As international psychologists living and working in the Netherlands, at the Mental Hygiene Institute, we are deeply committed to fostering connections not only within the international community but also with the Dutch locals. Our experience of living here, having trained, and integrated into Dutch society, has shaped our approach to therapy. We believe in living and working together, not in isolation, and this philosophy extends to how we engage with both expats and Dutch clients alike.
We support expats as they navigate the complexities of life in the Netherlands, helping them understand Dutch culture and integrate into society. At the same time, we provide therapy to Dutch locals, creating an opportunity for them to better understand where we, as international psychologists, come from and why we approach things the way we do. This mutual understanding is key to fostering openness, empathy, and curiosity about each other’s perspectives.
It’s often mentioned that expats and Dutch people rarely form deep friendships unless they are colleagues or participate in sports together. Many expats feel disconnected, finding it challenging to build relationships with locals, and similarly, many Dutch people may not have foreign friends outside of these limited contexts. We aim to bridge this gap through our therapeutic approach.
By offering therapy to both communities, we encourage the development of healthy, long-term connections built on mutual curiosity and understanding. We want to break down the barriers that sometimes separate expats and locals, creating an environment where everyone can feel understood and supported. In doing so, we believe we are not only helping individuals but also contributing to a more cohesive and integrated society for the future.