You have to do it by yourself,
but you don't have to do it alone
Psychologist in Amsterdam
Therapy and life coaching
Therapist in Amsterdam
Welcome to my website! I’m Harry, a Greek and English speaking therapist in Amsterdam. As an expat myself, I have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the expat community making me inclined to provide life coaching and therapy for expats.
My academic journey began when I pursued a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at the University of Ioannina. My interest in the intersection of science, technology, and the environment led me to move to Amsterdam, where I dived into the field of energy and sustainability at the University of Amsterdam. It was then when I came across and fell in love with Gestalt Therapy!
Driven by this newfound passion, I decided to further explore the human psyche, which led me to another academic journey, this time in the realm of psychology. Now, as an expat psychologist in Amsterdam, I hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from Vrije University. Currently, I am in my third year of specialisation in Gestalt therapy at the NSG academy in Amsterdam. I am profoundly committed to this approach, and its principles underpin my daily practice. Through my studies and work, I have come to value the power of self-awareness, mindfulness, and personal responsibility in facilitating change and promoting better mental health.
Using a Gestalt approach
Gestalt Therapy
Gestalt therapy is existential and phenomenological at its core. It is influenced by humanistic and holistic principles and considers the importance of the body as well as the mind. It incorporates creative arts, experiential exercises, and a keen attention to both language and body language. Gestalt therapy encourages self-awareness and personal responsibility and is a form of therapy that places a heavy emphasis on the individual’s experience in the present moment, the environment, and the client-therapist relationship. The therapeutic process focuses on the enhancement of awareness, freedom, and self-direction. Gestalt therapy acknowledges the importance of the past and future amd places primary focus on the here and now as it is in the here and now that anything relevant becomes accessible
Using a Gestalt approach
Gestalt Therapy
Gestalt therapy is existential and phenomenological at its core. It is influenced by humanistic and holistic principles and considers the importance of the body as well as the mind. It incorporates creative arts, experiential exercises, and a keen attention to both language and body language. Gestalt therapy encourages self-awareness and personal responsibility and is a form of therapy that places a heavy emphasis on the individual’s experience in the present moment, the environment, and the client-therapist relationship. The therapeutic process focuses on the enhancement of awareness, freedom, and self-direction. Gestalt therapy acknowledges the importance of the past and future amd places primary focus on the here and now as it is in the here and now that anything relevant becomes accessible
What's in for you?
Services
Personalized one-on-one or couples therapy and life coaching sessions to help you identify and achieve your goals in life
No waiting list
Let's have a talk
Therapy sessions are available both in-person and online, ensuring accessibility and convenience for everyone
Free introductory meeting
No waiting list
Pricing
As an english speaking psychologist in Amsterdam, my goal is to provide high-quality therapy services to clients while making them affordable and accessible. I understand that seeking therapy can be a financial burden, for some groups such as international students, which is why I offer affordable prices.
My rates are reflective of my commitment to providing excellent therapy services that are also affordable. Additionally, I believe that cost should not be a barrier to receiving the support you need, which is why I also offer a sliding scale fee structure for those in need.
The sliding scale fee takes into account your financial situation, ensuring that therapy is still accessible to you regardless of your financial circumstances. My ultimate goal is to ensure that every individual or couple can access the support they need to achieve their personal goals and enhance their overall well-being.
What's troubling you?
Mental health
This is a safe space, where you will receive support in navigating your mental health journey. It’s essential to understand that mental health problems are common and can affect anyone. Your struggles are valid, and there is help available for you. Below, there is a brief overview of several mental health issues to help you better understand what you might be experiencing.
Sexual Abuse
Survivors of sexual abuse can experience a range of psychological effects, including feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety. It’s not uncommon for survivors to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or have issues related to intimacy and trust. Know that healing is possible, and seeking therapy can be a helpful step towards recovery.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are characterised by excessive and persistent worry and fear, leading to symptoms such as panic attacks and difficulty controlling worry. These disorders can be caused by life experiences, inherited traits, or underlying medical conditions.
Stress Disorders
Stress disorders, like PTSD, are associated with exposure to trauma and can result in distressing symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. Managing these conditions often requires a comprehensive approach, including therapy and self-care strategies.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is not only a physical condition; it has significant psychological effects too. It can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and can disrupt sleep, among other issues. A psychological approach can assist in managing the emotional impact of chronic pain.
Chronic Illness
Living with a chronic illness can be emotionally challenging, leading to feelings of frustration, fear, or sadness. Therapeutic support can help manage these feelings and build resilience in facing ongoing health challenges.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is characterised by a significant amount of fear in one or more social situations, causing considerable distress and impaired ability to function in parts of daily life. These fears can be triggered by perceived or actual scrutiny from others.
Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders can manifest in various ways, including insomnia, sleep apnea, or parasomnias. These issues can, in turn, affect your mood, energy levels, and overall health. Therapeutic techniques can assist in improving sleep hygiene and managing underlying issues that may be affecting your sleep.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. This often leads to dependence syndrome, a cluster of behavioural, cognitive, and physiological phenomena. Recovery is possible with the right help and support.
Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear that may include palpitations, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, or feelings of impending doom. These can be frightening and disruptive experiences, but therapeutic techniques can help manage and reduce their occurrence.
Personality Disorders
Personality disorders are characterised by enduring maladaptive patterns of behaviour, cognition, and inner experience. These patterns can lead to significant distress or impairment. It’s important to understand that help is available and improvement is possible with the right therapeutic approach.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, involve serious disturbances in eating behaviour, such as extreme and unhealthy reduction of food intake or severe overeating. These disorders can be life-threatening if not treated effectively.
Depression
Depression is a common and serious mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. It’s characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. You may also experience physical symptoms, such as changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and more.
If you recognize yourself or a loved one in any of these descriptions, please know that you are not alone. There’s a world of help and support available for you. You are welcome to schedule an introductory call. This is a safe, non-judgemental space where we can explore your experiences and discuss how we can improve your mental health.
What suits you more?
Types of therapy
Therapy is a journey towards better mental health, self-discovery, and personal growth. I often encounter individuals seeking assistance who are not only unfamiliar with Gestalt therapy, but also unaware of the diverse range of therapeutic options available. It’s crucial to recognize that the various forms of psychotherapy differ significantly in their methodologies and objectives. When someone seeks help, understanding the specific type of assistance they are looking for is essential. Let’s take a moment to see some of these different therapeutic approaches:
Distinctive in its holistic approach, Gestalt therapy places an emphasis on personal responsibility, focusing on the individual’s experience in the present moment, the environment, and the therapist-client relationship. Unlike other therapies, Gestalt does not just treat symptoms or individual issues. Instead, it addresses the totality of human experience, including thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and actions, aiming to integrate these fragmented parts into a cohesive self.
This is a structured and solution focused therapy form of psychotherapy which involves treatment goals. During CBT sessions, the client and the therapist work together to identify troubling situations, address negative thinking, and reshape behavior patterns. This therapy can be carried out individually or in groups, and it’s also available in computer-based and smartphone app formats.
This type of therapy helps individuals identify and change negative patterns that they’ve lived with for a long time. The aim is to replace maladaptive schemas (patterns) with healthier ones.
As the name suggests, sex therapy focuses on resolving sexual issues and improving sexual relationships. This can involve tackling concerns related to sexual performance, intimacy, or sexual trauma.
Systemic or system therapy is used primarily for couples or families. It considers relationships and interactions within the system, such as couples counselling for relationship issues or family therapy, rather than focusing solely on the individual.
This approach explores the connection between the unconscious mind and actions. It can be helpful for addressing conditions like depression and anxiety, aiming to bring lasting psychological change through understanding and insight.
In art therapy, creative expression is used as a therapeutic tool. It can be a valuable approach for those who find it difficult to express their feelings verbally.
EMDR therapy offers a solution focused strategy, especially beneficial for the sensitive person grappling with anxiety. By focusing on anxiety and skillfully reprocessing distressing memories, EMDR empowers individuals to find relief and enhance their emotional well-being. Guided by techniques like eye movement and bilateral stimulation, EMDR harnesses the brain’s innate healing mechanisms. This approach has demonstrated remarkable success in aiding those with past traumas while nurturing emotional resilience.
Emotionally Focused Therapy , often referred to as emotionally focused counselling and coaching, offers a transformative approach centered on relationships and emotional connections. EFT specializes in guiding couples and individuals through the exploration and reshaping of their emotional responses and attachment patterns. By nurturing secure bonds, emotionally focused therapy EFT empowers individuals to skillfully navigate their emotions while cultivating healthier, more satisfying connections in their lives.
While each of these therapies offers unique approaches to mental wellness, it’s important to understand that the effectiveness of therapy also relies heavily on the therapist themselves and the relationship between the client and the therapist. Therapists within one modality can have different approaches, styles, and experiences.
Therefore, if you’ve tried a certain type of therapy and it didn’t work out, it doesn’t mean therapy isn’t for you. The key is to find the type of therapy and the therapist that aligns best with your needs. Don’t be discouraged; take the time to explore different options and find what works best for you. Remember, therapy is a personal journey, and it’s okay to take the time to find the right path. Your well-being is worth it!