A place to feel heard, held, and in balance.
English-language therapy for expats,
internationals, and the in-between - by
Mylène Costa Heemstra, integrative psychologist
(NIP 245128).
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
GROUP THERAPY
ONLINE THERAPY WORLDWIDE
SUPPORT GROUPS
-PURPOSE
Find balance in the spectrum of being human.
If life were a metaphor, it might look like a rainbow of colors. Anger, joy, depression, optimism, grief, contentment - we move through all of it.
“Once we find balance within ourselves and our lives, we can live a more desired life.”
(2019)
MYLÈNE COSTA
HEEMSTRA
MSC, NIP
245128
Hey, I’m Mylène - a psychologist, amongst other things
I've been reading books on mental health since adolescence - drawn to the field for as long as I can remember. As a psychologist, my interest lies within all forms of distress that can individual can endure.
“I firmly believe that everyone deserves a safe space in which to work through their challenges, or in which to explore different parts of themselves.”
I was born in The Netherlands but raised within an international community - French, Dutch, and Italian heritage. I’d describe myself as ‘international’ rather than purely those, which is what drew me tow working with English-speaking individuals here in The Hague, whether born in NL or not. English is my first language.
I work with individuals aged 16+ and tailor every treatment plan to the person in front of me. My approach is integrative, with a humanistic foundation.
TRAINING
MSc Clinical
Psychology, Utrecht
University (2018)
REGISTRATION
Nederlands Instituut
van Psychologen (NIP) ·
#245128
LANGUAGES
English (primary), Dutch,
French
MAIN LENS
Schema Therapy - 40h
ISST-approved program
Schema Therapy - Imagery Rescripting
Schema Therapy - Guilt & Shame
AFFILIATION
International Society of
Schema Therapy (ISST)
CONTINUING
Continuous training
Monthly supervision
Bi-weekly group intervision
-WHAT I WORK WITH
The challenges that bring people in.
There's no hierarchy of pain. Whatever brings you here is enough of a reason to be here.
Depression & mood
Social Anxiety
Identity Challenges
Acculturative stress
Loneliness
Harmful coping strategies
Existential worries
Paraphilias
Anxiety, OCD, phobias
Low self-esteem & self worth
LGBTQIA+ orientation & gender
Grief & loss
Relationship issues
Suicidal Ideation
Stress & burnout & ‘midlife’ crisis
Something else, entirely yours
-APPROACH
Integrative, with
a humanistic foundation.
No one method fits every person. I draw from six evidence-based modalities and tailor the work to you - pace, focus, and depth. However, you are the original expert to your own life.
Schema Therapy is my primary lens. Where useful, we’ll weave in cognitive, experiential, existential, and compassion-based work. We’ll talk about what’s helping and what isn’t, and we’ll change course when we need to.
01 Schema Therapy primary lens
02 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
03 Accelerated Experiential Dynamic
04 Existential Therapy
05 Compassion-focused Therapy
06 Mindfulness
-SERVICES
Three ways to work together.
(1) Individual Therapy
One to one sessions tailored to you.
Integrative method, weekly or bi-weekly, in
The Hague or online.
(2) Group Therapy
Bi-weekly CBT & Schema Therapy Groups
-currently focused on social anxiety.
Small, professionally guided.
(3) Support Groups
English-language groups for Grief, loneliness, and depression.
September, 2026!
Three groups running this year, all in English.
Social Anxiety, therapy group
Working with the root of social anxiety through CBT and Schema Therapy in a safe, confidential, group setting.
International Grief, support group
A safe space in which to share your grief with others experiencing their own version of grief.
Loneliness, support group
Finding connection. Guided activities for those struggling to meet new people or make friends in a digital, divided world.
More information & sign up through contact form
Three small steps to get started.
Finding a therapist you click with matters more than anything else. Take your time.
(1) Look Around
Read different therapists’ websites.
See whose voice and approach feels like one you’d be comfortable speaking with.
Maybe it’s me, maybe it’s someone else.
(2) Get in Touch
Send a short email -
Share a little about yourself, what you’d like assistance with, or any questions you have.
A free 15 minute Zoom consult is also available if you’d like!
Always ask questions beforehand. Anything is welcome.
therapycosta@gmail.com
Once we’ve agreed to work together, you’ll receive a registration & informed consent form covering the process, confidentiality, fees, and cancellation policy. Sign, settle the first session - and we begin.
We can end this agreement at any time.
(3) Registration &
Consent
Fees.
Students 18+, unemployed, & discounted
1 hour therapy session
€100
Full fee
1 hour therapy session
€115
Therapy & Support groups
on request
Coverage by international insurance, not Dutch.
Frequency. Most clients meet weekly or bi-
weekly. We'll find a cadence that fits your life
and the work.
Reimbursement. You may be eligible for
reimbursement through your international
health insurance - contact your provider
directly to confirm coverage.
Referral. If you'd like a referral to the
practice, it is officially called
“Mylène Costa Therapy Sessions."
Disclaimer. Clients are always responsible for
payment directly to Mylène. Rules and
regulations regarding payments are provided
in the registration form.
Client Reviews
"A safe, supportive, and affirming space. Deep professional knowledge, a calm and compassionate presence, and practical tools that helped me move forward with clarity. The queer-affirming approach added real depth to our work."
-D.MGoogle Review
"A huge impact on my life. So much help with my self-esteem, my relationships, and my outlook. Kind-hearted, and I always felt comfortable sharing sensitive topics."
-S.H
Google Review
"After multiple therapists over the years, I can say this is an incredible one. The compassion and empathy still amaze me. Life-changing to have a safe space to explore my mental well-being."
-P.BGoogle Review
"I've been able to open up about things I had buried deep - in the safest, most empathetic way. A non-judgmental, kind, and compassionate outlook throughout."
-L.DGoogle Review
"Professional, intelligent, present, creative, flexible, and deeply compassionate. Helped me navigate the expat experience and work through painful, deeply held beliefs. I've grown so much."
-A.S
Google Review
"Insightful, kind, and hard-working. I'm incredibly grateful for the compassion, dedication, and humanity."
-MGoogle Review
"Exceeded all my expectations. A truly transformative approach, a safe environment, and effective tools to navigate and grow through my difficulties."
-E
Google Review
"Incredibly kind, empathetic, and genuine. I've learnt so much about myself through our sessions."
-O.M
Google Review
"Incredible emotional intelligence and compassion — a precious space for reflection. Talented and full of tools, and sensitive to the struggles expats face adapting to a new country."
-M.F
Google Review
-CONTACT
Write whenever you’re ready.
A short email is enough to start. If you'd like, ask for a free 15-minute Zoom consult to see if we’re a good fit.
Currently no evening slots available.
Monday: 09:00 - 15:00
Tuesday: 11:00 - 18:00
Thursday: 09:00 - 17:00
Friday: 08:00 - 14:30