ABOUT ME
As a psychologist & addiction specialist with a unique blend of international experience and advanced academic background in New York, the UK, and Amsterdam, I bring a multi-layered and progressive perspective to addressing addictive patterns, hard-to-break vicious cycles, and co-occurring conditions. My approach is comprehensive, broad-based and inclusive, and grounded in the knowledge that recovery and change are a personal processes, shaped by each person's unique circumstances, needs, and intentions.
My own addiction recovery journey and 18 years of sobriety, have imbued me with knowledge-based insight and profound appreciation for my clients’ openness to change. In addition, living as an expat in Leiden and Amsterdam has given me a first-hand understanding of the challenges expats often face — from cultural dislocation and identity shifts to loneliness, relationship strain, and the pressure to adapt. This perspective not only helps me connect deeply with fellow internationals, but also allows me to support English-speaking locals with a grounded, cross-cultural sensitivity that many find refreshing and effective.
I am happy to support you, too, in this meaningful undertaking, where your voice is heard, your challenges respected, and your well-being paramount.
ACADEMICS
My pluralistic approach to therapy is largely informed by extensive, multidisciplinary academic training. Having earned a BA in Liberal Arts at The New School in New York City, I completed two master's degrees — MPhil at the University of Oxford, and MA in Psychology, specializing in Mental-Health & Substance-Abuse Counseling, at The New School for Social Research, NYC. I am currently finalizing my PhD at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (Faculty of Humanities), with which I was also affiliated as a Research Fellow for several years.
FAQs
1 Do you practice online, in person, or both?
I conduct my practice through online sessions exclusively, which provides clients with privacy, discretion and convenience without compromising the benefits of face-to-face communication. This approach also promotes treatment consistency and attendance due to its increased flexibility.
4 How many sessions will I need?
It all comes down to the specific type of work you and I decide to do together and, naturally, on your personal needs, goals and preferences. This is one of the topics we can discuss during your free initial consultation.
7 What is your fee? Do you accept health insurance?
I do not work with health insurance companies at this time. My fee is €100 per individual session (50 minutes) and €150 per couples session (75 minutes). For full details, including sliding-scale options, visit the Booking & Cost page.
10 What happens in the free initial consultation?
The free consultation offers a safe, confidential space to discuss your concerns about addictive patterns, co-occurring conditions, or anything else you may be struggling with — without committing to anything. We'll explore how and what form of therapy/coaching or support can be helpful to you, and answer any questions you may have about change, recovery, my approach, and so on. This free initial session also provides an opportunity for us to assess if can be a good fit for working together towards your recovery goals. Let's book your free consultation today.
2 Are you able to work online with clients located outside of The Netherlands?
Yes, of course, as long as the client is comfortable communicating in English (or Hebrew) and has access to privacy, stable internet connection, and a web cam.
5 How long does each counseling session last?
An individual session lasts 50 minutes, and a couple's/family session 75 minutes.
8 I have concerns about discretion and/or privacy & confidentiality.
As I do not work with health-insurance companies, personal client information and all identifying data remain completely private, secure, and confidential. Online sessions, too, are conducted using secure video-communication technologies exclusively and are never recorded without the client's explicit consent.
11 Do you treat addictions other than substance abuse?
I specialize in treating all addictive disorders and patterns, including substance-use disorders (e.g., alcohol, cannabis, sedatives, opioids, stimulants, etc.), co-dependency, and addictive behaviors like smartphone & social media overuse, internet gaming, gambling, and more.
3 How do I know that I need addiction counseling?
This is precisely what the free
consultation is for. During this initial meeting we'll collaborate in assessing the nature and root of your concerns, review your goals, and discuss possible next steps. Please see FAQ 10 for more information, or simply go ahead and book your free consultation with me now.
6 Do you offer support for families and loved ones?
In addition to individual therapy, I also support and work with clients — including couples and families — whose loved ones struggle with addiction-related problems, dual diagnosis, and other mental-health conditions. I encourage you to contact me for more information on family/loved-one support.
9 What is your policy on missed or canceled sessions?
In general, a session will not be charged for if I'm notified at least 24 hours in advance that the client must cancel.
12 What's dual diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis refers to the condition of having both a mental-health condition and an addictive disorder simultaneously. People with dual diagnosis often struggle with issues like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or trauma alongside addiction. These conditions interact in complex ways, making treatment more challenging, as both the mental-health and addiction issues must be addressed simultaneously for effective recovery. Treatment for dual diagnosis typically involves an integrated, or eclectic approach, where both disorders are treated together in a way that's tailored to the individual’s needs.