee
06/2006 – 12/2006
Training Placement Officer, Employment Agency, Weilheim (temporary)
08/1999 – 04/2002
Personnel Development (2001–2002), Working Student in HR (1999–2001), DAB bank, Munich
Education and training
2019
Licensed Heilpraktikerin for Psychotherapy, Garmisch-Partenkirchen
2008
Certified HR Specialist, IHK, Munich
2002
M.A. in Psychology of Excellence in Business & Education, LMU Munich
1996
Dipl. Communication Manager (IHM), Institute for Advanced Marketing, Gothenburg, Sweden
3 semesters: Human Resources and Labour Relations, University of Gothenburg
Further training & certifications (selection)
2025
Somatic Experiencing®: various advanced workshops and supervisions on a regular basis
2024
Crisis Intervention: De-escalation, suicide prevention, Psychiatric Crisis Service
EmotionAid®: Advanced training and Masterclass – “Managing activation and reactions in time of war”
Somatic Experiencing®: SE® Assistant Accreditation (Junior Assistant), various modules and supervisions (e.g. ego states, developmental trauma, shame & guilt, children & youth trauma work, pre- and perinatal trauma)
2023
EmotionAid® Practitioner and Facilitator
WEN DO – “Clear Boundaries”, Women’s Crisis Center
Boundaries and Boundary Violations (SE-based), Odenwald Institute
Somatic Experiencing®: Various advanced workshops and supervisions
Body2Brain CCM® Practitioner, Claudia Croos-Müller
2022
De-escalation Training, Psychiatric Crisis Service
WEN DO for Professionals
MHFA Certificate (Mental Health First Aid)
Various clinical trainings: Dissociation, Borderline, SE® with materials
Body2Brain (Intro, Level I & II, Supervision)
2021
Qualification and structure training, Psychiatric Crisis Service
EmotionAid® Intro, SE Academy
2020
Mental Coach (A-License), plus further certifications in Resilience Training, Mental Coaching, Motivation, Burnout Prevention, Life Coaching (Deutsche Trainerakademie, Cologne)
Relaxation Therapist for holistic methods, ZfN, Munich
Instructor in Autogenic Training and Progressive Muscle Relaxation, ZfN, Munich
Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP), ZIST Academy, Penzberg
2019
Psychotherapy basics (ICD-10), HP training, and counseling
Heart Rate Variability training, ACT Aisenpreis, Murnau
2016
Certified Neuroimagination® Coach, brainjoin Academy, Zurich
GKT Coach, brainjoin Academy, Zurich
Profilingvalues Balance Report
2015
Profilingvalues Master-Class pro, profilingvalues Munich
Talent Management, Haufe Academy
Essentials of HR Development, Haufe Academy
2014
Systemic Business Coach, 11drei Institute, Munich
2013
Profilingvalues (Basic to Master Class)
Jungian Personality Profile (JPP)
2012
Human Resource Management, Haufe Academy
2008
Competency-Based Career Counselor (KOB), Future Center Tirol
Competency Portfolio Coach, Future Center Tirol
Strengthen your resilience, well-being, and personal potential
Discover how professional guidance can help you live with more clarity, calm, and vitality. Feel free to get in touch for a personal consultation – I look forward to connecting with you.
