Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Social Work

Background:

• Nexus, a Berlin-based psychotherapeutic and psychiatric counseling team founded in 2018, specializes in Islamist and right-wing extremism.
• Since 2023, Nexus has expanded its collaborations nationwide with deradicalization programs and specialized counseling services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present case-related insights into the work of Nexus.
• To highlight the critical intersection of youth welfare, extremism prevention, and mental health in complex cases.
• To discuss how psychotherapists can aid in successful disengagement and deradicalization.

Main Methods:

• Case reports detailing psychotherapeutic and psychiatric counseling.
• Analysis of complex case constellations involving extremism and mental health.

Main Results:

• Psychotherapeutic counseling is crucial for individuals involved in extremism.
• Effective interventions require collaboration between youth welfare, extremism prevention, and mental health services.
• Case insights demonstrate the potential for successful distancing and exit processes through specialized support.

Conclusions:

• Psychotherapists play a vital role in deradicalization efforts.
• Integrated approaches addressing mental health are essential for successful disengagement from extremism.
• The Nexus model offers valuable insights for professionals working with extremist individuals.