Masters in Clinical Psychology (Leiden University)
Masters in Forensic Psychology (University of Leicester)
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)
Schema Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Mindfulness
Other trainings, licences and accreditations:
Post graduate certificate in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) from the University of Derby
Certificate as a Positive Psychology Practitioner
Chartered member of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
Member of the British Psychological Society Register of Applied Psychology Practice Supervisors (RAPPS)
Registered Forensic Psychologist with the Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC, UK)
Registered Forensic Psychologist with EuroPsy
Member of the Nederlands Instituut van Psychologen (NIP)
Attended the 9th International Compassion Focused Therapy conference in October
Regularly engaging in professional supervision of my practice and training events
Language
English
A few words about me
My journey to become a Psychologist working in collaboration with AntiLoneliness has taken many turns. My training roots are in the UK where I qualified as a Chartered Forensic Psychologist (C.Psychol), and moved to The Netherlands over nine years ago. I completed my second Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology (with distinction) from the University of Leiden in May 2019. I am a Chartered member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and a member of the Nederlands Instituut van Psychologen (NIP). I am also registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC) in the UK and EuroPsy as a Forensic Psychologist Forensic. On a personal note, I enjoy music and going to concerts, appreciating nature and art, trying out new food, and gardening. I have always had a keen interest in psychology; why we behave in certain ways, what makes us different, what influences our thinking and emotions, and what can be done to help others. I am also developing my interest in the mind-body link.
My Therapeutic Approach
My main therapeutic approach is Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) where I have a PG cert in CFT from the University of Derby. CFT is a biopsychosocial approach rooted in evolutionary psychology. Compassion is defined as: “a sensitivity to suffering in self and others with a commitment to try to alleviate and prevent it". Therefore, the therapy encourages individuals to develop compassion through having the strength be willing to see the nature and causes of suffering in ourselves and others, and then taking action to alleviate the suffering. CFT is grounded in current understanding of basic emotion regulation systems: the threat and self-protection system, the drive and excitement system, and the contentment and social safeness system. In CFT I use a range of techniques: chairwork, imagery, body work, and of course talking! CFT can be used for a range of psychological issues and challenges. Below is a link to a video which says a bit more about the approach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKwNGIFffcU
I have experience in working with a range of adults from different backgrounds and cultures. I have particular interest in working with expectant mothers and mothers as this is can be a time of personal transition with new challenges and rewards. I also have experience working with individuals that may be experiencing low mood, anxiety, stress, challenges with self-worth, sense of identity, work-related issues, and integrating into another country. Being an expat myself, I can relate to the challenges that individuals may face when living in a different country, therefore I am keen to help and support others who find themselves in this situation.
Availability and fees
I offer a few options in relation to the method of the individual sessions. The individual sessions are tailored to the need of the individual, and we will set therapy goals to help us to work towards meeting your needs. Below is information about the services I offer, the method of the service and the fee for a one hour session. Individual session - 115 euros Student individual session - 75 euros (limited availability) Office hours: Tuesday, 9am-5pm in The Hague Wednesday, 9am-5pm online Thursday, 9am-5pm online
How to reach me
Please contact AntiLoneliness for additional information on having sessions with me. I look forward to meeting you and working together with you towards a more balanced and peaceful life and relationship with yourself. Kind regards, Helena Virk
