Who I Am?

About Me

Hello, I am Dina Kostan- your Compassionate Therapist based in the heart of Amsterdam. My rich and diverse background has shaped a unique approach to therapy that I carry into my practice. Born and raised in Croatia, I initially pursued a career in Entrepreneurship Economics. However, a strong pull towards understanding the depths of human emotions and fostering personal development took me to Mexico, where I embraced the role of Cultural Diversity teacher.

Fuelled with fresh perspectives, I moved to the Netherlands to pursue degrees in psychology. My learning journey extended to South Africa, where I worked as a counselor, absorbing rich experiences that honed my therapeutic approach. Now, with a trove of multicultural insights and a nurturing approach grounded in Schema Therapy and Internal Family Systems, I stand ready to support you in both online and in-person sessions, assisting you to work through life’s intricacies with empathy and deep understanding.

My Approach to Therapy

Rooted in safety and acceptance, my practice provides a space where individuals can dive into their histories, relationships, and feelings without fear of judgment. I firmly believe that every person’s unique journey holds lessons and insights that are key to their growth.

Engaging with genuine interest and commitment, I work side-by-side with clients to truly hear their stories, identifying the internal dynamics and patterns influencing their current mindset. Together, we tackle feelings like anxiety and overwhelm, aiming to find tangible ways to ease challenges and chart a path forward. Through enhancing self-awareness and addressing internal conflicts, we work towards building a balanced self, laying the foundation for lasting growth and healing.

Courses & Professional Development

I am dedicated to continually expanding my knowledge and skill set to offer the most current and effective support. Here are some of the recent courses and conferences that have contributed to my professional growth:

  • The Master Series

    The Largest Trauma and Mental Health Conference in Europe, September 2023, University of Oxford, UK

  • Body-Focused Interventions in Schema Therapy

    June 2023, Schema Therapy School, UK

  • Advanced Complex Trauma Skills in Schema Therapy

    Working with Shame, Guilt, and Dissociative Self-states, May 2023, Schema Therapy School, UK

  • Advanced Schema Therapy for Complex Cases

    January 2023, Schema Therapy School, UK

  • Schema Therapy Foundations: Theory and Core Skills

    November 2022, Schema Therapy School, UK

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

    Online course with Dr. Russ Harris, 2020

By actively participating in various courses and workshops, I ensure that I always bring fresh and informed perspectives to my therapy sessions.

About My

Education

I am committed to lifelong learning and professional development. My educational background has provided me with a robust foundation to support individuals in their therapeutic journeys. Here are my educational qualifications:
  • MSc Clinical Psychology
    Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands
  • BSc Psychology
    Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, The Netherlands
  • BSc Entrepreneurship Economics
    VERN University, Croatia
  • Membership
    Netherlands Institute of Psychologists (Nederlands Instituut van Psychologen)
  • NIP number
    233528
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