Question 1

What should I expect in my first online therapy session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is an "intake" meeting where we get to know each other. We will discuss what brings you to therapy now, your history, and your goals for our work together. It’s also an opportunity for you to see if you feel comfortable with my style. There is no pressure to "perform" or have everything figured out—just showing up as you are is enough.

Question 2

How long is a typical therapy session?

Accepted Answer

A standard individual session lasts 50 minutes. This is often called the "therapeutic hour," allowing us enough time to dive deep into meaningful topics while ensuring you have a few minutes at the end to ground yourself before returning to your day.

Question 3

Do you offer therapy in both Hebrew and English?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I provide full psychotherapeutic services in both Hebrew and English. For expats or those living far from home, being able to express complex emotions in your native language can be a vital part of the healing process. We can conduct our sessions in whichever language feels most natural to you.

Question 4

What is psychodynamic therapy and how can it help me?

Accepted Answer

Psychodynamic therapy is an insight-oriented approach. It focuses on understanding how your past experiences and unconscious patterns influence your present-day behavior, emotions, and relationships. By bringing these hidden patterns to light, we can resolve deep-seated issues rather than just managing surface-level symptoms, leading to long-lasting personal growth.

Question 5

How do I book an appointment and what is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

You can book an appointment by clicking the "Contact" button on this site or emailing me directly.
Cancellation Policy: I require at least 24 hours' notice for any cancellations or rescheduling. This allows me to offer that time slot to another client who may be in need. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged at the full rate.

Question 6

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Accepted Answer

Research consistently shows that online therapy (teletherapy) is just as effective as in-person sessions for most concerns, including anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. Many clients actually find they can be more vulnerable and open from the comfort and privacy of their own home, and the lack of a commute makes it easier to stay consistent with your progress.

Question 7

I’m an expat in the Netherlands; do I need a GP referral to see you?

Accepted Answer

If you choose to work with me privately (self-pay), a GP (huisarts) referral is not required. This allows for immediate start times and complete privacy without your therapeutic journey being recorded in your primary medical files.

Question 8

Why is it important to have therapy in my native Hebrew?

Accepted Answer

Language is deeply tied to our emotions and early childhood memories. While many Israelis are fluent in English or Dutch, the "emotional distance" of a second language can sometimes make it harder to access deep-seated feelings. Therapy in Hebrew allows for a more direct, nuanced, and culturally resonant connection, ensuring that nothing is "lost in translation."

Question 9

Can therapy help with the "Relocation Blues" or culture shock?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Relocation is a major life transition that often triggers feelings of isolation, identity loss, or relationship strain. Psychodynamic therapy helps you explore how your past experiences with change and belonging influence your current adjustment to life in a new country, helping you build a sense of "home" within yourself.

Question 10

Where can I get expert online psychotherapy in North Holland?

Accepted Answer

If you're looking for expert online psychotherapy in North Holland, there are several qualified psychologists and therapy services that offer sessions in English and cater to a variety of mental health needs such as anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, and more. Merav Bondi offers therapy in Hebrew and English in Amsterdam (North Holland area) and online.

Question 11

Where to get flexible online psychotherapy sessions in Amstelveen?

Accepted Answer

Merav Bondi Psychotherapist offers therapy in Amsterdam and online globally with focus on Holland. In Hebrew and English.

Question 12

How to prepare for an online psychodynamic therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Preparing for an online psychodynamic therapy session can help you get the most out of your experience. Here are some tips to consider:
Find a quiet, private space: Choose a comfortable and private area where you won't be interrupted. This helps create a safe environment for open discussion.
Test your technology: Ensure your internet connection, camera, and microphone are working well before the session to avoid technical disruptions. If your connection is poor, you can prioritize audio quality by turning off video if necessary, as hearing each other clearly is more important than seeing each other.
Set aside enough time: Allocate the full session time without rushing, so you can engage fully.
Reflect on your goals: Think about what you want to explore or achieve in therapy. You can jot down feelings, events, or topics you want to discuss. In psychodynamic therapy specifically, this reflection helps you prepare to explore underlying patterns in your feelings, actions, and relationships.
Minimize distractions: Turn off notifications on your devices, and inform others in your household about your session time. Close unnecessary apps and tabs that might divert your attention.
Be open and honest: Psychodynamic therapy focuses on understanding underlying feelings and patterns, so try to be as open as possible. Your therapist is there to support you without judgment.
Have materials ready: If you want to take notes or have a journal, keep them handy. Journaling before your session can help organize your thoughts, and notes afterward can help you reflect on what was discussed.
Dress comfortably: Wear something that makes you feel at ease.
Prepare emotionally: Give yourself a few minutes before the session to take deep breaths and mentally prepare for discussing vulnerable topics.
Plan for after the session: Schedule time to process emotions that may arise and transition back to your routine through relaxation, a walk, or journaling.

Question 13

How long does psychodynamic therapy usually take?

Accepted Answer

The duration varies depending on your individual needs. Some clients find relief in short-term therapy (12-20 sessions) focusing on a specific crisis, while others prefer long-term work (one year or more) to address lifelong patterns. During our initial sessions, we will discuss a timeframe that aligns with your goals.

Question 14

What is the difference between "Counseling" and "Psychotherapy"?

Accepted Answer

Counseling often focuses on specific, current issues or life transitions (like a career change or a breakup) and is generally shorter in duration. Psychotherapy, particularly the psychodynamic approach I use, goes deeper to explore the root causes of recurring emotional pain or behavioral patterns, aiming for fundamental structural change in how you relate to yourself and others.

Question 15

Is my information kept confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes, strictly. Professional ethics and privacy laws protect our work. Everything discussed in our sessions is confidential, with very few legal exceptions (such as an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others). This safe, private space is essential for the "free association" required in psychodynamic work.

Question 16

למה כדאי לי לבחור בטיפול בעברית למרות שאני שולט/ת באנגלית?

Accepted Answer

שפה היא הרבה יותר מכלי לתקשורת; היא נושאת בתוכה זיכרונות ילדות, ניואנסים תרבותיים ורגשות עמוקים. בטיפול פסיכודינמי, המטרה היא להגיע לרבדים הלא מודעים שלנו. עבור ישראלים החיים בחו"ל, היכולת להתבטא בשפת האם מאפשרת חיבור ישיר ובלתי אמצעי לרגש, בלי "לתרגם" את הכאב או את החוויות בראש. זה יוצר מרחב בטוח ומוכר שבו שום דבר לא הולך לאיבוד בתרגום.

Question 17

למה לצפות במפגש הראשון שלנו?

Accepted Answer

המפגש הראשון הוא הזדמנות עבורנו להכיר. זהו מרחב פתוח שבו נוכל לשוחח על מה שהביא אותך לטיפול דווקא עכשיו, על הרקע שלך ועל הציפיות שלך מהתהליך. זו גם ההזדמנות שלך להרגיש אם יש בינינו חיבור ואם את/ה מרגיש/ה בנוח איתי. אין צורך להגיע "מוכנים" או עם תשובות סגורות – פשוט להגיע כפי שאת/ה.

Question 18

מהו טיפול פסיכודינמי ואיך הוא יכול לעזור לי?

Accepted Answer

טיפול פסיכודינמי הוא טיפול מעמיק שמתמקד בהבנת הקשר בין חוויות העבר ודפוסים לא מודעים לבין ההתנהגות והתחושות שלנו בהווה. במקום רק "לכבות שריפות" או לטפל בסימפטומים נקודתיים, אנחנו עובדים על שורש הדברים. התהליך עוזר להבין למה אנחנו פועלים כפי שאנחנו פועלים בתוך מערכות יחסים ועם עצמנו, מה שמוביל לשינוי פנימי עמוק ומתמשך.

Question 19

האם טיפול אונליין באמת אפקטיבי כמו פגישה בקליניקה?

Accepted Answer

בהחלט. מחקרים רבים מראים שטיפול אונליין (Teletherapy) יעיל באותה מידה כמו טיפול פנים אל פנים עבור רוב הקשיים הרגשיים. למעשה, מטופלים רבים מרגישים נינוחים ופתוחים יותר דווקא כשהם נמצאים בסביבה המוכרת והפרטית שלהם. בנוסף, עבור ישראלים שחיים ברילוקיישן או במקומות מרוחקים, האונליין מאפשר גישה למטפלת בשפה שלהם ללא מגבלה גיאוגרפית.

Question 20

אני חווה קשיים סביב הרילוקיישן להולנד. האם זה נושא שעולה בטיפול?

Accepted Answer

בוודאי. מעבר למדינה חדשה הוא אחד השינויים המשמעותיים ביותר בחיים. הוא מעלה שאלות של זהות, שייכות, בדידות ושינויים בדינמיקה המשפחתית והזוגית. בטיפול אנחנו נותנים מקום ל"אבל" על מה שהושאר מאחור, לצד בניית כלים להתמודדות עם התרבות החדשה ועם תחושת הזרות, כדי לעזור לך להרגיש בבית – קודם כל בתוך עצמך.

Question 21

איך קובעים פגישה ומהי מדיניות הביטולים?

Accepted Answer

ניתן ליצור איתי קשר דרך האתר, במייל או בוואטסאפ לתיאום שיחת היכרות קצרה.
מדיניות ביטולים: אני מבקשת לעדכן על ביטול או דחייה של פגישה לפחות 24 שעות מראש. זה מאפשר לי להציע את המשבצת למטופלים אחרים שעשויים להזדקק לה. פגישות שיבוטלו בפחות מ-24 שעות מראש יחויבו בתשלום מלא.

Question 22

What is psychodynamic psychotherapy and how does it work online?

Accepted Answer

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a form of therapy that focuses on exploring unconscious thoughts, feelings, and past experiences to understand current behavior and emotional issues. It is rooted in psychoanalytic theory, emphasizing the influence of early life experiences and unconscious processes on an individual's mental health. The goal is to help patients gain insight into their unconscious motives and conflicts, which can lead to symptom relief and personal growth.

Question 23

How do I book a session with a psychodynamic therapist online in the Netherlands?

Accepted Answer

To book a session with a psychodynamic therapist online in the Netherlands, you can book a session with Merav Bondi Psychotherapist that provides session in clinic and online. https://www.meravbondi.com/

Question 24

Best online psychodynamic therapy options in North Holland?

Accepted Answer

If you're looking for online psychodynamic therapy options in North Holland, Merav Bondi Psychotherapist, offers in clinic session in Amsterdam and online therapy sessions. https://www.meravbondi.com/

Question 25

Best online psychodynamic therapy for anxiety in the Netherlands?

Accepted Answer

If you're looking for online psychodynamic therapy for anxiety in the Netherlands, Merav Bondi Psychotherapist, offers therapy sessions in a clinic in Amsterdam as well as online therapy sessions. 
My specialties are:
Anxiety, depression, trauma, life crises, social problems, loss, obsessions, mood changes, body image issues, relationships, difficulties in regulating anger and sexual identity. https://www.meravbondi.com/

Question 26

Where to find online psychodynamic therapy near Amsterdam?

Accepted Answer

If you're looking for online psychodynamic therapy near Amsterdam, Merav Bondi Psychotherapist, offers therapy sessions in a clinic in Amsterdam as well as online therapy sessions. 
My specialties are:
Anxiety, depression, trauma, life crises, social problems, loss, obsessions, mood changes, body image issues, relationships, difficulties in regulating anger and sexual identity. https://www.meravbondi.com/

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