About psychologist Laura

I am Laura Wester, a psychologist based in Amsterdam and founder of my practice. Growing up in Amsterdam, I was introduced to psychology at an early age as both my mother and grandmother ran their own practices, which sparked my interest in the field from the very beginning.

Losing my father at the age of seven had a profound impact on me. Grief and loss are not problems you simply “fix,” and I experienced firsthand how transformative therapy can be. My personal experiences inform my work, not because I assume I know what someone else is going through, but because I truly understand how vulnerable the process can feel.

I have also experienced burnout myself. Over time, I learned how essential it is to listen to emotions, physical signals, and personal needs. This strengthened my conviction that effective care should address the whole person, not just isolated symptoms.

My approach

Clients often describe me as empathetic, open, and down-to-earth, with a sense of humour that keeps sessions grounded. At the same time, I am not afraid to challenge you when that is what growth requires. I work with clear goals and a personalised approach that focuses on you as a whole person, not just your complaints.

My vision

I founded my practice out of a desire to offer a different kind of care: more integration between mind and body, and shorter waiting times so support is available when it is needed.

All treatments I offer are evidence-based and tailored to the individual. I combine different therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and running therapy, always adapting the process to who you are and what you need.

During my internship years, I noticed how strongly healthcare systems tend to separate body and mind. In talk therapy, the focus is primarily on cognition; in hospitals, attention is directed at specific physical complaints. But we are not divided into parts, we are one integrated whole.

That realisation stayed with me. I wanted to create a place where mental and physical wellbeing are addressed together, where care is integrated rather than fragmented. From that vision grew my practice and my passion for holistic care grounded in solid scientific principles.