Meet Gabriela

Hello there, my name is Gabriela and I’m a clinical psychologist offering therapy in Rotterdam or online to the international community in the Netherlands. I work in English and Portuguese.

I was born and raised in Brazil and moved to the Netherlands in 2015 to study Psychology. Having moved abroad myself, I understand the unique challenges that come with building a life in a new country — from cultural differences and language barriers to loneliness and identity shifts.

Over the years, I’ve worked with students and expats from many different backgrounds, helping them navigate these experiences. My approach is warm, open, trauma-informed and culturally-sensitive — combining active listening, compassion, and a touch of humour.

Together, we can explore your experiences, understand what’s been holding you back, and find new ways to grow and heal.

Specializing in Anxiety, Burnout, and Expat Experiences

Anxiety

Anxiety can present itself in many different ways. It can be in rumination, worrying, feeling that something bad is about to happen, or in body tension (e.g. chronic neck or shoulder pain with no physical cause), chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or nausea.

Identity &
Belonging

When we struggle to understand or accept who we are, or if we are living life according to someone else's values and beliefs, it can lead to feelings of self-criticism, loneliness, low self-esteem, isolation, relationship problems, or an overall dissatisfaction with life.

Burnout

Burnout is a debilitating and often overwhelming experience. Initially subtle, it can gradually impair your cognitive function, diminish your self-esteem, and disrupt your emotional balance. As a result, you may not recognise yourself anymore.

Relationships

The quality of our relationships can significantly impact our well-being. Whether you find it difficult to get close to others or rely on others’ approval to feel better, therapy can help you understand the reasons behind these patterns and support you in building healthier connections.

Cultural Adaptation

How can we adapt to a different culture without losing our identity? How do we move forward if your values contradict those of our chosen country? Or even, how do I stay connected to loved ones in my home country when my experience abroad has transformed my worldview?

ADHD

With a growing number of diagnoses being made in the last years, there is a lot of misinformation online about ADHD and how to cope with it. It goes far beyond attention problems, affecting our emotional well-being, self-esteem, and relationships.

Please note: I do not diagnose ADHD.

I can also help with:

Stress-management
Assertiveness
Depression
Perfectionism
Grief
Self-awareness
Low self-esteem
Loneliness
Dealing with a loved one with a (mental) illness
Understanding how your past impacts your present

Willingness & Compassion