I am a coach, counsellor, psychologist and educator. For eighteen years I am an expat raising and navigating complex Dutch cultural and education systems. In my home country Lithuania I practiced as a clinical psychologist, until life brought us to the Netherlands. Here I have been working in International school of the Hague. Then I refreshed my counselling skills in finishing two years program of Coaching and Counselling Academy. All of this influenced me as a person and as a professional. I will share more about my view on life ‘s difficulties and how I can help you. As a clinical psychologist I have been working in the rehabilitation centre for chemical dependent people. During eight years there I acquired knowledge about a phenomenon of dependency, codependency and possible treatment. Additionally I was asked to have motivational groups for young substance abusers. It was a very challenging, but rewarding task because I had to find and encourage inner motivation for change in young people whose mental state was highly obscured by various dependencies. Moreover I saw how temptation for self-destruction could take the best of a person despite painful consequences. I thought that psychology could hardly offer something to cure that. Then I learned about the 12 steps program which was created by the AA self help movement. I worked in the “12 Steps Minnesota program” where 12 steps were combined with psychotherapy. I saw that people who lost everything were able to find hope and motivation to heal. It was a combination of psychology and religion, individual and group therapy that worked the best. Since then I have been looking for psychotherapists or known authors who combine psychology with religion and faith. I found a few: Karl Jung, Viktor Frankl, Aleksandras Alekseičikas, Jordan Peterson. I believe that deep change must start in the depths of your soul.  

When we moved to the Netherlands I planned to find a similar job, but then I realized there are many cultural differences between Lithuania and the Netherlands. I found out that even the health care is so different to start with. I had to start everything anew – verify my Masters diploma. Also I felt that maybe I can start something new. I involved myself in organizing Lithuanian school, teaching catechesis at the church and I really liked it. Here we go: for eleven years I have been working at an International school supporting children, teachers and sometimes parents. I learned the newest pedagogical methods, also I acquired knowledge in supporting social emotional wellbeing. Eventually I understood that I miss my role as a psychologist and I have to do something about it.

I enrolled myself in a course and for two years I was busy studying Coaching and Counseling. I received a diploma and specialized in family and trauma coaching. My work with the clients starts with a question or request, but usually clients feel safe enough to open their long lasting wound – substance addiction in their family. So now I started to see the problem of addiction through the eyes  of the people around an addict: his wife, children, parents. I myself have similar experience in codependency, anxiety and tension, negative thoughts and constant stress. I still need to put effort in moving towards healthy interdependence, but I think this enables me to understand and empathise with people with similar issues. There is no one way from codependency to healthy interdependence. You have to find your own. I found it, so I can help you to find yours.

Let me finish my life story about myself as an expat. I have been living as an expat for eighteen years. I understood many truths about this life. For example: you leave your home country once and for ever. That means that you can find a new home, you can adjust to a new country or even you can come back to your home country, but you never will feel a hundred present at home. You will become a nomad or an expat for good! Another example: you really appreciate your family. Every day you meet many different and interesting people, but family and extended family are those stable anchors in your life and you start appreciating that even more. Luckily Dutch society is very friendly to international people and students. Still a person needs a certain mindset to live and thrive abroad. I participated and still I am a member of numerous voluntary activities and organisations in The Hague. I think I can help with a transition, adaptation and flourishing in a foreign country.

So now you know my story. I believe that it is my calling to meet and listen to you and your story. I have learned many methods and tools on how to help people to talk about themselves and their problems. But I think first I will listen to you and together we will find out how to make the first step forward. 

Education

2023 – 2025
Bachelor of Science: Coaching and Counselling,
Specialization: Family and Trauma 
Amstelveen, NH

1993 -1999
Master of Science: Clinical Psychology,
Vilnius University