About
Therapy is personal, and I think it helps to know a little about the person you might be sitting across from. Here, you can learn a bit about me, my approach to therapy, and the training and experience that shape my work.
Lara Maestrini (she/her)
A little bit about me
I’m Lara, born and raised in the German-speaking region of northern Italy, where I grew up bilingual. I now speak five languages to varying degrees, although I currently practise only in English.
After studying in the Netherlands years ago, I decided to come back and build my life and practice in Amsterdam. I was drawn back by the city’s beauty, energy, and the fact that there is always something to do and discover.
One of my favourite things about the Netherlands is how, as soon as the weather is nice, everyone seems to flock outside to enjoy it. I love that sense of making the most of the little things.
Outside of work, I enjoy hosting dinner parties, trying new hobbies, reading fantasy books, and collecting plants. You may have noticed the latter in my website design:)
What I bring to our sessions
A balance of science & a human approach
I have an MSc in Clinical Psychology from Leiden University and an MA in Counselling Psychology from CITY College. My training has given me evidence-based tools while keeping a strong focus on the human-to-human relationship at the heart of therapy.
Cross-cultural experience
I’ve had the opportunity to live in five different countries, so I know what it’s like to start over somewhere new, build a life from scratch and navigate unfamiliar cultures. This has shaped me into a culturally sensitive therapist, with first-hand experience of the challenges that can come with being an expat.
A commitment to continued learning
I continuously develop my knowledge and skills through additional professional development. I have additional training in Schema Therapy, Complex Trauma, and am currently training in EMDR.
Showing up with intention
I attend regular supervision and my own therapy. This helps me reflect on my work, continue growing as a therapist and make sure I can be fully present for my clients. It also means I know what it can feel like to be sitting on the other side of the therapeutic relationship.
My Approach
I see therapy as a collaborative process that is tailored to the person sitting in front of me. Everyone brings their own experiences, strengths, and challenges, which means therapy can look different for everyone.
Sometimes therapy means reflecting and processing things together; other times it might involve practical exercises or trying something out between sessions. We can find what works for you.
I also believe therapy is a fluid process. What you need, or what works for you, can change over time. My role is to support and guide you, while helping you build the understanding and tools to navigate life in a way that feels right for you.
My training allows me to work integratively, drawing from different therapeutic approaches, including Person-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Gestalt Therapy, and Schema Therapy. Rather than following one fixed method, I adapt the way we work to your goals, needs, and preferences.
You can learn more about some of the areas I support here.
Come as you are
This is very important to me:
There is no right way to be in therapy. You don’t need to make eye contact, sit still, or find the perfect words. Fidgeting, moving around, taking a moment to think, or showing up exactly as you are is all welcome here.
You don’t have to mask or perform to be understood. I want you to have the freedom to show up in whatever way feels natural and comfortable for you.