Insights on therapy, mental health, and thriving as an expat
As an Asian American therapist who relocated to the Netherlands, I sit in an interesting position: I am both the therapist and the expat. That dual experience has shaped my work in ways I didn't fully anticipate.
There's a version of therapy that assumes everyone walks into the room with the same understanding of what it means to ask for help. That version leaves a lot of people out.
Working with children and adolescents looks entirely different from adult therapy — and that's exactly what makes it one of the most dynamic, creative, and rewarding areas of mental health care.
You've decided to try therapy — that's a big deal and a brave one! Whether it's your first experience or you're restarting after some time away, these points will help ease your mind.
Many of us were never taught how to identify or talk about our emotions. But here's the truth: we can't change patterns, heal wounds, or meet our needs if we don't first understand what we're feeling.
So many 'mental health gift guides' focus on aesthetics or productivity. But real support is quieter. It helps regulate the nervous system, reduces isolation, and makes space for what someone is already carrying.
While individual therapy is incredibly valuable, there's another powerful form of treatment that often gets overlooked—group therapy. This comprehensive guide will help you understand everything you need to know.
Moving to a new country comes with a unique set of challenges. As an expat in Amsterdam, finding the right therapist who understands both your cultural background and the complexities of expat life can be crucial to your mental wellbeing.