In the Netherlands, the title psychotherapist(psychotherapeut) is a legally protected title under the Individual Healthcare Professions Act (BIG Act). This means that only professionals who have completed specific postgraduate training and are officially registered in the Dutch BIG register are permitted to use the title. Misuse of the title can result in legal penalties.
Right now, I am not registered under the BIG Act and therefore do not use the protected title of psychotherapist in the Netherlands. I believe in being transparent and clear about professional qualifications, especially when working across different countries and regulatory systems.
How I currently work in the Netherlands Although I do not hold BIG registration, I can work legally and ethically in the Netherlands as a:
Counsellor/ Therapist
Mental Health Coach/ Mentor
Therapeutic Mentor
Relationship Coach
These roles allow me to provide structured, psychologically informed support to individuals and couples seeking guidance, emotional clarity, and personal growth.
My Professional Background I am a highly experienced mental health professional with over 20 years of experience working with individuals, couples and diverse communities internationally. My work is grounded in evidence-based psychological approaches and informed by extensive clinical training and cross-cultural experience. While the Dutch title "psychotherapeut" is protected, the skills involved in supporting emotional wellbeing, relationship growth, trauma recovery, identity exploration, and life transitions can also be delivered within coaching and counselling frameworks when practised responsibly and ethically. For more information go here.
What This Means For You Working with me as a mental health counsellor or therapist means:
A confidential and professional space
Evidence-informed psychological support
Clear boundaries about the scope of practice
Referral support if specialist psychiatric or BIG-registered services are required
Transparent communication about qualifications and role
If you are looking for a BIG-registered psychotherapist for insurance reimbursement within the Dutch healthcare system, I encourage you to consult the official BIG register. If, however, you are seeking private support focused on personal growth, relationship work, emotional resilience, or identity development, I would be glad to discuss how we might work together.