Amsterdam is well-known not only for its scenic canals and vibrant culture but also for its comprehensive mental health services. Here, finding a licensed therapist requires sorting through a large number of choices to choose which one best suits your emotional and psychological requirements.
This guide is meant to make that procedure easier. Whether your needs are related to stress management, personal development, or assistance during a difficult period, our directory of Amsterdam’s top therapists can assist you in selecting a provider who will best meet your therapeutic objectives.
What is the full meaning of a therapist?
A “therapist” is a trained practitioner who assists individuals in managing and resolving emotional, mental, or behavioral problems. Therapists might come from a variety of backgrounds and have degrees in social work, psychology, psychiatry, marital and family therapy, and counseling. They may employ a range of treatments, such as talking therapies like psychoanalysis and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or more practical interventions like behavioral modification strategies.
A therapist’s main objective is to help people by offering them techniques, support, and direction to enhance their mental health and general well-being.
What exactly does a therapist do?
A therapist uses a variety of therapeutic strategies in well-structured sessions to work with clients to address emotional, mental, and behavioral issues. A therapist’s main responsibilities are to listen intently, pose appropriate questions, and help clients comprehend and control their ideas, feelings, and actions. They offer a private, secure setting where customers may discuss intimate matters without fear of repercussions.
In order to meet each client’s unique requirements, therapists use a variety of approaches, such as solution-focused strategies, psychodynamic therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). These methods support clients’ personal development, communication skills, and coping mechanism development. To ensure that therapy continues to be successful and adaptable to the client’s changing requirements, therapists might also create goals for the client’s course of treatment and monitor their progress.
What is the role of therapy?
Therapy has a variety of purposes, many of which are related to helping people enhance their emotional and mental health. Offering a private, secure space where clients may explore their feelings, ideas, and actions without fear of criticism is one of the main goals. Through self-examination, people may gain a deeper understanding of who they are and address underlying issues that might be contributing to their dysfunction or suffering.
Additionally, therapy helps people develop useful abilities and coping mechanisms for dealing with big problems and everyday difficulties. Certain strategies, like cognitive-behavioral therapy, assist in changing harmful thought patterns and behaviors, while other strategies concentrate on improving relationships, fostering resilience, or improving communication. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to support psychological resilience, emotional healing, and personal development in order to enable people live more satisfying lives.
Top 5 Best Therapists in Amsterdam
- Inclusive Psychology
- Forward Journeys Counselling
- Kuhler & Partners
- Clint Steenveld Psychology
- Therapy Global
5 Best Therapists in Amsterdam
#1 Inclusive Psychology
Basic Information
- Website: https://www.inclusive-psychology.com/
- Email Address: info@inclusive-psychology.com
- Address: Van Reigersbergenstraat 152, Amsterdam KVK 69875545
Overview
The founder of Inclusive Psychology, Tekin Meric Guzelant, is a licensed counselor and coach with a focus on working with people of all ages. He is located in Amsterdam. Tekin holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. His research interests are in the experiences of immigrants and expatriates on the Netherlands, an area that aligns with his personal aim of providing assistance to those whose identities deviate from conventional social norms. Along with diplomas in body-based therapy and existential well-being counseling, he also holds a diploma from the Amsterdam Academy for Counseling & Coaching, which further strengthens his credentials.
Tekin uses a blend of Ericksonian hypnosis, mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and other person-centered modalities in his integrative, needs-based therapeutic approach. He has a strong desire to provide a welcoming, secure space that celebrates and respects all forms of difference, including gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and neurodiversity. Recognizing the strong link between physical and psychological well-being, his approaches combine body-based and mind-body therapies with mental and emotional wellness. By allowing each client to fully examine their concerns, this holistic approach guarantees a route to personal emancipation and healing.
#2 Forward Journeys Counselling
Basic Information
- Website: https://www.forwardjourneyscounseling.com/
- Phone: +31 (0) 63 93 49 923
- Address: Amstel 182 A, 1017 AG Amsterdam
Overview
With extensive training from the United States, Germany, Japan, and now the Netherlands, Fowawrd Journeys Counselling offers a plethora of expertise as a licensed marriage and family therapist. They have experience working in a range of locations, including private clinics, teen residential institutions, and military clinical settings. As a result, their practice is greatly influenced by the viewpoints of other cultures. In order to create an atmosphere where clients feel fully heard and understood, their relationship- and theory-centered approach places a major emphasis on the therapeutic alliance between the therapist and the client. In order for clients to examine their feelings and start the healing process, this supportive environment is essential.
The therapist specializes in attachment-based family therapy (ABFT) and emotional-focused therapy (EFT), both process-oriented therapies that work to strengthen or reestablish emotional stability in individual, couple, and family systems. These approaches are based on the idea that people are relational beings who need close relationships to survive, making them ideal for dealing with complicated interpersonal problems. They are dedicated to ongoing professional development in addition to their therapeutic practice. Also, by continuing their education, they can guarantee that their practice will always be at the forefront of therapeutic approaches and that clients will have access to the best possible evidence-based treatment choices for their mental health.
#3 Kuhler & Partners
Basic Information
- Website: https://www.internationalmentalhealth.nl/
- Phone: +31 (0)85 066 05 00
- Address: Amstelveenseweg 390 1076 CT Amsterdam
Overview
The holistic approach Kühler & Partners International Mental Health takes to providing specialist mental health treatment (SGGZ) in Amsterdam sets it apart. With a multilingual staff of psychologists and psychiatrists that speak English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and more, the clinic guarantees that you may get the help you require regardless of your background. As part of its accessibility commitment, the clinic provides quick turnaround times for customized treatment plans and accommodates patients on the go with strong E-health resources that guarantee care continuity wherever they are.
In addition to offering a wide range of services including medical care, psychotherapy, and psychiatric counseling, the clinic specializes in corporate well-being and offers executive counseling, coaching, and specially designed training programs. Kühler & Partners maintains a network of institutional partners, including Arkin, for urgent psychiatric hospitalization because they understand the crucial significance of prompt response in times of crisis. Kühler & Partners’ holistic approach to mental health is shown by the way they integrate specialized and organizational services with quick, comprehensive care. This makes them an invaluable resource for both people and organizations.
#4 Clint Steenveld Psychology
Basic Information
- Website: https://psychologistinamsterdam.com/
- Email Address: clintpsych@gmail.com
- Phone: +31 (0)62 538 1845
- Address: Amsterdam – Centre (on the Amstel, opposite the National Opera and Ballet Theatre)
Overview
Integrative therapy is used at Clint Steenveld Psychology, with an emphasis on treating the full person—mind, body, and spirit. Talk therapy is the cornerstone technique that Clint Steenveld uses to address and fix the basic challenges that his clients encounter. With this approach, in-depth discussions covering a wide range of topics are held, including the client’s aspirations, dreams, past, present, and future as well as their day-to-day experiences. Through these in-depth conversations, clients enhance their relationships, acquire coping mechanisms, and gain understanding of their issues, all of which contribute to increased self-assurance and inner peace.
Clint Steenveld highlights the role of the body in emotional wellness in addition to spoken therapy. His method includes emphasizing symptoms and bodily sensations as manifestations of emotional anguish. To assist clients in managing both mental and physical health issues, techniques including mindfulness, relaxation, visualization, breathing, and meditation are frequently incorporated into sessions. Clint tries to find any emotional foundations that can aggravate physical symptoms for those with medical conditions. In addition, he uses play therapy and creative arts therapy in his work. These methods let clients express themselves nonverbally, which is very effective in gaining access to and addressing deeply ingrained difficulties. Clint Steenveld’s business offers an all-encompassing route to healing and personal development through these varied and customized approaches.
#5 Therapy Global
Basic Information
- Website: https://www.therapy-global.com/
- Email: admin@therapy-global.com
Overview
Through the use of telemedicine, Therapy Global is revolutionizing mental health assistance by offering people all over the world easily accessible, high-quality care. This group of skilled counselors and psychotherapists uses a customized strategy to meet each client’s particular requirements with knowledge and compassion. With professionals skilled in a wide range of therapeutic modalities, such as EMDR, life coaching, hypnosis, and psychotherapy, Therapy Global addresses a broad spectrum of problems, from stress and anxiety to difficult interpersonal disputes.
Their services help individuals, couples, and leaders discover balance and purpose by focusing not just on short-term relief but also on long-term well-being and personal growth.
Therapy Global is distinguished not only by its professional services but also by its dedication to environmental and social problems. Every therapist helps make mental health care more affordable by volunteering some of their time in exchange for free or heavily reduced services, as well as by taking part in carbon-reduction campaigns.
The organization emphasizes its support for a holistic approach to business that incorporates giving back to the community and the environment by designating funding for forestry initiatives and increased access to mental health services. In addition to meeting one’s own mental health requirements, working with Therapy Global reinforces the connection between one’s own well-being and the health of the world.
How much is a therapy session in the Netherlands?
A therapy session in the Netherlands usually costs between €60 and €120 per hour, depending on the type of treatment being delivered and the credentials of the therapist. The location within the nation and the therapist’s degree of training or specialization may have little impact on this cost.
Considering Amsterdam as an example, treatment fees are frequently on the upper end of this spectrum. Therapy sessions might cost closer to €100 to €120 per hour in this city because of the high cost of living and the concentration of specialist services, especially in the more affluent and central areas. If the therapist is in the insurance network for the residents, they can discover that a sizable amount of these expenses are paid for. Furthermore, those recommended by a general practitioner may be eligible for subsidies from the Dutch government, which may lessen the cost of therapy in Amsterdam.
What type of therapist is most effective?
A therapist’s effectiveness is frequently determined more by how well their approach fits the unique demands of their client than by the kind of therapist they are. However, depending on their background and approach, certain therapists may be very helpful for a certain set of problems.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has great success treating mood disorders including anxiety and depression. In order to enhance general mental health, they concentrate on altering certain harmful thinking habits and behavior patterns.
- Psychodynamic therapists are skilled at examining enduring psychological tendencies and unsolved historical disputes. Those who are looking for an in-depth understanding of their emotional life and personality structure may find this method helpful.
- Family therapists specialize in treating family dynamics and communication issues within family systems. They work well for resolving family-related concerns such as parent-child interactions and marital disputes.
- Counselors often specialize in specific areas such as addiction, grief, or stress management, providing targeted strategies and support.
- Psychiatrists are medical professionals with the ability to prescribe drugs. They are frequently consulted for serious mental health conditions that may call for both psychotherapy and pharmaceutical treatments.
Selecting the ideal kind of therapist entails taking into account the patient’s level of comfort with the therapist’s approach, their particular mental health issues, and the intended therapy outcomes. As a result, the most successful therapist is one whose methods are shown to be successful in treating the client’s particular problems and whose approach fits the client’s requirements effectively.
What should a therapy session look like?
A therapy session usually has a set framework that is intended to give the client a secure and encouraging atmosphere. An example of a typical session may be as follows:
- Setting and Atmosphere: The therapy room should be a comfortable and private space, free from distractions. It is intended to help the client talk about private and frequently delicate matters by making them feel comfortable and protected.
- Introduction and Warm-Up: After a little period of settling down, the therapist will often ask the client how they’ve been feeling and whether they have any particular concerns they’d want to talk about that day. This facilitates the emotional and mental shift into the therapeutic setting.
- Main Discussion: The client’s present issues are the main topic of discussion for the majority of the session. To assist the client in exploring their ideas and feelings, the therapist actively listens, probes, and may employ a variety of therapeutic approaches. The specific strategy relies on the type of treatment being used, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy which addresses problems more methodically, or psychodynamic therapy which explores underlying patterns of behavior.
- Interventions and Techniques: Therapists may use particular strategies during a session that are pertinent to their therapeutic approach. In art therapy, this can entail using art as a means of expressing feelings; in cognitive behavioral therapy, it might entail questioning unfavorable ideas and coming up with coping mechanisms.
- Goal Setting and Homework: As the session comes to a close, future plans and tactics could be addressed. In order to reinforce the work done during therapy, therapists frequently assign their clients “homework”—tasks or reflections to complete in between sessions.
- Closure: The therapist makes sure the client feels stable and supported as they leave the session during this final part of the session. They could restate agenda items for the following meeting, check on the client’s emotional condition, and recap major themes that were covered.
What do therapists do after a session?
Following a therapy session, therapists carry out a number of patient-centered actions to guarantee treatment planning that is successful and continuity of care. What usually happens with the patient is as follows:
- Case Notes: Therapists take thorough notes right away following a session, detailing the topic discussed, the client’s emotional state, the treatments utilized, and any noteworthy reactions or advancements noticed. In order to maintain continuity of treatment, these notes are referred to in subsequent sessions and are essential for monitoring the client’s therapeutic journey.
- Treatment Planning: Therapists may modify the treatment plan to better meet the requirements of the client based on information learned throughout the session. This might entail changing the focus of the therapy, introducing new approaches, or creating new goals.
- Follow-Up Actions: In the event that a therapist notices any troubling behaviors in their client or if the client is experiencing a crisis, they may arrange for the client to obtain the help that they require by coordinating with other medical professionals. This might entail scheduling emergency interventions if necessary, directing clients to specialist services like substance addiction programs, or getting in touch with a psychiatrist for medication management.
- Preparing for Future Sessions: Therapists frequently utilize the post-session period to get ready for subsequent meetings. Creating customized homework assignments that will advance the client toward their objectives, organizing therapy sessions, or designing exercises or discussion topics are some examples of this preparation.
- Communication: Some therapists may additionally contact their clients by phone or email as necessary in between sessions, particularly if they are offering support for persistent problems or in the event of an emergency that was brought up during treatment.
Conclusion
The Netherlands, and Amsterdam in particular, offers a variety of therapy choices that are suited to address different mental health requirements. These possibilities include psychodynamic investigations and cognitive-behavioral treatments. These treatments typically cost between €60 and €120 per hour, with differences depending on the therapist’s experience level and the cost of living in the city. Residents will have easier access to mental health care if they have insurance coverage and government subsidies to help with some of these costs.
Following a session, therapists work on important tasks related to the client’s health, such taking thorough notes, organizing the course of therapy, and, if needed, communicating between sessions. These procedures guarantee that treatment is both proactive and reactive, continually adjusting to the client’s changing demands and optimizing the therapeutic process. When combined, these methodical techniques create a nurturing atmosphere that helps people achieve better mental health and a more satisfying existence.
Best Therapists in Amsterdam FAQs
How do I know a good therapist?
Finding a qualified therapist entails a number of considerations that fit your requirements and therapeutic objectives. A competent therapist need to possess the necessary training, certifications, and licenses from the authorized bodies. They ought to be kind, listen intently, and create a nonjudgmental atmosphere in which you feel valued and understood. Successful therapists also modify their methods to fit your unique difficulties and collaborate with you to establish and meet treatment objectives. Getting referrals, reading reviews, and thinking about early visits may all assist you in determining whether the approach and style of a therapist is a good fit for you.
What exactly does a therapist do?
A therapist uses a variety of therapeutic strategies to assist clients in managing and resolving mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders. Therapists offer a secure environment for their clients to explore their ideas and emotions during sessions. This allows them to identify recurring themes, become more self-aware, and create more effective coping strategies. A variety of approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and others, can be used in the therapeutic process to treat particular problems including depression, anxiety, interpersonal problems, and personal development.
What should I expect in my first therapy session?
The main goals of your initial therapy session are to establish rapport and obtain information. You should be prepared to talk about your medical, psychological, and potentially family history. This will help your therapist better understand your past and the things that have influenced your mental health. Along with discussing your symptoms, you’ll also discuss your present issues and goals for treatment. You can ask any questions you may have regarding the treatment process during this session, as well as gain a sense of the therapist’s approach and style. Use this opportunity to assess your level of comfort and confidence in the therapist’s abilities to assist you.