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About me
As an expat psychologist in the Hague, I work with a warm, attentive, and grounded style, combining genuine human presence with evidence-based therapeutic approaches. I’m naturally curious about how people make sense of their experiences, and I pay close attention to patterns that shape emotions, relationships, and ways of coping.
I believe therapy should feel both safe and meaningful and a space where you feel understood, but also gently challenged to develop clearer, healthier ways of relating to yourself and others. My work is guided by scientifically validated methods (CBT, ACT, EFT, Gottman), adapted thoughtfully to each person’s unique context.
As an expat psychologist in The Hague, I offer individual therapy and couples counselling in English, Romanian, or German, at my Statenkwartier office (Mondays) or online.
Growing up between Romania and Germany, I bring lived expat experience plus my Health & Medical Psychology master's to help you navigate burnout, anxiety, relationships, and body-focused behaviors with warmth and evidence-based tools (CBT, ACT, EFT, Gottman).
My story
My approach to therapy is deeply shaped by my own experience of growing up and adapting across different countries and cultures. Living between Romania, Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands taught me how strongly our environment influences our identity, self-perception, values, and ways of coping. I know, both emotionally and professionally, how disorienting and transformative this process can be.
In my work as a therapist in the Hague, I focus on helping people understand how their experiences have shaped the way they relate to themselves and others. I combine warmth with structure, creating a space where clients can feel safe, seen, and grounded while developing more conscious, effective ways of coping and connecting.
As a health and medical psychologist in the Hague I have worked with both trichotillomania and skin picking disorder, which has deepened my passion for supporting clients with body-focused repetitive behaviors. Through compassionate, evidence-based approaches, I help regain control and build healthier coping patterns in a safe space.
I integrate evidence-based approaches such as CBT and ACT to support emotional regulation and meaning-making, and in couples work I draw on EFT and the Gottman Method to help partners move from reactive patterns toward clearer, safer, and more authentic connection.
Whether you're seeking individual therapy or couples counselling with a therapist in The Hague, I welcome you. Book sessions in my Statenkwartier office (Mondays) or online counselling.
Short-term spots open! Contact me at psylef@gmail.com for a free 15-minute intro call with me, as your English-speaking psychologist in The Hague. I also provide therapy in Romanian or German.
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or caught in the same patterns?
I work with people who feel capable and reflective, yet somehow blocked. You may know what you want to change, but struggle to start, follow through, or feel at ease while doing so. Many of my clients deal with procrastination, inner pressure, mental fog, or a constant feeling of “too much.”
Together, we slow things down. We make sense of what’s really getting in the way, and translate insight into small, realistic steps that actually feel doable.
Living with constant inner tension or emotional overload
Some people don’t feel “bad enough” for therapy, but still feel constantly on edge, exhausted, or disconnected from rest. You might carry a lot of responsibility, feel pressure to function, or struggle to slow down without guilt.
I offer a calm, grounded space where we first focus on stability and emotional regulation. From there, we gently explore what your system needs in order to feel safer, clearer, and more balanced again.
Navigating identity, independence, and expectations
Our sessions can be especially helpful if you feel caught between wanting autonomy and feeling overwhelmed by expectations (from others or yourself). This often shows up as frustration, resistance, or a strong need for control, followed by exhaustion.
Together we explore these tensions with curiosity and respect. The goal isn’t to take control away, but to help you use it in ways that support rather than drain you.
Relationship difficulties
If you feel frustrated, hurt, or emotionally reactive in your relationships, you’re not alone. Many clients who come to me feel stuck in the same arguments, torn between anger and guilt, or confused by their own reactions.
In our work, we focus on understanding emotional patterns, and awareness, and creating space between feelings and reactions.
I offer a place to explore relationship dynamics safely, whether with a partner, family member.