Dora boelens
Contextual Therapist
Welcome.
Whether you are navigating a period of change, feeling stuck, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of yourself and your relationships, I offer a safe, accepting, and confidential space where we can work together.
My aim is to support you in reconnecting with your emotions and inner resources, helping you find a way forward that feels more balanced, meaningful, and true to who you are.
ABOUT ME
Dora Boelens, PhD
Contextual
Therapist
As a contextual therapist, I support individuals, couples, and families, particularly those navigating migration, life abroad, cultural adaptation, and the impact these experiences can have on emotional and relational well-being.
Living in Amsterdam as a Hungarian myself, I combine professional expertise with personal
experience to support international clients and those building a life abroad.
My work is grounded in a resource-oriented approach and guided by the Rogersian values of empathy, acceptance, and authenticity. I support clients in developing deeper self-awareness, strengthening their inner resilience, and finding greater balance while navigating life’s transitions.
How Can I Support You?
I offer individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy for those seeking support with personal, relational, or family-related challenges.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy from a contextual perspective understands personal difficulties not as isolated experiences, but within the context of relationships, family history, and the broader cultural environment.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy from a contextual perspective views the relationship as a dynamic relational system, where difficulties are understood within the context of interactional patterns, shared experiences, and each partner’s personal history.
Family Therapy
Family therapy from a systemic perspective views the family as an interconnected relational system, where individual difficulties are understood within the context of family relationships, shared experiences, and the broader social and cultural environment.
Who Can I Help?
I primarily work with international clients who are seeking support during periods of transition or change.
My particular areas of interest include migration, cross-cultural adaptation, and the personal and relational challenges that may accompany these experiences.
At the same time, my practice is open to people of all cultural backgrounds. Therapy is currently available in Hungarian and English.
Support may be helpful in situations such as:
- Adjusting to life in a new country or cultural environment
- Questions of identity and the experience of living between cultures
- Loneliness, social isolation, and relationship difficulties while living abroad
- Relationship challenges and communication difficulties
- Family conflicts and intergenerational tensions
- Life transitions, crises, and important life decisions
- Stress, overwhelm, and emotional exhaustion
- Self-exploration, personal growth, and developing greater self-awareness
- Adjusting to life in a new country or cultural environment
- Questions of identity and the experience of living between cultures
- Loneliness, social isolation, and relationship difficulties while living abroad
- Relationship challenges and communication difficulties
- Family conflicts and intergenerational tensions
- Life transitions, crises, and important life decisions
- Stress, overwhelm, and emotional exhaustion
- Self-exploration, personal growth, and developing greater self-awareness
The aim of the therapeutic process is to provide a safe and supportive environment in which clients can reconnect with their emotions and personal resources, gain a deeper understanding of their relationships, and develop more balanced and meaningful ways of responding to life's challenges.
Where Can We Meet?
Stories Space
Consultations are offered both at my practice in Amsterdam and online. Depending on individual circumstances and preferences, sessions can also be arranged in a hybrid format, allowing the therapeutic process to continue consistently regardless of geographical location.
The practice is located in one of Amsterdam's most beautiful neighbourhoods, close to the River Amstel. Housed in a listed historic building on Sarphatistraat, it offers a quiet and welcoming setting just a few minutes from the city centre while remaining easily accessible by public transport.
The calm and welcoming atmosphere of the practice provides a supportive environment for reflection, where thoughts and emotions can be explored openly and the therapeutic process can unfold with care, attention, and respect.
FEES
The initial consultation is offered free of charge and takes place online.
Following this meeting, a personalised fee proposal will be provided based on your individual needs and the agreed therapeutic framework.
Conference Presentations and Professional Activities
An important part of my professional work is contributing to knowledge exchange and international professional dialogue. Over the years, I have presented at numerous national and international conferences, with a particular focus on migration, acculturation, and the interconnections between social relationships and mental well-being.
These opportunities have enabled me to disseminate research findings, engage in international collaboration, and contribute to ongoing professional discussions within the field.
I also welcome invitations for guest lectures, workshops, and professional collaborations. If you would like to discuss a potential collaboration, please feel free to get in touch via the contact details below.
