5 Best Counselling Services in Amsterdam That’ll Guide You Through Stress and Change
A few months ago, I caught myself scrolling through emails late at night, feeling like every task in my life was pulling me in a different direction. At first, I thought I could handle it—just push through, and everything would eventually fall into place.
But the tension in my shoulders and the growing sense of being stuck made me realise I couldn’t do it alone. I needed guidance, someone who could help me untangle my thoughts and regain a sense of balance.
That’s when I began exploring counselling services in Amsterdam. What struck me most was how many professionals here combine expertise with genuine empathy, offering support aligned with each person’s situation.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or simply in need of a clearer perspective, continue reading as I highlight the places that can help you find your footing.
How much does a counselling session cost in Amsterdam?
In Amsterdam, private counselling sessions start around €80 per per session.
Meanwhile, some counselling centres acknowledge basic health insurance that covers psychotherapy or psychological treatment with a referral from a general practitioner.
1. Counseling Amsterdam
Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 101-3, 1012 HG
Contact Details: +31 20 244 5292
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday & Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
- Thursday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Starting therapy can feel like a big decision, so it helps when a practice offers both psychological expertise and a deep understanding of physical wellbeing.
At Counseling Amsterdam, this extends to activities such as guided relaxation and breathwork that reduce tension.
The coaching is led by Dr Jeannette Bolck, a psychologist and NIP coach, alongside Louis Wijdenbosch, a top Olympic trainer and physical therapist. Together, they focus on the connection between brain and body.
This perspective shapes how they support clients through challenges such as burnout and relationship concerns. Here, you can expect to engage in mindful exercises as well as one-on-one reflection to develop sustainable coping strategies.
Beyond individual sessions, the team also runs workshops that explore personal growth on a larger scale.
Their corporate programmes include activities, like stress-management exercises and communication drills, helping 9–5 workers navigate a highly stressful environment.
For women who prefer a more communal setting, the Women’s Circle workshop provides space for shared reflection and discussion about parenting and career pressures. It’s also great that these meetings take place both in person and online.
Just keep in mind that their services come at a higher cost.
There was a great deal of attention to detail in the program’s design
“I was one of the lucky participants of the resilience retreat, 10-14 November, and it was a truly healing experience. There was a great deal of attention to detail in the program’s design, including mindful breaks and a variety of mental and physical activities. Most of all, I felt taken care of, and I learned many tools to feel stronger and more confident in my personal life and relationships.”
Sandra Karis, Google Review
I have recovered and freed myself from some chronic pains
“I highly recommend a resilience retreat in Portugal with Jeannette and Louis. After this retreat, I have recovered and freed myself from some chronic pains I have had for some months. I am now equipped with many tools on how to regulate myself. And mostly I have got the time, space and guidance from Jeannette and Louis in order to know myself better and to create an awareness. Thank you so much!”
Lenka, Google Review
2. Expat Therapist
Address: Karel Doormanstraat 127, 1055 VE
Contact Details: +31 63 422 2153
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
For those settling into life in a new country, emotional challenges can sometimes surface in unexpected ways. That’s where Expat Therapist comes in, providing guidance tailored to the adventures of internationals as they build a life in the city.
At the heart of the service is Dr Somesh Valentino Curti, who conducts sessions in both English and Italian. He prioritises helping clients release patterns that no longer serve them, opening the door to healthier ways of responding to everyday life.
From there, conversations turn to emotional concerns such as anxiety or depression. Dr Curti also brings experience in helping individuals through different forms of addiction, an area where loyal patrons say his insight proves particularly valuable.
Do take note that this counselling group doesn’t offer group therapy assemblies, so if you prefer a shared setting, you might have to look elsewhere.
When it comes to scheduling, clients also value the team’s responsive nature. They’re also pretty lenient with changes or cancellations.
He creates a safe and comfortable atmosphere
“Somesh Valentino is an exceptional therapist who helped me tremendously on my journey to self-discovery. He creates a safe and comfortable atmosphere where one can openly discuss and work through personal issues. His professionalism and compassionate approach make all the difference. I’m very grateful to Somesh Valentino for the invaluable help.”
Giuseppe Chiesa, Google Review
Valentino is incredibly professional and prepared
“I don’t think I can describe how much Valentino has done for me in a little bit more than 1 year, but my life has drastically changed for the better! Valentino is incredibly professional and prepared. He always showed interest in what I had to share and perfectly remembered conversations we had in previous therapy sessions. I even recommended him to a friend, and she also had a great experience!”
Vera Rizzetto, Google Review
3. Goldberg Recovery Counseling
Address: Stadhouderskade 91, 1073 AV
Contact Details: +31 68 443 4572
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Sometimes, finding a counsellor who truly respects both your personal journey and cultural background can make all the difference.
Goldberg Recovery Counseling is another provider that specialises in that space, offering sensitive support for English-speaking clients navigating life in the city.
Sessions are conducted by Dr Maya Goldberg, a psychologist and member of the Association for Contextual Behavioural Science. She brings expertise in psychotherapy, which shape her approach to suit each customer’s individual circumstances.
Moreover, loyal patrons appreciate that all their meetings are never recorded and that Dr Goldberg does not work with health-insurance companies, keeping personal information entirely private.
Her sensitivity also shines through in working with people from various religious communities, including Jewish and Muslim customers. This lets her remain accessible to a wide range of cultural contexts.
And if you need extra time to consider, initial consultations are provided free of charge, so you can get a sense of how the services work without obligation.
But just note that all her sessions are conducted online for privacy, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
She dedicates herself to truly understanding her clients
“Maya is an exceptional therapist who unites a strong professional expertise with a natural talent for human connection. What struck me most is her real passion for people, in all their diversity and complexity. She dedicates herself to truly understanding her clients, the sources of their motivation, and their ultimate goals. It’s a proper investigation to meet each individual exactly where they are, offering help and support, while providing the structure needed for change. She listens deeply, adapts to each person’s unique situation, and doesn’t back down from challenges. Truly outstanding.”
Carlo Comis, Google Review
Tailors her methods to meet individual needs
“Maya is an exceptionally dedicated and professional clinical psychologist and psychotherapist. Her warm and empathetic approach creates a safe environment for personal growth. She is highly knowledgeable and tailors her methods to meet individual needs. I highly recommend Maya for anyone seeking expert support in their mental health journey.”
Lennart Rovers, Google Review
4. Aurore Counseling
Address: Sarphatistraat 14, 1017 WS
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you’re looking for therapy conducted primarily in French, Aurore Counseling provides an encouraging environment where your needs come first. But don’t worry, English sessions are also available here.
Supporting those who have recently moved to Amsterdam, their techniques focus on managing anxiety and guiding behavioural change, while adapting to each client’s emotional landscape.
This dedication to recognising a person’s experiences also shapes an environment where diversity is celebrated. Clients even praise the team’s inclusivity, with mental health support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Another thing that I love about Aurore is that they can accommodate urgent appointments, helping customers access their mentorship when it’s most needed.
The only limitation is that they don’t work with health-insurance providers, so sessions are self-funded.
Pros
- Anxiety management sessions
- Behavioural transformation meetings available
- French- and English-speaking clients accommodated
- Inclusive support for the LGBTQIA+ community
- Accepts urgent appointments
Cons
- Health insurance isn’t accepted
The professionals are highly skilled and genuinely supportive
“Every detail at Aurore feels carefully considered. The space is beautifully designed and feels like visiting a friend in a quiet part of town. The professionals are highly skilled and genuinely supportive, working collaboratively with you throughout the process. I would wholeheartedly recommend Aurore to anyone seeking high-quality counselling in Amsterdam.”
Elida Karaivanova, Google Review
He’s the most kind and considerate person
“Hugo is an incredible human being. I often say to my friends and family; if you want to understand who someone truly is, look at how they treat people in customer service.
After working together with Hugo for years, I can confidently say he’s the most kind and considerate person – while also being thoughtful, honest and unafraid to share what truly matters when it comes to feedback. I have no doubt he brings these same values into his daily work. Thank you Hugo!”
M. vB, Google Review
5. TSE Counselling
Address: Escudolaan 54, 1060 ST
Contact Details: +31 65 376 4167
Operating Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
For the Chinese community, TSE Counselling delivers support that is sensitive to cultural nuances.
Anthony Tse works with clients facing emotional and behavioural challenges in both work and personal relationships. He also brings expertise in encouraging individuals with phobias and addiction.
Apart from one-on-one sessions, the practice offers group training workshops, available in person and online. People value these sessions for the combination of professional insight and the opportunity to learn alongside others in similar situations.
This focus on meaningful engagement continues in individual consultations, where the first meeting is typically around 90 minutes to establish a clear path forward.
Loyal patrons also like Antony’s accessibility, with discounted rates for full-time students and unemployed individuals to support continued coaching.
It’s no surprise that his approachable style makes him highly sought-after—that’s why appointments often need to be scheduled at least a month in advance to secure a spot.
Antony has been exceedingly supportive and patient
“Antony has been exceedingly supportive and patient and has helped me greatly in gaining clarity about myself and my goals. Furthermore, the insights I have gained with his help have been actionable and truly helped me grow. It has been an important journey of self-reflection and growth!”
Jhanvi Shethia, Google Review
He has a remarkable ability to lead me toward new perspectives
“Antony, congratulations! It’s truly uplifting to witness your practice come to life, now open to the public, poised to benefit even more people. Having been under Antony’s guidance for several years, I’ve found myself continually inspired by his approach. He has a remarkable ability to lead me toward new perspectives, often unveiling layers of understanding I hadn’t considered before. Our sessions were conducted with such ease and at a perfect pace, making it effortless to confront issues I’d long avoided or failed to recognize. I’ve wholeheartedly recommended Antony to my closest friends, knowing they’ll receive the same transformative experience. Thank you very much and keep up the amazing work, Antony!”
Jane Chan, Google Review