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And you? When will you begin that long journey into yourself?— Rumi
Hello, I am Nejla Yıldız-Belchinova. I work as a registered and licensed health care psychologist (GZ-psycholoog) in the Netherlands.
I am also a certified schema therapist. Since moving to Amsterdam in 2016, I offer individual psychotherapy to adults in Turkish, English, and Dutch, addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, adaptation difficulties, self-esteem problems, trauma, loss and grief. Depending on the expectations and needs of the clients, I use various therapeutic approaches in sessions, including schema therapy, EMDR, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
I also work as a treatment coordinator (Regiebehandelaar) in mental health centers and I provide supervision to psychologists in the areas of diagnostics and psychotherapy, contributing to the enhancement of their clinical skills and practice. Click here to read more
About me
I was born in Istanbul, Turkey, as part of an immigrant family. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Istanbul Bilgi University. I then pursued my specialisation at Bahçeşehir University where I completed my master’s in Clinical Psychology. My thesis, titled “Development of a Culturally Sensitive Coping Scale for Turkish Children and Adolescents”, received support from TÜBİTAK (Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey).
Carrying my immigrant identity passed down through generations, I moved to Amsterdam in 2016 and continue my professional journey here. By completing the necessary exams and training to become a registered and licensed psychologist in the Netherlands, I obtained the title of “GZ-psycholoog”. Additionally, I completed the necessary education and supervision to become a certified schema therapist accredited by the International Society of Schema Therapy and the Dutch Society of Schema Therapy.
I continue to engage in individual psychotherapy sessions with expats and immigrants living both abroad and in the Netherlands. Depending on the expectations and needs of my clients, I utilize various therapeutic approaches such as schema therapy, EMDR, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. In addition to my role as a therapist, I also work as a treatment coordinator (Regiebehandelaar) in mental health centers in the Netherlands. I provide supervision to psychologists in the areas of diagnostics and psychotherapy, contributing to the enhancement of their clinical skills and practice.
With the principle of lifelong learning, while continuing my supervisions and trainings in the field, I currently provide therapy in Turkish, English and Dutch languages
Professional affiliations
- Health care (GZ) psychologist (BIG registration: 99928955025)
- ISST Certified Schema Therapist - International Society of Schema Therapy
- Certified Schema Therapist - Dutch Society of Schema Therapy
- Registered EuroPsy Psychologist - European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations
- Turkish Psychological Association
Past experiences
- ’19 -
- ’17 -
- ’14 - ’16
- ’12 - ’14
Education
- ’12 - ’14
- ’07 - ’12
- ’11
Publications
- Yıldız, N., Sevi, O. M., Soykal, İ., Odabaşıoğlu, G. & Genç, Y. (2014). Psikoloji Öğrencileri ve Mezunlarının Psikiyatrik Rahatsızlıklar ve Bağımlılığa İlişkin Bakış Açılarının Değerlendirilmesi. Bağımlılık Dergisi, 15(4), 173-179.
- Gökler-Danışman, I., Yalçınay, M. & Yıldız, N. (2017). Kanser Hastalarında Yas Belirtilerinin Ölçülmesi: Uzamış Yas Bozukluğu Ölçeği Türkçe Formu’nun Geçerlik ve Güvenirlik Çalışması. Türk Psikiyatri Dergisi, 28(3), 190-197.
- Gökler-Danışman, I., Yıldız, N. & Yiğit, İ. (2017). Development of a coping with stress scale for a non-western population of children and adolescents. Anxiety, Stress, and Coping: An International Journal, 30(6), 687-701.
- Pinar-Erdem, A., Kuru, S., Urkmez, E.S., Sepet, E., Gunes, H., Yildiz, N., Topcuoglu, N. & Kulekci, G. (2018). Oral health status and its relation with medication and dental fear in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Niger J Clin Pract, 21(9), 1132-1138.
My areas of specialty
I offer psychotherapy for adults (20+) with the following issues:
- Adjustment Problems
- Anxiety, Panic disorder and Phobias
- Attachment and Intimacy Issues
- Burn-out
- Depression
- Immigration
- Life Transitions & Changes
- Loss & Grief
- Psychosomatic Symptoms
- Self-Esteem Issues
- Stress
- Trauma
Psychotherapy approaches
Schema Therapy
Schema Therapy is a comprehensive and integrative psychotherapy approach and incorporates elements from various approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment theory, gestalt therapy, object relations theory, psychoanalysis, and psychodrama.The fundamental concept of schema therapy is that every child has essential universal core needs (Young, 2003). These core needs include:
- Secure attachment and Stability
- Autonomy, competence and a sense of identity
- Freedom to express needs and emotions
- Spontaneity and play
- Realistic limits and self-control
When one or more of these core needs are insufficiently met in childhood, or when someone experiences traumatic or damaging events during their youth;, rigid, maladaptive schemas can develop that later drive dysfunctional behavior. A schema is defined as a broad and persistent theme or pattern that consists of memories, bodily sensations, emotions, and thoughts about oneself and relationships with others. The formation of schemas is influenced by the child's temperament, negative life events, and cultural influences.
During Schema Therapy, the therapist collaboratively works with the client to identify and explore their schemas. This involves examining past experiences, early childhood relationships, and the emotional needs that were unmet. Schema Therapy utilizes various therapeutic techniques like imagery, role-playing, and dialogue, individuals learn to recognize and challenge their schemas, develop healthier coping strategies, and cultivate more positive ways of thinking, feeling, and relating.
Schema Therapy can be particularly helpful for individuals struggling with long-standing emotional difficulties and complex interpersonal issues. Schema Therapy focuses on understanding and healing early emotional wounds that continue to impact current functioning and relationships, leading to more fulfilling and balanced lives. Also, schema therapy promotes self-compassion and self-acceptance, allowing individuals to develop healthier self-images and reduce self-criticism.
For more information: https://schematherapysociety.org/Schema-Therapy
EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy approach designed to alleviate the distressing symptoms of trauma and distressing memories. Through a guided process, individuals recall distressing events while focusing on bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, sounds, or taps. EMDR therapy doesn’t erase memories, but it helps to reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional intensity and negative impact. EMDR is recognized for its effectiveness in treating trauma-related conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It offers a targeted and efficient method for healing, enabling individuals to find relief from emotional suffering and promote psychological well-being.
For more information: https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used and evidence-based psychotherapy approach that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It aims to help individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and dysfunctional behaviors. By changing these thought patterns, individuals can learn to manage their emotions more effectively and adopt healthier coping strategies. CBT is structured and short-term therapy, often involving collaborative work between the therapist and the client to set specific goals and develop practical skills to improve mental well-being.
For more information: https://cares.beckinstitute.org/about-cbt/
Application process
Before we start working together, I conduct a brief preliminary interview over the phone to understand your concerns and expectations, and assess whether I am the right person to address your needs. You can send an email to psy.nejlayildizgmail to schedule this preliminary interview. There is no charge for this initial contact. After this screening, an intake can be scheduled.
Costs and reimbursements
As a registered and licensed psychologist in the Netherlands, the treatments I provide are fully covered by your health insurance. However, a referral letter (verwijsbrief) from your GP is required. In this case, you will be responsible for paying your annual own risk (eigen risico).
If you choose not to receive a diagnosis, you can opt to pay for the sessions yourself. In this case, you do not need a referral letter from your GP, and you won't need to use your annual own risk. For information about the fees, you can contact me.
Blog posts
Get in touch
If you would like to schedule an appointment or for any questions please reach out to me via below e-mail.
- psy.nejlayildizgmail
- /in/nejla-yildiz-belchinova
- Address
- Nijenburg 2B
1081 GG Amsterdam
Netherlands