Counselling and individualised support for newcomers in Leipzig
Settling into a new place can be challenging. Whether you are new to Germany, have limited capacities to navigate the infamous German bureaucracy, or simply need practical assistance due to a language barrier, you can find assistance here.
Range of my services
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Includes assistance with bureaucracy, orientation in Leipzig as well as practical support with residence-related issues such as opening a German bank account, managing school enrolment, finding language courses or childcare facilities, and more. Please contact me to discuss whether I can assist with your specific inquiry.
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This includes a variety of health-related and medical inquiries. Should you require assistance with obtaining medical insurance, finding a medical professional or have questions about the German healthcare system (e.g., finding a general practitioner or accessing psychotherapy and/or psychiatric treatment), I am available to provide support.
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I provide translation services and can accompany you to your appointments. Please be advised that this is not my primary role. Consequently, I am unable to provide certified translation services (“Beglaubigte Übersetzung“). However, I can arrange it for you.
Principles of my work
Autonomy and self-responsibility
My objective is to establish a collaborative and non-hierarchical relationship with my clients. I aim to provide you with the resources and support necessary for you to become self-reliant and well-established in the long run.
Transparency
I am transparent about the scope of my assistance. After receiving your inquiry, I will promptly provide you with feedback regarding what you can expect from my services.
Solidarity
I can offer a reduced rate if paying the full price is a financial burden. I am also happy to advise you about the free counseling services offered by various institutions in Leipzig.
About me:
Hello,
My name is Margarita Lipatova. I have been working in the field of migration since 2016 and in the counseling, language, and integration mediation sectors since 2022. I have worked in refugee camps, NGOs, grassroots initiatives and solidarity projects. I am trained in trauma informed communication. I stand against discrimination on the basis of nationality, skin color, religious beliefs, sexual orientation and gender identity.
As a mediator I have experience working in a variety of settings, including migrant welcome centres, employment agencies, social psychiatric services, hospitals, and schools. In my role as a counsellor, I have provided guidance and support to new residents of Germany, addressing a wide range of inquiries and needs. These include, but are not limited to: city registrations, foreign office applications, housing searches, and medical professional searches.
In the fall of 2025, I will graduate from the University of Leipzig with a degree in psychology. I intend to use it to further my career in psychosocial counselling.
I moved to Germany in 2012 and have lived and worked in Greece, Turkey and Lebanon. I have a very good understanding of what it means to settle down in a new environment and the challenges that come with it and I will be glad to be of help to you.
FAQs
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My rate is 50 Euros per hour. After receiving your inquiry, I will provide an estimate of the time required and send you a proposal.
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I primarily work online, but I am available to travel if needed.
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I respond to all inquiries within two working days. If you require a prompt response, please include "urgent" in the subject line of your inquiry. I will attempt to respond within one business day.
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All the information and details you share remain private.
