I’m an English speaking psychologist based in The Hague, supporting expats and internationals during stressful moments and life transitions. When we decide to work with someone, the most important elements I believe that underpin such an alliance are trust, feeling comfortable and safe. So I think it might help if I told you a little bit about myself. Ever since I was a little girl I have loved listening to stories. My maternal grandmother was a great story teller and I would often follow her around asking her to ‘tell me something’. I also very much wanted to be an archeologist. I loved the idea of patiently sifting through historical sites to learn more about what lay there before. However I soon learnt I wasn’t great at history or memorising dates, so that was not going to be my path!
My greatest passion though has been my fellow human beings. I’ve always been interested in understanding human behaviour and fascinated to discover why we behave the way we do and why we cannot sometimes change even though we intellectually know what to do. This is why at the age of 18 I decided to go off to University in the UK to study Psychology. I have a postgraduate background in psychology, which I later expanded through counselling training and a certificate in psychosexual therapy, shaping an integrative, person-centered approach to my work. Today, that same curiosity in human behaviour shapes my work as a psychologist: discovering how the past shapes our present, and how understanding our patterns creates the possibility for change.
As someone who has moved between countries throughout my life, I deeply understand what it means to feel like you belong everywhere and nowhere at once. I relocated to the Netherlands as a young teen, studied in the UK, and eventually returned to The Hague to work and raise a family. These experiences shaped my interest in identity, belonging, life transitions, and the emotional complexity of living between cultures.
If this resonates with you, drop me a line and let’s see if I can support you with whatever it is that you are going through.
Warm wishes, Unzela
Psychologist
What's it like to work with me?
With a background in psychology, schema therapy, and counselling, I offer human-centered therapy that is tailored to you. I integrate a range of therapeutic approaches depending on your goals and needs. Therapy with me feels like a conversation. I am a real person too which means I will be fully present with you in a session, bringing my own personality into the room. Clients often describe me as having a positive, calming presence. I’ve been told I am grounded, warm and engaged (also, I have an expressive face, so no poker face here!). Furthermore, colleagues have said they hear laughter from my room (I mean, we talk about serious stuff, but humour helps us connect and learn to enjoy life, so why not?).
Over time, you will learn that it’s not just the work we do in a session together that matters, but also what you do between sessions. For that I will sometimes offer exercises or journal prompts for you to go away and reflect on until we see each other again.
My values underpin my practice. They guide how I listen, respond and support you.
Openness
Therapy is a collaborative process. I value being open with myself and you. I don’t pretend to have the answers to your life, but trust we can figure things out together.
Courage
Being honest can require courage, but we do this at a pace that suits you. I work under the pretext of ‘safe and brave’. We can only take brave steps when we feel safe enough to do so.
Creativity
I value self-expression and draw on creative tools like drawing, journaling and walking sessions. I’m also an avid reader and would be happy to share book suggestions if you are interested!
Accountability
I will take responsibility for myself and am always open to feedback. Your therapeutic journey is yours and I find therapy works best when you take ownership too.
Authenticity
Being true to yourself and others, with transparency and integrity. I believe strongly that we will be happiest and most at peace if we can live a life true to ourselves.
Compassion
For self and others, which includes your history and your growth. You will find that this is a huge cornerstone of how I work.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed or just want to work some things out for yourself with professional support, and feel I could be the right therapist for you, get in touch.
