Amsterdam Psychologist – Counseling & Therapy

Dr. Laura Fontanari

Licensed Psychologist | Counseling and Therapy in English and Italian | Amsterdam & Online

Individual counseling and therapy for adults

Life, at times, can present us with challenges and difficulties that feel hard to face or overcome. And sometimes, trying to do it on our own can make it even harder.
Whether you are going through a period of emotional distress, a significant life transition, or simply feeling that something is not quite right, seeking support is a meaningful and courageous step.

Through counseling and therapy, I offer a confidential and compassionate space where we can work together towards understanding, growth and a more fulfilled life.

I can help you with: emotional distress, burnout, anxiety, panic attacks, stress, relationship challenges, communication difficulties, life transitions, decision-making, overthinking, adjustment to change, and parenting challenges.

Feel free to send me a message if you would like more information, a specific explanation or if you are just curious about something.

Working with an International Mindset

Many of my clients are internationals, expats or professionals living in the Netherlands who are looking for a psychologist with an open, internationally informed perspective — someone who can understand different ways of thinking, living and relating to the world.

Working across cultures and countries has shaped who I am as a person and as a psychologist. I bring a welcoming, curious and non-judgmental approach to every session — in English or in Italian — offering a safe space where you can simply bring yourself.

I offer you a confidential, private and compassionate space. You will experience a culturally sensitive, nonjudgmental, welcoming approach focused on you.

Together, we will work towards living a fulfilled life — highlighting your capabilities, strengths and self-knowledge, building awareness, and overcoming the obstacles that hold you back. I will guide you in understanding what matters to you, developing skills and reaching behavioural changes for living a fulfilled life. The process will empower you to take action on your own, implement strategies for coping with your challenges, and overcome your self-limiting beliefs.

I apply an integrative, evidence-based approach, drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (FACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy.

Sessions are available in English and Italian, in person at my Amsterdam practice or online, making therapy accessible wherever you are in the Netherlands or beyond.

I am a licensed Psychologist and Doctor in Cognitive Neuroscience with 10 years of experience working with international clients.  

What makes my approach unique is the combination of neuroscientific and psychological training, grounded in an individually focused and relationship-centred way of working.

After the Master’s degree in Psychology, I completed a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience at the International Doctorate School in Cognitive and Brain Sciences (CIMeC). My academic and research path has taken me to different institutions:

∙ Teaching: Biological Psychology (Master’s level) — University of Cosenza, University of Trento
∙ Research: Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour (Nijmegen) · University of Trento · University of Venice · University of Padua · National Research Council of Italy

Subsequently, I worked as a Psychologist for International Cooperation projects, supporting children and women from rural communities in Guatemala and the Philippines.

I then moved to the Netherlands to co-found a startup in the Digital Health field, focused on promoting personal well-being through effective, personalised stress management and burnout prevention.

I now run my private practice in Amsterdam, where I offer individual counseling and therapy for adults in English and Italian — in person and online. I work primarily with internationals and expats living in the Netherlands, bringing an open and culturally informed perspective to every session.

Contacts:

Mail: [email protected]

Phone: +31 (0) 685069130

Address:

Practice in Amsterdam:
Sophialaan 21, 1075 BL