Approach
Inter-Being Psychologists offers therapy in English and other languages to expats and international students in Amsterdam and Groningen. We are a team of expat psychologists living and working in the Netherlands. Our therapists speak English, German, Russian, Bulgarian, Slovenian, Dutch, Croatian and other languages from former Yugoslavia.
On the basis of mutual respect and equality, we aim to help our clients to find their own authentic answers to problems in life. This proves to be the best way to achieve long lasting change and relief. When possible we avoid unnecessary pathologization and focus on empowering the client. Our services are confidential and discrete. There is contradicting scientific evidence regarding effectiveness of various therapeutic approaches but persistent scientific evidence that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors for effective therapy. Our therapists therefore adapt their approach as much as possible to the needs of the client and work together towards the best possible individual treatment. We especially recognize the importance of viewing the human being from a holistic and humanistic point of view. Our psychologists have been trained in various therapeutic approaches and techniques such as: existential psychotherapy, focusing, systemic therapy, Gestalt therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness, psychoanalysis and psychodrama.
Besides referring to ‘being an international’ and thus being and feeling in-between different worlds, Inter-Being also refers to the in-between in another sense – to the power of the connection between human beings. Living an international existence entails much potential for personal growth but can also bring many challenges. As human beings, we all need a place to feel at home, a place where we are comfortable, where we feel safe and can be ourselves. At Inter-Being we aim to offer this to our clients and we help them create this in their lives as well.
The term ‘Inter-Being’ refers to the fact that as human beings we cannot exist by ourselves alone, we can only inter-be. Healing can happen in a relationship between human beings. According to the legendary Zen Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh: ‘interbeing’ refers to the art of knowing how to love, and understanding is love’s other name. To love means to fully understand the other’s suffering and understanding is the best gift one can give to another person. When we accept others just as they are, they have a chance to transform.