ABOUT MAYA GOLDBERG
As a specialized psychologist with a blend of international experience and an advanced academic background, I bring a multi-layered and progressive perspective to addressing difficult life experiences, hard-to-break psychological patterns, and relational challenges.
My approach is comprehensive, broad-based and inclusive, and grounded in the knowledge that recovery and change are personal processes, shaped by each person's unique circumstances, needs, and world view.
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 clients from around the world 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.
CREDENTIALS
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 dual diagnosis, 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. I am a Psycholoog NIP (member of the Dutch Institute of Psychologists), and a member of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science.
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 efficacy due to its flexibility and integration into the client's natural environment.
4 How many sessions will I need?
The duration and intensity of your treatment primarily depends on the nature of the issue/s that brought you to me, but also on your goals, resources, and where you are in your process. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are no effective quick fixes to complicated or "sticky" problems — especially if you're looking for long-term results. This is one of the topics we can discuss during your free consultation.
7 What is your fee? Do you accept health insurance?
I do not work with health insurance companies at this time, and my services are fully private. For information on rates and sessions, please visit the Sessions & Rates page.
10 What happens in the free initial consultation?
The free consultation offers a safe, confidential space to discuss your concerns, needs and goals without committing to anything. We'll explore how therapy can be helpful to you, and answer any questions you may have. This free initial session also provides an opportunity for us to assess if we can be a good fit for working together towards your therapy goals. Let's book your free consultation today.
13 What services do you offer?
I offer individual therapy (60-minute sessions), couple therapy and discernment counseling (90-minute sessions), and co-parenting counseling (90-minute sessions). Please visit the Sessions & Rates page for additional details.
2 Are you able to work online with clients located outside of The Netherlands?
I work internationally with clients located in Europe, the Emirates and Qatar, Southeast Asia, and the U.S. If you are comfortable communicating in English and have access to privacy, stable internet connection and video capabilities — we can absolutely make make it work.
5 Do you have experience working with clients who hold conservative, traditional, or religious views? (e.g., Muslim, Christian, Jewish)
Yes, I do, and I consider it an honor. I have extensive professional, academic, and personal experience with a broad range of cultures, spiritual practices, and world views — including conservative, religious, and traditional.
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 platforms exclusively and are never recorded without the client's explicit consent.
11 Do you work with addictions other than substance abuse?
I specialize in working with 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, gaming, gambling, porn, and more.
14 What kind of issues do clients usually bring to you?
Clients come to me with issues such as stress, anxiety and low mood, relationship and co-parenting problems, painful life experiences, neurodiversity, dual diagnosis, and recurring patterns that are hard to change.
3 What happens during a typical session?
Sessions are mainly conversational, but they may sometimes include in-session exercises or skill practice. The structure is flexible and shaped by what’s most helpful for you at that point in your process.
6 Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) suitable for religious people?
Yes, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is an exceptionally good fit for religious or spiritual people. ACT is a value-oriented therapeutic modality, as well as a highly adaptable and flexible one.
9 What’s the difference between therapy, counseling, and coaching?
Therapy often focuses on emotional or behavioral patterns. Counseling is usually more practical or situational. Coaching is goal-oriented. I combine all three, depending on client needs.
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.
15 What kind of therapist are you?
I use an integrative approach based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I also draw from trauma-informed psychodynamic therapy, coaching, and counseling. The work is person-centered and adapted to each client individually.