Get support from a gay therapist who understands the experience of being gay and an expat in The Netherlands.
Hoi! I’m Gino.
If you've landed on this page, I'm guessing you're a gay expat navigating life in The Netherlands.
Maybe a friend recommended me, your huisarts mentioned I work with English-speaking clients, or you found me while searching for a therapist who understands expat life and gay culture here.
However you got here, welkom.
I've been a licensed therapist for over a decade. I am fully registered with the BACP and the British Psychological Society, and I work with gay expats in The Netherlands.
I specialize in helping international gay men navigate the challenges of building a life here. This includes dealing with the Dutch "tolerance" that doesn't always feel so tolerant, and managing dating in a culture that can feel open yet difficult to connect with.
I've seen how transformative therapy can be with someone who understands your identity as a gay man and an expat.
You can move from feeling like an outsider to creating a life that feels genuinely yours - whether you're in Amsterdam's international bubble, Rotterdam's diverse community, or anywhere else in The Netherlands.
Why see an online gay counselor?
Let's be Dutch about this. Being an expat here is hard enough without explaining your gay experience to a therapist who might not get the context.
Research shows that gay men get better results with a gay therapist, and expats benefit from working with someone who understands international life. When you're both gay and an expat, having a therapist who understands both aspectsbecomes crucial.
That means:
No explaining why being "tolerated" in Dutch society doesn't feel inviting.
You don't need to translate your home culture's gay experiences into Dutch contexts.
No justifying why dating apps feel particularly challenging for a foreigner.
No educating your therapist about the complexity of being a double minority.
When you work with me, you're working with someone who understands:
The expat experience in Dutch culture.
How Dutch directness impacts gay dating and relationships for internationals.
The challenges of building a social circle as a gay expat.
Navigating Dutch healthcare and mental health systems.
The distinct challenges of being "the international" in Dutch gay spaces.
Common challenges we can address together:
Culture shock and adjustment as a gay expat
Dating and relationships in different cultures
Building genuine connections in Dutch gay communities
Managing professional life as an international gay professional
Navigating Dutch healthcare and social systems
Homesickness and identity questions
Creating work-life balance in Dutch culture
Finding your place between expat and local gay communities
Managing long-distance family relationships
Language barriers in social and intimate situations
Why Work With Me? 3 Reasons...
1:
I believe in you, especially as you navigate being gay and an expat in The Netherlands.
You can create a fulfilling life in The Netherlands while managing the unique challenges of being "the international gay" in Dutch culture.
Despite feeling like a double outsider as a gay man and an expat, you have inner strengths and talents to build your authentic life in the Netherlands.
I believe in your capacity to thrive here, even when Dutch "tolerance" feels more difficult than expected.
2:
I'm warm, culturally aware, and I speak your language - both literally and figuratively.
Therapy shouldn't feel like another system to figure out.
I value creating a space where you can be yourself. There will be no explaining English gay cultural references, no translating your experiences, no justifying why Dutch directness about your sexuality feels overwhelming.
We'll discuss what it means to be a gay expat here. This includes navigating the Dutch dating scene and handling colleagues' questions about your personal life.
3:
My ideal client is …
...someone who understands that adapting to Dutch gay life while maintaining your authentic self is a process we'll navigate together.
If you're ready to blend your identity as a gay man with your expat experience in The Netherlands and embrace the challenges and opportunities, then we'll work well together.
FAQs
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My session rates range from €120 / $125 to €150 / $156, allowing you to choose the rate that feels right for you.
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My client-selected range serves as a self-selected sliding scale; I do not offer additional discounts.
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I work exclusively online.
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Your first session is 60 minutes. Thereafter, sessions are 50 - 60 minutes and held weekly on the same day and time (your allocated slot).
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I work exclusively with English-speaking gay men.
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My approach is sex-positive, integrated, evidence-based, and tailored to each individual, since no one is alike. My methods include emotion-focused therapy, person-centered approaches, psychodynamic understanding, and narrative techniques.
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I offer an initial paid session, which you can schedule here.
Before our session, I will review a pre-intake form that you will receive after scheduling your session to better understand your needs.
Following the session, I will offer feedback on the best way to move forward.
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I hold a master’s in clinical and counseling psychology and have completed postgraduate training in LGBTQ+ Sexuality and Gender Identity (University of Colorado) and Sexual Hookup Culture (American Psychological Association).
My approach to counseling gay expats.
I believe in combining cultural understanding with professional expertise. Our work together will be:
Clear and direct, but warm and supportive.
Organized yet adaptable to your needs as an international client.
Professional, personal, and culturally sensitive.
Focused on practical strategies and emotional support.
As an expat, you need emotional support and practical guidance. We'll work together to:
Navigate Dutch systems and social customs.
Develop strategies for building genuine connections.
Create a sense of belonging in The Netherlands.
Stay true to yourself while adapting to Dutch culture.
My approach has helped men in Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, the USA, Canada, Australia, China, and beyond find the inner peace and confidence they crave.
Geography doesn’t have to be a barrier to feeling understood and supported. I’m here for you, wherever you call home.
Reduce Your Anxiety, Increase Your Focus, and Improve Your Emotional Health.
If you’re still reading, chances are you’re ready to make a change.
I’m passionate about helping gay men like you find your footing—feeling less anxious, more confident, and better equipped to handle whatever life throws at you.
I genuinely believe in your capacity to grow, heal, and become the person you’ve always wanted to be.
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