My name is Adina, and since 2023, I have been offering Gestalt therapy, counselling and coaching sessions, workshop facilitations and Reiki practitioner in private practice at thelibrarywithin.com .
Originally from Romania, my practice is based in The Netherlands, working in The Hague and Velp (Gelderland) with individuals, couples, groups, students, teams, and entrepreneurs. Through my trainings and lived experience, I support individuals seeking to overcome challenging emotional experiences, such as encountering difficulties in personal or professional relationships (such as burnout, anxiety, and depression), navigating expat or immigrant life, exploring the emotional impact of chronic pain and medical trauma, managing the challenges of neurodivergence in daily life, or wishing to gain new perspectives on their current situations.
My practice offers trauma-informed, neuroaffirmative support guided by Gestalt psychotherapy principles and practices of embodied relational awareness and inclusive dialogue in the present moment.
Sessions are offered in person in The Hague and Velp (near Arnhem), or online, in English, Romanian, and Dutch.
We live in a world marked by division, fragmentation, and stress. Taking the time to meet yourself, and others, in an honest and open space is truly valuable. Our actions, being, and movement in the world are deeply interconnected. Yet, it’s easy to forget that the foundation for nurturing this connection is a coherent relationship with ourselves.
Adina Ciocoiu (https://thelibrarywithin.com/adina/ ) a certified Gestalt Counsellor and Therapist(under accreditation) is inviting you to join a series of 3 gatherings to help you – and relationally, all of us – remember this essential truth. Each session is designed to focus on a different theme that contributes to discovering and integrating new experience wholes for your life situation. We start with exploring the connections we form with our inner world (first meeting), continue to look at relational needs when in contact with others (second meeting), and conclude with looking at the world around us (third and final meeting). More details about the intention and structure of this gathering https://thelibrarywithin.com/gestalt-gatherings/
DATES: Saturday 21 February, 7 March and 21 March 2026
TIMES/DURATION
3 hours between
10am – 13pm on 21 Feb & 21 Mar;
15-18pm on the 7 Mar.
FEES & REGISTRATION
Regular fee: €180 per person for the full series of three meetings
Reduced fee (students/low income): 135€ per person for the full series of three meetings
If you need a discount on the fees above, do get in touch.
Community gatherings are open, free of charge offers to a community of individuals that are looking to explore the quality of being in the world. In this space, Adina introduces Gestalt relational principles and invites participants to experience the present moment for themselves and in connection with another. This gathering is to be planned based on request and collaboration with the community holder.
Dates and location are to be agreed upon as the need arises.
Care Walk for healthcare practitioners is an invitation for individuals working in the helping professions (therapists, counsellors, coaches, humans supporting humans, etc) to come back to their own body in nature and look at their own well-being. It’s an opportunity to intentionally refresh the energies of the body, mind and spirit.
Care Walks are a silent gathering that unfolds through one’s own steps, inviting rest and restoration to wash over the body.
DATES, TIMES and DURATION:
Starting March 2026, the invitation is to meet on the last Saturday of the month and walk, silently, side by side in nature either in the dunes neighboring The Hague area or the hills in the Velp (Gelderland) area. This gathering is guided simply by Adina, verbal interactions and reflections are welcomed at beginning and ending the walk.
There are no costs attached to taking part in this gathering and there is no minimum or maximum of participants. Come as you are and as you feel the need in your body.
I expect that participants are self responsible, arrange transport for themselves to the meeting location and stay close to their needs. To confirm participation please send an email one week before the set date to: adina@thelibrarywithin.com
Supporting internationals with a healthcare background in finding work more quickly and thus contributing to a solution for the healthcare staff shortage: that is the aim of the “International Professionals in Healthcare” project, launched by the municipality of The Hague. Candidates are matched with employers through speed dating. Collaboration is also taking place with educational institutions and other partners in the city. This includes opportunities for further training, learning Dutch, and lowering barriers to credential evaluation. Currently, over 100 people are participating in the project, and 19 candidates have been supported in finding jobs.
Aldermen Nur Icar (Employment) and Mariëlle Vavier (Newcomers and Care) attended a speed dating session at Respect, an employer in elderly care. Alderman Nur Icar: “It’s fantastic that this project connects international professionals with healthcare backgrounds with employers. These candidates are often very driven to get started and possess a wealth of knowledge. Knowledge we need to utilize because there are significant shortages in socially crucial sectors, such as healthcare. This is truly a win-win situation!”
Alderwoman Mariëlle Vavier: “This project is about more than just finding work in healthcare. It’s about enabling international students to participate in The Hague society from day one. They’re eager to contribute and get started. By learning Dutch together, meeting each other, and finding their way to truly suitable work, participants are not only building a future in healthcare but also a strong connection to our city.”
Education-Labor Market-Business Connection Program
The “International Professionals in Healthcare” project is part of the Education-Labor Market-Business Connection program. In this approach, the municipality of The Hague collaborates with employers, educational institutions, and (social) partners in the city and region to reduce shortages and mismatches in the labor market.
Third progress report on the Employment and Participation Policy Plan
Recently, many other efforts have been made to promote employment and participation in The Hague. For example, Haaglanden Leert Door (The Hague Learns On) was launched at the end of last year to offer residents in our labor market region a better position in the labor market through retraining and further training. New partnerships with employers and organizations have also been established.
Due to the tight labor market, we’re seeing residents finding work more easily on their own. Those currently receiving social assistance generally face a significant distance to the labor market. We’re adapting our services accordingly. For example, we’re increasingly focusing on eliminating or managing problems that hinder reintegration, development, and training.
Featured photo: Opening of speed dating sessions by Alderman Nur Icar (Work), Klaas Smilde (Respect director) and Alderman Mariëlle Vavier (Newcomers and Care).
Join us for a new Walk & Talk series, designed for anyone seeking deeper conversations around impact, entrepreneurship, wellbeing, and resilience.
Each month, we gather for a short introduction followed by a mindful walk through nature. Expect fresh air, thoughtful exchanges, and a chance to recharge.
Whether you’re a founder, intrapreneur, freelancer, or simply interested in impact-driven living, this series offers a space to slow down and reconnect, with yourself and others.
This edition will focus on Wellbeing as a Strategy – Supporting ourselves in meaningful ways with Nuthan Manohar.
We start at Paviljoen Malieveld, Koekamplaan 6, The Hague. From here, we walk through the Haagse Bos. Each walk is limited to 20 participants to ensure space for meaningful conversation.
Come as you are. Leave with fresh energy, new ideas, and meaningful connections.
With love and compassion Impact People, Women Entrepreneurs Connect & We Are Changemakers
Join this live workshop designed to help you quiet your inner critic and reconnect with self-worth. Through guided journaling, embodiment, and trauma-informed practices, you will soften perfectionism and build self-trust. Perfect for anyone struggling with anxiety, burnout, or self-doubt.
Are you…
Struggling with anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, or low self-esteem?
Tired of feeling like you’re never doing enough?
Curious about reconnecting with a softer, wiser voice inside?
Ready to break the cycle of inner criticism and self-doubt?
Then join AntiLonliness for this trauma-informed online workshop to quiet the inner critic and reconnect with self-worth.
No prior experience needed: open to all. Just bring your journal, a cup of tea, and a willingness to slow down and tune in.
Join us every Sunday at 10:30 between 18 May to 21 September 2025 for a FREE outdoor Balanzs class! Just bring yourself, a mat or towel, water, and maybe a friend (or your dog, kid, neighbor, everyone’s welcome)!
Iedereen in Balanzs is hosted by the Kindfulness Foundation. Our mission is to make yoga accessible to everyone and to sprinkle more kindfulness into the world. For over 10 years, we’ve gathered under the open sky to slow down, breathe, and start your day with a smile.
Dutch weather may surprise us, but a little drizzle won’t stop the flow. In case of extreme weather conditions, in which we must cancel a class, we will notify you on our social media accounts an hour before the class starts. Therefore, make sure to check our Facebook page or Instagram stories prior to coming.
No need to sign up! Just you, an open heart and mind, and good vibes!
You can find more information through these links:
Adjusting to life in a new country can be exciting, but also emotionally challenging. Many internationals in the Netherlands experience loneliness, homesickness, and the stress of navigating unfamiliar systems — including mental health care.
To help unpack this topic, Vassia Sarantopoulou, psychologist and founder of AntiLoneliness, has previously hosted an in-depth webinar titled “Navigating Mental Health Care in the Netherlands for Expats” which you can watch a recording of below. Drawing on her years of experience working with the international community, Vassia offers clear, compassionate guidance for those seeking mental health support in the Dutch system.
How the Dutch Mental Health System Works
The Dutch healthcare system is highly structured, and your general practitioner (huisarts) plays a central role. They are your first point of contact if you’re experiencing mental health concerns and can:
Provide short-term support
Refer you to a psychologist or specialist if needed
There are two main types of care:
Primary Mental Health Care – for short-term, less complex issues
Specialised Mental Health Care – for more serious or long-term concerns
As Vassia explains in her webinar, understanding the difference between these levels of care can help you know what to expect — and how to advocate for yourself within the system.
What Does Dutch Health Insurance Cover?
Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands and typically includes some mental health coverage. Key points:
Basic insurance may cover a limited number of sessions, but usually requires a referral
Supplementary plans may extend this coverage or offer access to alternative therapies
It’s important to check the details with your provider, as coverage can vary. Some therapists also work independently of insurance, which may offer more flexibility but comes at a personal cost.
How to Find the Right Therapist as an Expat
One of the most common concerns among expats is finding a therapist who understands their unique background. Language and cultural context matter — and so does experience with expat-related challenges.
AntiLoneliness specialises in supporting internationals and offers counselling in English, as well as resources tailored to life abroad. Vassia recommends looking for therapists who:
Speak your preferred language fluently
Understand the expat experience
Work with issues like cultural identity, transition, and grief
Common Emotional Challenges Faced by Expats
Living in a new country brings its own set of emotional ups and downs. In her webinar, Vassia highlights some recurring themes she sees among her international clients:
Loneliness and feeling disconnected
Homesickness or longing for familiar routines
Identity struggles, especially after big life changes
Burnout, particularly for those managing work, language learning, and cultural adjustment
Normalising these experiences is a big step toward getting the right support.
Want to Learn More?
You can watch the full webinar, Navigating Mental Health Care in the Netherlands for Expats above. It’s an excellent resource for anyone seeking clarity and reassurance on their mental health journey in the Netherlands.
Mental Health Matters – reach out if you need support
A big thank you to Vassia Sarantopoulou and the team at AntiLoneliness for continuing to support the international community in the Netherlands with compassion and expertise. Mental health matters — and you’re not alone in facing the challenges of expat life.
