Between knowing and not knowing, there is room to understand
I'm Gaya, a Hebrew- and English-speaking psychologist based in the Netherlands. I am drawn to the moments where pain, uncertainty, and change can become openings for deeper self-understanding. I work with adults and students navigating emotional distress, anxiety, life transitions, and questions of identity or belonging. My approach combines psychodynamic understanding, CBT, mindfulness, and psychoeducation, offering both space for reflection and practical support. Together, we explore underlying emotional patterns, strengthen ways of coping, and develop a more compassionate relationship with oneself and others.
A space for the moments that don't quite fit your usual story
- LanguagesEnglish, Hebrew
- LocationAmsterdam, Netherlands — online sessions
- Rate€70 per session
- NIP number251805
- Intro callFree, 20 minutes
- InsurancePrivate pay
- SupervisionRegular case supervision with a licensed clinical psychologist
There are periods in life when the way you usually understand yourself stops fitting — a move, a shifting relationship, a demanding stretch of adulthood, or anxiety that won't quite lift. I'm interested in these moments not only as things to relieve, but as places to understand: what's actually happening underneath, and what you might need next.
I hold a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Tel Aviv University, where I spent two years in practical training across therapeutic settings — working with students, children, adolescents, and parents facing anxiety, adjustment difficulties, and relational strain. My work draws on psychodynamic thinking alongside CBT: curiosity about deeper patterns, paired with practical, structured support.
Moving to the Netherlands gave me a closer, more personal understanding of transition. Questions of identity, independence, belonging, and connection became immediate rather than academic. This experience has shaped my interest in working with expats and young adults who are building lives across cultures. I offer a thoughtful, non-judgemental space in English or Hebrew, where you can look closely at what is going on, recognise your own patterns, and gain clarity about how you want to move forward.
In our sessions, you can expect deep empathy, a supportive presence, and active listening — alongside feedback that's honest and direct when that's what's useful. I also work under the regular supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist, discussing my casework in strict confidence to keep the quality of my practice high.
Three ways of working, chosen for what you need
My approach is empathic and collaborative, with room for questions that are sometimes gently challenging. In practice, that means drawing on three complementary approaches — plus emotion-focused work and mindfulness where they help.
ACT
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy — for when you're tired of fighting your thoughts, and want to make room for them while focusing on what actually matters to you.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy — practical, structured support for identifying and shifting the thinking and behaviour patterns that keep you stuck.
Psychodynamic
For exploring emotions more deeply, and understanding how past experience continues to shape your present — recurring patterns, seen more clearly.
What clients most often bring to our sessions
I see clients living in the Netherlands, primarily in Amsterdam. You're welcome to reach out with any of the below, or something that doesn't quite fit a list.
Where this way of working comes from
PhD in Media Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Researching how exposure to narrative complexity in film and TV shapes cognition and emotion — a research lens that also informs how I think about the stories clients tell about their own lives.
Private Practice, Netherlands
Client-centred sessions in English and Hebrew for adults, focused on insight, coping strategies, and sustainable personal growth.
Master's in Clinical Psychology & Practical Training, Tel Aviv University
Two years of clinical training with university students facing depression, anxiety, and social or separation difficulties, and with children at Schneider Children's Hospital Anxiety Clinic (CBT, biofeedback, psychodynamic work). Conducted intakes, diagnostic evaluations, and treatment planning.
Volunteer, Schneider Children's Hospital — New Authority Unit
Supported clinical psychologists working with parents of children facing behavioural challenges, via weekly guidance calls and observed sessions using Haim Omer's New Authority method.
Bachelor's in Psychology & Film Studies, Tel Aviv University
Foundation in psychological theory, research methods, and human development, alongside media and film analysis — the beginning of a lasting interest in how narrative shapes the way people understand themselves.
Straightforward, private-pay sessions
Therapy always begins with an initial consultation, where we explore your goals, needs, and expectations, and talk through what therapy might realistically offer for your situation. Sessions are held online; no insurance is billed directly, though you're welcome to check whether your insurer reimburses private-pay counselling.
Intro call
20 minutes, online. We talk through your goals and what's bringing you here, and see whether we're a good fit before committing to ongoing work.
Individual session
50 minutes, online, in English or Hebrew. Usually weekly, sometimes every two weeks — we agree on frequency together.
Private pay
Paid directly, no insurance processing on my end. A receipt is available on request for your own reimbursement claims.
As a general guide, around 12 sessions are often needed to gain a real, working understanding of more complex or longer-standing challenges — though this is always paced to what you need, not a fixed program.
Cancellations, insurance & privacy
Cancellations
Appointments can be cancelled free of charge up to 48 hours in advance. Later cancellations or missed appointments may be charged in full.
Insurance
I am not contracted with Dutch health insurance providers, so it's unlikely your sessions will be reimbursed. For what mental health support is covered, your GP (huisarts) or your health insurance provider can advise you directly.
Privacy
Your personal and session data are handled in line with the GDPR (AVG). Information is kept confidential and only used to provide and administer your care.
If something you read here felt familiar, that's usually a good place to start
Book a free 20-minute intro call, or send a message with a little about what's bringing you here.