Lara Maestrini – Integrative Therapy in Amsterdam
Psychologist & Counsellor
Lara Maestrini is a Psychologist & Counsellor based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. They offer Integrative Therapy (3 years of experience). Topics include Childhood Issues, Dealing With Anxiety, Marriage Or Relationship Issues, Overcoming Negative Habits, and People Pleasing Issues. Languages: German and English.
Integrative Therapy
3 years of experience
Psychologist offers personalized therapy with interpretive and pluralistic approach | Focus on teamwork and client needs | EN
Video transcript
Hi, I'm Lara and I'm a psychologist and counselor and I offer therapy sessions using an interpretive and pluralistic approach. And what that means is that I didn't pick one specific type of therapy. I found that too restrictive and I wanted to be able to look at the whole person. So what I did is that I trained in a variety of approaches and that allows me to use different techniques in the session. So really my focus is on getting to know my clients, getting to know you, figuring out what you might need and adjusting therapy to that. So whether it's working with thoughts, with the body, with mindfulness, talking about the past or the here and now, or working with coping skills, there is space for all of that. And a key point for that is that it's teamwork. So I bring my expertise and my knowledge as a therapist, but you are the expert on yourself. You know how you respond to things, what works for you. And then we together, we figure out what therapy might look like for you specifically and adjust to that. And so really my focus point is that it's a safe and judgment free environment that is flexible to what you need in therapy. The topics that I work with are sort of everything that people experience, but some of the key things that I work with more specifically are ADHD, anxiety, relationship issues, people-pleasing tendencies, childhood trauma. And I work a lot with queer community and with neurodivergent people. But I have experience supporting people through anything that life might throw at them. So if any of this sounds like something that you could relate to, that's something that you would like to work with, then free to reach out to me and maybe schedule a free introduction call or let me know any questions that you might have and I can't wait to hear from you.
Using an integrative approach, I tailor therapy to each client. We work as a team to find what fits — exploring thoughts, the body, the past, coping skills, or identity — creating a process unique to you.
Videos
Introduction video
Video transcript
Hi, I'm Lara and I'm a psychologist and counselor and I offer therapy sessions using an interpretive and pluralistic approach. And what that means is that I didn't pick one specific type of therapy. I found that too restrictive and I wanted to be able to look at the whole person. So what I did is that I trained in a variety of approaches and that allows me to use different techniques in the session. So really my focus is on getting to know my clients, getting to know you, figuring out what you might need and adjusting therapy to that. So whether it's working with thoughts, with the body, with mindfulness, talking about the past or the here and now, or working with coping skills, there is space for all of that. And a key point for that is that it's teamwork. So I bring my expertise and my knowledge as a therapist, but you are the expert on yourself. You know how you respond to things, what works for you. And then we together, we figure out what therapy might look like for you specifically and adjust to that. And so really my focus point is that it's a safe and judgment free environment that is flexible to what you need in therapy. The topics that I work with are sort of everything that people experience, but some of the key things that I work with more specifically are ADHD, anxiety, relationship issues, people-pleasing tendencies, childhood trauma. And I work a lot with queer community and with neurodivergent people. But I have experience supporting people through anything that life might throw at them. So if any of this sounds like something that you could relate to, that's something that you would like to work with, then free to reach out to me and maybe schedule a free introduction call or let me know any questions that you might have and I can't wait to hear from you.
Bio
I'm a trained and accredited Psychologist and Counsellor, who lived as an expat in various countries over the last years. I know how challenging life can be and at times, additional help is invaluable. This is why I aim to support you through whatever it is you are struggling with in life. Based on my own journey in life, my passion lies in supporting adults who struggle with "people-pleasing tendencies" such as: difficulty setting boundaries, perfectionism, over-giving, neglecting ones own needs, social anxiety, low self-esteem and a tendency to find oneself in unbalanced relationships. Additionally, I have worked with a wide range of topics, such as: depression, bereavement, anxiety, ADHD, ASD, domestic abuse, self-harm, OCD, substance misuse, body image issues, family relationships, and burn-out. As an expat myself, my practice caters to other expats and their struggles in adjusting to a new country, culture and language. While the sessions are held in English, my German-Italian upbringing allows me to understand both languages and cultures thoroughly.
My approach is integrative and individualized. This means that depending on your needs and what you bring to therapy, we can adapt and incorporate techniques from different approaches. My practice is trauma-informed and I had additional training in CBT and Schema Therapy. I aim to assist my clients in exploring their past and understanding how it shapes their present thoughts and behaviour. Becoming aware of life-patterns and developing healthy coping skills is a fundamental step in creating change and finding a way to navigate through life in a balanced way.
I don't believe there is a "one-size-fits-all" in therapy, but together we will find what works best for you!
- I offer free 20minutes consultation sessions to get to know each other and see if we are a match
Experience
- Private Practice (2023 - current)
- Psychologist & Board Member, Project Root Support NGO (2023 -current)
- Volunteer Counsellor at a charity in London, City & Hackney Carers Centre (2022 - 2023)
- Trainee Counsellor at the University counselling centre of CITY College, University of York (2022 - 2023)
- Mental Health Coach at Leiden University (2021)
- Intern at a addiction facility, Bad Bachgart (2020)
- Intern at the addiction centre of a hospital (2020)
Qualifications
Degrees
- MA in Counselling Psychology II CITY College, University of York Europe Campus (2023)
- MSc in Clinical Psychology II Leiden University (2021)
- BSc in Psychology II University of Vienna (2020)
Trainings
- ISST approved Schema Therapy Training (2023)
- Complex Trauma Practitioner Training (current)
Accreditation
- BACP member