Reducing the load: Mental Health Support for Expats in the Netherlands
Living abroad can be one of the most enriching experiences of a lifetime. But for many expats I work with across the Netherlands, it’s also a time marked by emotional upheaval, uncertainty, and subtle forms of stress that are easy to overlook—until they start taking a toll.
In this article, I want to explore how the expat experience can affect mental health, why burnout and emotional overwhelm are so common among internationals, and how therapy—whether in person, online, or even while walking—can offer clarity, grounding, and meaningful support.
Life abroad: the highs, and the hidden lows
Relocating for work, love, or adventure often brings a mix of excitement and challenge. But beneath the surface of a new life abroad, many expats find themselves feeling disconnected, anxious, or emotionally stuck.
I often hear things like:
- “I should be happy, but something feels off.”
- “I’m exhausted all the time, and I don’t know why.”
- “It’s hard to connect here. I feel isolated.”
These aren’t uncommon reactions. The emotional weight of moving countries—especially when combined with language barriers, career changes, or distance from loved ones—can gradually lead to burnout, anxiety, and relationship strain.
Burnout, identity shifts, and emotional overwhelm
Burnout isn’t always about long hours at the office. For many expats, it’s the constant pressure to adapt—to a new culture, language, system, or pace of life. It’s the emotional drain of trying to feel “settled” when so much feels uncertain.
Some of the signs I often see include:
- Emotional exhaustion that doesn’t go away with rest
- Low-grade anxiety or mood swings
- A feeling of “numbness” or detachment
- Disconnected or strained relationships
- Loss of motivation, focus, or sense of purpose
These challenges don’t mean anything is wrong with you. They’re valid responses to a major life shift—and they deserve attention.
Therapy, your way: online, in-person, or walking sessions
Everyone connects differently—and therapy should reflect that. I offer three flexible formats to meet you where you are:
- Online therapy — Convenient, confidential, and accessible across the Netherlands, online sessions allow you to connect from the comfort of your home.
- In-person therapy in Amsterdam — If you prefer a face-to-face experience, I offer therapy in a calm and private space in central Amsterdam.
- Walking therapy — For those who feel more at ease moving and talking, walking sessions in Amsterdam’s green spaces can be especially helpful in easing tension and supporting emotional flow.
My approach: evidence-based, warm, and tailored to you
Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. I combine structured, evidence-based methods with a human and flexible approach that respects your pace, personality, and goals. Some of the approaches I use include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – to help you recognise and shift unhelpful thought patterns.
- EMDR for trauma recovery – a powerful, research-backed method for processing past distress.
- Mindfulness-based interventions – for grounding, stress reduction, and improved emotional regulation.
- Relationship and couples therapy – to support stronger communication, healing, and connection, I use the Gottman Method.
- Coaching for burnout and personal growth – especially relevant for expats seeking direction or navigating life transitions.
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, recovering from trauma, working through relationship tension, or simply seeking clarity, we can work together to create meaningful change.
You don’t have to be in crisis to reach out
One thing I often say to new clients is: you don’t need to be falling apart to benefit from therapy.
Many of the people I work with are high-functioning professionals, parents, and creatives. They’re doing “fine” on the outside—but feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure inside.
Therapy can offer:
- A place to pause and reflect
- A safe space to untangle complex feelings
- Tools for emotional resilience and clarity
- Support through change, grief, or uncertainty
- Guidance in rediscovering who you are and what you need
Ready to take the first step?
If any of this resonates with you, I invite you to reach out. Whether you’re based in Amsterdam or living elsewhere in the Netherlands, support is available—on your terms, at your pace.
With over 13 years of international experience, and being an expat myself, I understand the nuances of expat life. My goal is to help you reconnect with stability, confidence, and wellbeing—through therapy that feels grounded, respectful, and real.