THERAPIST | Expats in Therapy

Persephone Protouli
Psychologist MSc, Gestalt Therapist
Trainer & Coordinator at the Dutch Institute for Gestalt Psychotherapy

Born and raised in Greece to a Greek father and a Romanian mother, I moved to The Netherlands in 2011.
After finishing my Psychology bachelor studies in Athens, I obtained my Master degree in Clinical Psychology from Leiden University and a four-year Psychotherapy training as a Gestalt therapist from the Dutch Institute of Gestalt, registered under the European Association of Psychotherapy.
I work as a Psychologist in my private practice. My main area of interest lays in working with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief/ loss, and Couples.
I have a multicultural upbringing and speak Greek, Romanian, English, and Dutch. Having been brought up between two cultures has allowed me an in-depth understanding of the Expat experience.

I have a strong interest in human relationships and their ability to heal.

PROFESSIONAL INTEREST

In my practice, I work with individuals and couples.
I have a particular interest in working with trauma in general, sexual trauma, and childhood trauma specifically. My other area of interest in working with couples, anxiety, grief, and loss. In my work, I try to be kind, honest, safe, and creative.

PROFESSIONAL GOALS

One of my personal goals as a therapist is to help normalize the act of going to therapy. There should be nothing shameful or embarrassing in seeking help. I firmly believe that healthy relationships heal all wounds and restore balance, and a therapist's office offers a safe and nurturing environment to feel accepted.

WHY EXPATS IN THERAPY?

As an expat myself living in The Netherlands, I have direct experience of some of the challenges that come with living and working abroad. I have also lived in Spain and Greece where I obtained my BA in Psychology, before moving to the Netherlands to complete my MSc in Clinical Psychology in Leiden.