You may have a pretty good understanding of what you're struggling with. But knowing why something happens doesn't automatically mean you can change it
Maybe you keep overthinking, avoiding or checking. You find yourself running into the same patterns again and again. You’ve experienced something that still affects you. Or perhaps you understand rationally that you want to respond differently, but somehow find it difficult to do so in practice. In that case, it can help to explore together what is really going on and, most importantly, what it takes to create meaningful change.
I’m Merel van Garderen-Lindhout, a GZ-psychologist based in Amsterdam. In my practice, I work with adults experiencing anxiety and panic, trauma and PTSD, difficulties with self-esteem and persistent patterns that get in the way. My style is personal, clear and engaged, with room for depth and a little bit of humour.
Not just understanding, but changing
In therapy, I believe it’s important not only to understand why you struggle with something, but also to actually learn how to respond differently. Sometimes that means taking a practical approach and focusing on what is happening here and now. At other times, it may be important to look a little deeper: at patterns that have been around for a long time, experiences from the past, or emotions you may instinctively prefer to avoid. That’s why I don’t work from one fixed step-by-step plan. We look together at what fits your concerns and what you need at that particular point in time. I see therapy as a genuine collaboration.
Maybe you recognize yourself in this: you know that anxiety is limiting you, but you still find yourself avoiding certain situations. Your mind keeps going, even though rationally you may already know that there is no real reason to worry so much. Or perhaps you have experienced something that still affects the way you feel. Maybe you are hard on yourself, keep falling into the same patterns, or have gained a lot of insight but still struggle to make meaningful changes.
In my practice, I work with adults and adolescents experiencing anxiety and panic, trauma and PTSD, OCD, depression, low self-esteem and persistent patterns, ADHD, and psychological difficulties related to pregnancy and childbirth. I always look at what is going on for you and what you need. Depending on your concerns and goals, I may use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Schema Therapy, exposure therapy, and Imagery Rescripting.
You do not need to know exactly what you need or which type of therapy is right for you. During the intake, we explore together what you are struggling with, what you would like to change, and whether my way of working is a good fit for you. Not every concern is suited to my practice, and if I feel that another form of support would be more appropriate, I will tell you.
How I work
I see therapy as a collaboration. You know your own life and experiences best, while I bring my knowledge and experience as a psychologist. At the beginning, I’ll help guide you a little more. I often compare it to learning to ride a bike with training wheels. We explore what is going on, practise new ways of responding and look at what works. Over time, the training wheels become less and less important. The goal is not for you to need a psychologist forever. The goal is for you to eventually be able to move forward on your own. At the same time, I’m not afraid to challenge you when that is what you need. Clients describe me as calm, determined, honest and positive. And jokes are absolutely welcome.
About me
I have been working as a psychologist for over ten years and have gained experience in a range of settings, including addiction care, general practices, anxiety and mood disorder services, and crisis care. This broad experience helps me look beyond just the symptoms someone comes in with. At the same time, I like to keep therapy concrete: What exactly is happening? What keeps it going? And what can we start doing differently?
I trained as a GZ-psychologist and have further specialised in areas including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, EMDR and Schema Therapy. But to me, good therapy is about more than methods and qualifications. The therapeutic relationship matters. You need to feel comfortable enough to be honest, while also being able to trust me when I challenge you to try something different.
What clients say
My clients rate their treatment with me an average of 9.6 out of 10.
“Merel helped me tremendously [...] and challenged me to face my fears.”
“I was supported in regaining confidence in myself and getting my life back on track.”
“Looking back, these were the best sessions because I was genuinely challenged to approach things differently.”
“Merel is serious, direct, but also a little bit crazy.”
Taking the first step
You don’t need to know exactly what kind of treatment you need. It’s enough to recognise that you’re stuck somewhere and want to change something.
If you would like to make use of treatment that is partially or fully reimbursed by your health insurer, a referral from your GP is required. Treatment outside the Dutch health insurance system is also possible. I offer therapy in both Dutch and English in Amsterdam city centre, approximately a ten-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. Find out how to register, or get in touch first if you have a question.
Practice in Amsterdam City Centre
My practice is located in Amsterdam City Centre, within walking distance of Amsterdam Central Station. Treatment is available in both Dutch and English. Due to privacy reasons, the exact address is only provided after initial contact.