ABOUT ME

My Life as an Expat

Hi, I’m Nora! I'm a psychologist, an expat, and someone who believes that healing happens in connection. I grew up between Syria, Lebanon, and Germany, and now I live in the Netherlands. Having moved between cultures, languages, and ways of being, I know what it’s like to feel caught between different worlds. This experience shapes how I approach therapy—with warmth, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the stories that make us who we are.

I studied psychology at the American University of Beirut and completed my Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Utrecht University. My approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Schema Therapy, which I had the privilege of training in with Remco van der Wijngaart. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy—each person is different, and I always look at the full picture, exploring not just thoughts and emotions but also relationships, habits, and deeper patterns.

ABOUT ME

How Therapy With Me Works

At its heart, therapy is about making sense of your experiences and finding new ways to navigate life’s challenges. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps uncover the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. We often don’t realize how certain thought patterns shape the way we feel and act. CBT brings these patterns to light and shows how even small shifts in perspective can lead to real, meaningful changes—whether it’s easing anxiety, improving relationships, or breaking free from self-doubt.

But sometimes, shifting our thoughts isn’t enough. That’s where Schema Therapy comes in. It looks deeper, exploring the emotional wounds we carry from childhood—those early experiences that shaped how we see ourselves and relate to others. These patterns, or “schemas,” can follow us into adulthood, keeping us stuck in cycles of self-doubt, fear of abandonment, or the pressure to always put others first. In therapy, we explore where these beliefs come from and, more importantly, how to loosen their grip so you can move forward in a way that truly feels right for you.

I see therapy as more than just learning coping strategies. It’s a space to reconnect with yourself, understand the patterns that hold you back, and create lasting change that feels real and meaningful.

A Personal Note

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a therapist, it’s that people don’t need to be “fixed.” So many of my clients come in believing there’s something inherently wrong with them, when in reality, they’re just stuck in patterns that once made sense but no longer serve them. Therapy isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about understanding yourself better, untangling the knots, and finding new ways forward. Some of the most powerful moments I’ve witnessed in therapy weren’t about grand realizations, but about small shifts—when someone finally shows kindness to themselves in a moment where they’d usually be self-critical, or when they realize they have more choice than they thought.

ABOUT ME

My Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

American University of Beirut - Lebanon

Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology

Utrecht University - The Netherlands

Schema Therapy Training

International Society of Schema Therapy

Trained by: Remco van der Wijngaart