Meet Julia: your clinical psychologist in the Netherlands
Discover the journey of Julia, a passionate Brazilian-born clinical psychologist based in Amsterdam. Explore her path to success and dedication to serving the international community, especially Portuguese speakers.
Can you tell what you are doing now? An introduction about yourself?
Hello, I’m Julia. Originally from Brazil, I made the life-changing decision to move to the Netherlands in 2017. Driven by a deep desire to support the international community in the Netherlands, particularly Portuguese speakers, I embarked on my journey as an independent clinical psychologist in 2018. From the very beginning, I was astounded by the overwhelming demand from international patients seeking assistance in their native language. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to providing my services through both in-person sessions in Amsterdam and online sessions. My practice focuses on working with adults and couples, addressing their unique needs and challenges in a compassionate and professional manner.
How did you get to where you are now? What education, life lessons, mistakes preceded this?
Reflecting on the year 2018, I found myself in a foreign country with two young children and limited proficiency in the local language. It was a time of uncertainty and adaptation. Determined to forge a new path, I began my quest by searching for online courses and educational opportunities that would help me carve out a fulfilling niche in this new environment. Driven by my deep passion for the field, I embarked on a transformative journey, pursuing a specialization in Positive Psychology, which I successfully completed at Penn University. The insights I gained during this journey have since significantly enriched my professional practice. My unwavering commitment to personal growth and excellence motivated me to undertake another significant endeavor—a Master’s degree in Neuropsychology at Utrecht University. This academic pursuit culminated in my successful completion of the program in 2022.
Looking back, I take immense pride in my accomplishments. I firmly believe that resilience, discipline, and perseverance have been my guiding principles in creating a meaningful space for myself, both as a professional and as an individual, here in the Netherlands. I’ve always held the belief that time passes at a constant rate, whether you’re pondering whether to take action or actively pursuing your goals. With this perspective, I’ve consistently strived to make the most of every opportunity and circumstance that comes my way.
Did you find entrepreneurship scary? How did you tie the knot?
Being an entrepreneur can certainly be daunting at times. Personally, I still encounter moments of uncertainty that demand adept management and a dose of courage. Initially, the fear of not knowing whether I’d have enough clients or if my services would be sought after was a significant concern. Nowadays, my primary challenge lies in juggling administrative tasks alongside my ongoing studies and the demands of my practice. Yet, on the brighter side, I view entrepreneurship as an invaluable opportunity to leverage my skills precisely when I believe it’s most important. The flexibility in my work hours allows me to be a present and engaged parent whenever life calls for it. Despite the occasional apprehension, the rewards and fulfillment that come with being an entrepreneur far outweigh any lingering uncertainties. It’s a journey that, despite its challenges, brings immeasurable joy and satisfaction.
What kind of clients can come to you? Why specifically this one?
Currently, I specialize in working with both adults and couples, catering to a diverse clientele that includes native Portuguese speakers and international patients within my private practice. I receive requests for assistance with a wide range of issues, including cases involving burnout, depression, and anxiety. In my practice, I adopt a holistic approach, drawing from the principles of positive psychology and the latest advancements in neuroscience. This approach allows me to gain deep insights into the unique challenges presented by my patients, fostering a comprehensive understanding of their needs and enabling me to provide effective support and guidance.
What advice would you give to other coaches and therapists who want to start their own practice?
I’d encourage you to summon the courage to take that first step. Often, we get caught up in contemplating all the potential pitfalls, inadvertently overlooking the possibilities that could lead to something truly rewarding in the end.
Don’t overlook the importance of building a client base and cultivating a consistent network. Effective client acquisition and networking strategies are crucial for your success. Equally significant is mastering time management, which involves allocating time for client sessions, studying and session preparation, administrative tasks, maintaining your schedule, and more.
Lastly, nurture courage and curiosity as your guiding principles. Stay updated with the evolving laws and regulations relevant to your profession. Be proactive in seeking guidance and forming valuable connections that can pave the way for a smoother and more rewarding journey toward your professional goals.
How did you find Stories?
I stumbled upon this opportunity through a friend who offered coaching sessions at a venue in Amsterdam. Intrigued by his high praise, I decided to check it out for myself.
What is the reason you chose Stories?
The concept of Stories perfectly aligns with the image I aim to convey to my clients through the services I provide. It’s a space that emanates tranquility, stability, and elegance. I take great pleasure in being in this environment and providing a conducive setting for both my patients and myself as a practitioner.
Julia Maia
S: @julia.lima.maia
