I know how lonely it feels to run a private practice.
I moved to the Netherlands in 2013 to start from scratch and open my own private practice.
Back then, people kept telling me:
“You can’t make it here without working with insurance or being inside the Dutch healthcare system.”
But I knew I wanted independence, flexibility, freedom to choose. And here in the Netherlands, that is a possible and legitimate path.
In fact, many therapists - both expats and locals - have chosen this route, even though it seemed like “everyone” else was tied to insurance.
I decided to follow this independent path, step by step, even when it felt uncertain. And over time, it gave me the freedom to build the kind of practice I truly wanted.
The price I paid.
Trust me when I say that success didn’t magically appear.
Building my practice in the Netherlands wasn’t easy. I paid a price that I don’t want other therapists to have to pay.
Sleepless nights & stress. I went into it blind:
I didn’t know the legalities.
I didn’t know which insurances I needed.
I didn’t know how to write policies or handle cancellations.
I discovered everything on my own, piece by piece.
Extensive trainings & expensive coaches. What I did know was psychology. What I didn’t know was:
How to market my services without feeling pushy or salesy.
How to be visible in a way that aligned with my values.
How to build systems that didn’t drain my energy.
So I invested in myself.
I attended dozens of workshops and trainings about business, marketing, and finances.
I hired coaches.
I bought expensive programs.
Some were useful, but many weren’t built for therapists; and I had to filter what actually applied to me.
Mismatched support. I realized something important:
There are places you can go for clinical supervision. But there, I got clinical guidance but no help with growing a practice.
There are places you can go for business coaching. But there, I learned strategies but often felt unseen: the ethical considerations and the sensitive, introverted nature of therapists weren’t understood.
But there was no place where I could get both, in one supportive, affordable space.
That’s why I created The Therapy Business Circle.
So you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
So you don’t have to spend sleepless nights figuring out invoices, policies, or client cancellations.
So you can grow your practice with guidance, clarity, and community - instead of overwhelm and isolation.
It’s totally worth it.
Yes, there were sleepless nights and lessons learned the hard way.
But choosing to build my own independent practice has also been one of the most rewarding, creative, and fulfilling journeys of my life.
Freedom to define my practice. I get to choose how I work, who I work with, and the rhythm that feels right, without being tied to insurance systems or external pressures.
A creative, evolving path. Every day brings something new. Whether it’s designing a new group, refining systems, or experimenting with ideas, it’s never boring.
Deep fulfillment. Supporting clients in meaningful ways and shaping a practice aligned with my values brings a sense of purpose I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Sustainability. I’ve learned how to grow a practice that supports me as much as I support others, with space for balance, rest, and joy.
Where I Am Today.
When I first arrived in the Netherlands, I was a solo practitioner; a foreigner in a new country, trying to figure everything out step by step.
Today, I have:
A thriving group practice with a team of independent psychologists.
A supportive network of professionals I collaborate with.
My own mental health digital academy with courses and resources for clients.
Invitations to speak internationally on my specialisations: burnout and perfectionism.
My upcoming self-help book on Perfectionism.
And, of course, the Therapy Business Circle, a community for therapists like you.
And here’s what matters most:
I’ve built it in a way that lets me work four days a week, with plenty of space for rest, hobbies, and time with the people (and cats 🐾) I love.
Building a private practice isn’t just about surviving the challenges; it’s about creating a life and a business that truly feels like your own: free, creative, fulfilling, and sustainable.
Beyond my work…
I’m someone who believes in the power of community, kindness, and growth that feels human; not rushed or forced.
I love books, journaling, creativity, and I absolutely adore my two curious cats that often keep me company, reminding me daily to pause and play.. 🐾
I also love travelling, exploring the world through photography, and losing myself in poetry. And right now, I’m finishing my first self-help book on Perfectionism - stay tuned. ✨
