Hi, I'm Marina Lavanova, an integrative psychologist.
My interest in psychology stems from my personal experience of healing from a (dissociated) trauma and a recurring burn-out, fitting and unfitting multiple cultures I lived in, navigating complex relationships, and continuously learning what it means to be an authentic me.
I am a certified Integrative Coach and a PSBK qualified complementary care professional (PLATO-CPION accredited, following the Dutch legislation).
To increase my expertise, I’m currently following the Somatic Experiencing® program in Edinburgh (UK), as well as the counseling certification at the Dutch Academy of Psychotherapy in Amsterdam. The latter is NLQF-6 certified, as well as recognised with the highest European certificate in the field, the European Certificate of Psychotherapy.
Before providing personal therapy, I was facilitating change within teams and organisations. Being it a behavioural, cultural or organisational change.
In my practice, I work with adults of all races and gender identities. Matters I specialise on are expatriation, burnout, narcissism, and trauma.
VIT-registration number: 1256.25.S
S.C.A.G. registration nummer: 23721
Growth. Whether you want to grow professionally or personally, developing emotional intelligence is a key. I can help you gain insight into yourself and your triggers, understand others and their motivations, enhance your emotional intelligence and skills, communicate effectively with diverse personalities, and increase your influence.
Expatriation. Moving to a new country and adapting to foreign norms can be challenging. Confusion, loneliness, and longing for home are common feelings. As an expat myself, I understand these struggles and can support you in managing culture shock, developing coping strategies, building new connections, and creating a fulfilling life in your new setting.
Burnout. Burnout can have a wide range of effects on both physical and mental health, as well as on personal and professional life. I can help you process feelings of exhaustion, learn stress management techniques, create boundaries between work and personal life, set new personal and professional goals, and rebuild motivation and direction. If burnout is work-related, exploring career changes or adjustments can be helpful for long-term satisfaction.
Narcissism. Working or living with a narcissist can be exhausting. If you feel like you must walk on eggshells to avoid conflict, if you experience emotional manipulation, chronic self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy, and find yourself isolated, seek support from friends, family, or a therapist. I offer a safe space and can help you navigate difficult interactions by helping you to recognize manipulative tactics, (re-)establishing healthy boundaries, and rebuilding confidence.
As an integrative psychologist, counsellor and coach, I believe that no single psychological approach fits everyone. This means that I base my work on a rich training of different evidence-based practices, seamlessly integrating them to meet the unique needs of each client.
In practice, it means that together we will look at your unique situation and you will leave with a solution that fits you.
Continuous learning allows me to make use of the most modern techniques that result in the shortest treatment times, with a maximum of 5 sessions for moderate concerns.
During sessions, I facilitate your progress by listening, asking you to reflect on topics that are relevant for your situation, and sharing observations with you. In my practice, a safe environment is created, where everything shared stays confidential and no judgment stands. You can choose to make some exercises directly during the session. And almost always, you will leave a session with a (small) homework.
Any big change starts with a small change on a personal level - and this inspires me the most in my work.
Almost everyone of us had a moment in life when there was a desire or even yearning for a change. A change for a better life: an enjoyable life, a life that fulfills, an authentic life. This change is initiated in a tiny moment of stillness, when something within you finally gets your attention in a day-to-day rush: you want it better! To hear that wish out means to slow down and pay attention to what really matters.
It can be a moment when you realise that you have everything, but still feel unfulfilled and unhappy. Or maybe you did everything you could to improve the situation you are in, but it doesn't seem to lead you anywhere. In that exact moment of realisation that thing run odd, a change in You has started.
Slowing down is not doing everything at a snail's pace. It's about seeking to do everything at the right speed.
If you think it’s time to shake things off, let me know. You are not alone.
Tel. +31 6 139 17 145
Address: Emmastraat 24a in Velp, The Netherlands