OUR THERAPISTS PROFILES:

Dr. Nicolas Dermota

Nationally licensed Clinical Psychologist (Austrian Ministry of Health) and registered Psychotherapist (Japanese Federation for Psychotherapy, European Association for Psychotherapy) with extensive international experience across Austria, Japan, and Brazil. I have dedicated over seventeen years to providing specialized psychological services to Tokyo’s international expat community and local Japanese clients.

My approach is integrative, blending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Schema Therapy with a client-centered orientation. I frequently support clients with diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse issues. My practice also includes extensive experience in managing stress, anger issues, and intercultural communication and identity challenges.

At Refugium Tokyo I offer counseling and psychotherapy for individuals and couples in English, German, and Japanese. My expertise in intercultural dynamics and identity is a key focus.

European Association for Psychotherapy / JCP-Holder Link

Austrian Embassy Tokyo / Official Psychologist of Trust Link

Experience & Training

  • 2000 – Psychologist, University of Vienna, Austria

  • 2002 – Clinical Psychologist, University of Vienna, Austria

  • 2002 – Traffic Psychologist, Austrian Ministry for Transport, Austria

  • 2014 – Psychotherapist, Japanese Federation for Psychotherapy (JFP), Japan

  • 2022 – Doctorate in Psychotherapy Science, Sigmund Freud University, Austria

Professional Experience

  • 2000 – 2005 – AAAV Psychological Institute, Vienna, Austria

  • 2004, 2006 – Project for Street Kids, Favela da Maré, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

  • 2008 – 2018 – Hozumi Psychiatric Daycare Clinic, Japan

  • 2008 – 2020 – Tokyo Counseling Services (TCS), Japan

  • 2014 – 2020 – Ikebukuro Counseling Center (ICC), Japan

  • 2020 – 2021 – Ichigaya Counseling Center (ICC), Japan

  • 2014 – Present – Psychologist of Trust, Austrian Embassy, Tokyo, Japan

  • 2019 – Present – Tokyo Central Counseling (TCC), Japan

Dr. Robert Leonhardt

Licensed Medical Doctor and Specialist in Internal Medicine with a certified Psychotherapy background, registered in Germany and Europe. My career spans extensive experience across major German institutions, including the Bundeswehr (German Military) and the German Pension Insurance (DRV), where I held roles of increasing responsibility, ultimately serving as Medical Director. My psychotherapeutic training was conducted at the Bundeswehr Hospital in Berlin, with a concentration in psychotraumatology.

After relocating to Japan two years ago, I have been committed to supporting the expatriate community in navigating their personal and relational challenges. Common issues I address include anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, and stress reactions. I provide therapy for individuals, couples, and families in English, German, and Japanese.

My psychotherapeutic approach is depth psychology-oriented, emphasizing the importance of understanding psychodynamic processes. I focus on helping clients resolve underlying subconscious issues in a safe therapeutic relationship, fostering an environment where change is both supported and sustainable. Leveraging my medical background, I adopt a holistic perspective that views body and mind as interconnected, aiming to support my clients comprehensively whenever possible.

Experience & Training

  • 1986 – Medical Degree, Hamburg, Germany

  • 1986 – 1993 – Specialist Training in Internal Medicine, Hamburg, Germany

  • 1993 – 1994 – Specialist Training in Allergology, Davos, Switzerland

  • 2009 – 2011 – Clinical Training in Psychotherapy, Academy for Psychotherapy Erfurt, General Hospital Lutter, and Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, Department of Psychotraumatology

Professional Experience

  • 1994 – 2014 – Doctor of Trust, German Pension Insurance (DRV), concluding as Medical Director

  • 2009 – 2015 – Medical Officer, German Military, with deployments as a Flight Surgeon in Kosovo, Kenya, and Afghanistan

  • 2013 – 2017 – Volunteer Medical Service for Homeless Populations, Berlin, Germany

  • 2016 – 2020 – Emergency Physician, Panel Doctor Association (KV), Germany

  • 2011 – 2022 – Psychotherapist in Private Practice, Germany

  • 2023 – Relocation to Japan

TOKYO

REFUGIUM

Psychotherapy & Mental Health Consulting