Psychotherapy for adults in English.

Private practice in Groningen or online.

No waiting lists and no GP referral required.

In a psychotherapy session with me, we will build a confidential and safe space where you will be invited to speak freely, with as little restraint as possible, about what worries you, troubles you, repeats in your life, or feels difficult to put into words.

This may include feelings of anxiety or sadness, conflicts in relationships, experiences of loss or change, questions about desire, identity, or choices, or a sense that “something is not quite right”.

You do not need to arrive with a clear idea or explanation of your problem. Part of our work will be to allow thoughts, feelings, memories, and associations to unfold, so that patterns that may not be obvious at first can gradually become recognizable.

This is a private mental health practice where clients can start therapy without a GP referral or diagnosis, with no waiting time for intake. Sessions are arranged and paid for directly by the client. The frequency and duration of therapy are decided together, with no fixed number of sessions.

Psychotherapy room for in-person sessions in Groningen, with a yellow sofa, black chair, coffee table, potted plants, fireplace, artwork, and large windows with blinds and curtains.

  • Psychoanalytic (or psychodynamic) psychotherapy is a technique that invites you to speak freely, with as little restraint as possible, creating a confidential and safe space that is set apart from everyday conversation, with no social expectations.

    The therapist acts as a qualified listener, following what is being said closely and, when necessary, bringing attention to elements that may have gone unnoticed. Over time, patterns such as difficult feelings and emotions begin to emerge and become more recognizable.

    The aim of psychotherapy, therefore, is to understand what underlies these processes, making it possible to build consistent and lasting changes to your well-being.

  • You can contact me by email or WhatsApp message to arrange a first session. In this first meeting, we will speak about what brings you to therapy, what do you hope to work on, and any questions or concerns you may have.

    The first session is also a way to see whether this form of work feels right for you. If we agree that another type of support would be more appropriate, I will discuss this with you and, when possible, help you think about alternatives.

    Sessions are not covered by the Dutch basic health insurance. If you need reimbursed GGZ care, crisis care, or highly intensive treatment, it may be more appropriate to contact your GP for referral.

    This practice does not provide crisis or emergency mental health care.

  • Psychotherapy does not take place separately from everyday life. For many internationals in the Netherlands, English becomes the language of work, personal relationships, important decisions and interactions with the world around them.

    Having therapy in English creates space to reflect on these experiences in a language that is already part of your present life. Because my practice is based in the Netherlands, our work can also take account of the systems, social expectations and practical realities that shape your life here.

    This allows us to consider your personal history and inner life alongside the environment in which your experiences are currently unfolding.

    • Online session, 50–55 minutes: €100

    • In-person session in Groningen, 50–55 minutes: €130

    Payment is usually made by transfer, but arrangements can be discussed and agreed between client and therapist.

    Appointments are reserved exclusively for you. You can cancel or reschedule free of charge up to 24 hours before the session.

    Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed appointments, are charged at the full session fee.

    A limited number of places are available for students at a reduced price. If this applies to you, please mention when contacting me.

I am Ariel Fernandes, a NIP® Psychologist in the Netherlands, with eight years of experience working with adults in clinical practice, both online and in person.

I hold a Master’s degree in Psychology from the Federal University of São Paulo, and my professional path has included individual psychotherapy for adults, group work, harm reduction for substance use, and psychological support for vulnerable populations.

Over the years, I have worked with people from different countries and cultural backgrounds. This has shaped my attention to questions that often appear in therapy with clients, including symptoms of depression, anxiety, and substance use, but also broader issues such as adaptation, identity, belonging, and self-awareness.

Today, my practice is focused on adult psychotherapy in English, for people looking for a private and consistent space to work through personal difficulties with time, continuity, and care.

Ariel Fernandes, psychologist, a young man with shoulder-length blond hair and light skin sitting in a room with natural light, a large green plant behind him, and cream-colored curtains near a window.

Contact me

You can send me a WhatsApp message or use the form. If you want to know whether psychoanalytic psychotherapy is right for you, please get in touch to arrange an appointment, either in person or online.

My consultation room is at Brugstraat 7a, in the center of Groningen.

All reservations are binding and should be cancelled with at least 24 hours notice.