Professional Background of Nataliya Redina Expat Psychologist
I began my studies in psychology in 2011 after receiving a scholarship from the British Hellenic College in Athens, Greece. A few years later, I graduated with a Diploma in Psychology from Glyndwr University. During this time, I focused on developing a solid, scientific approach to clinical psychology, building critical thinking skills through research, evidence-based practice, and statistical analysis.
I often reflect on this formative period when working as a psychologist or teaching students about the importance of applying scientific principles in mental health, maintaining a critical perspective on data interpretation, and recognizing the influence of subjectivity in psychological assessment.
During this time, I also began volunteering at the KETHEA Therapy Center for Dependent Individuals in the prevention department, serving as a Group Coordinator for teenagers and young adults at risk of developing substance use disorders or antisocial behaviours. In this environment, I came to appreciate the vital role of positive role models and healthy boundaries in supporting the mental health and resilience of young people, which are essential for fostering a brighter future.
While working in addiction prevention, I completed all three levels of professional training in Mental Health Processes and Interventions in Drug Addictions, grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and applied within the residential therapeutic community KETHEA PAREMVASI in Rafina, Greece. As a young psychology student, this experience profoundly shaped my understanding of social pressures, stigma, exclusion, and the challenges faced by individuals striving to rebuild their lives after rehabilitation.
After obtaining my Diploma, I was awarded a second scholarship from IST College and graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, achieving First Class Honours from the University of Hertfordshire. Following graduation, I completed my internship at The Organization Against Drugs (OKANA), again working in the prevention department.
My primary focus was delivering mental health education and training for primary school teachers, equipping them with skills to help students confidently say “NO” and establish healthy boundaries—crucial strategies for preventing substance abuse and developing resilience against future dependencies.
A few years later, I moved to Łódź, Poland, through the EVS Erasmus program, where I worked in a public preschool for a year. Organizing cultural workshops for children aged 5–6 helped me appreciate the importance of instilling values of diversity and inclusion in the next generation.
During my time in Poland, I also became involved in the Design Thinking community, attending workshops and working on real client projects to reshape products and services for both the Polish and international markets. This experience deepened my understanding of innovation, creativity, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Upon returning to Greece, I started my training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Center of Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling in Athens, deep diving into the practical and theoretical tools CBT applies to treat a variety of mental health conditions, from mild to severe. Immediately after, I obtained my working license from Greek public authorities (under protocol number #12661) and began working with various NGOs supporting individuals of immigrant or refugee backgrounds, providing psychotherapy sessions and employability coaching.
One of the most intense professional experiences I’ve had was working as a Clinical Psychologist for Doctors Without Borders in a refugee camp on Samos Island. There, I encountered a wide range of severe mental health conditions stemming from traumatic experiences in individuals’ home countries or during their journeys.
We conducted individual sessions in five languages and facilitated group sessions focused on psychoeducation and fostering hope for the future. During my time in the camp, I received extensive training in METS (A Method for the Empowerment of Torture Survivors), which aims to support trauma survivors and enhance their capacity to integrate into the host country.
Interestingly, many stressors were linked to employability concerns. By offering employability workshops within the camp, we witnessed individuals becoming more empowered and hopeful about rebuilding their lives.
Recognizing the significant impact of employment and work-life balance on mental health, I pursued a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) at the European International University in Paris, specializing in HR Management. This education has equipped me to communicate effectively and strategically within today’s rapidly evolving and high-performance corporate environments.
Through my experience in Human Resources and Learning & Development departments in hospitality and medical corporations, I have supported teams by leading with empathy and fostering organizational cultures built on trust, psychological safety, and collaboration. My approach emphasizes employee well-being, talent management, leadership development, and sustaining high levels of engagement and productivity across diverse workforces.
In 2022, I had the honor of teaching the course “Exploring Psychology” at Level 4 of the Bachelor’s program in Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Counseling at the University of Bolton at New York College in Athens, Greece. Teaching a class of 48 curious students was an amazing experience filled with their potential to thrive as the next generation of Greek psychologists.
Fueled by my passion for writing, I attended courses in fairytale storytelling and creative writing at the Public Center of Books (EKIBI) and other literary institutions. Since then, I have authored articles for various websites and organizations, focusing on topics such as immigration, human rights, and social inclusion.
For the monthly column “Seek & Hide” with the NGO Generation 2.0 RED, I conducted interviews with individuals whose life stories were shared to inspire and inform broader audiences. Over the years, I have also published several books of fairytales and short stories, both as part of collective publications and as independent works, combining my love of creative writing with advocacy and storytelling.
In 2025, I expanded my academic journey by completing a Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Utrecht University, where I conducted thesis research focused on grief and bereavement in adults following the loss of a loved one. This experience has enriched my therapeutic toolkit, enabling me to support expats, internationals, and individuals navigating grief—whether it arises from the death of someone close or from the loss of identity often experienced during relocation, cross-cultural adjustment, and building a new life abroad.
Beyond my professional practice, I remain actively engaged in community and social impact work. I mentor women on business strategy and development, supporting those launching their own ventures, seeking career advancement, or navigating a professional transition. My guidance focuses on building confidence, purpose, professionalism, and business visibility.
I contribute this expertise through organizations such as the NGO WHEN in Greece, Female Ventures, and PWN Netherlands. Additionally, I volunteer as a Think Tank member at the Digital Nomads Observatory on Rhodes Island, offering insights into the evolving landscape of remote work and digital mobility.
I currently live in the Netherlands and work as an independent psychologist and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) practitioner. My approach is emphasizing unconditional acceptance of the full spectrum of human thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, combined with strategic insight, genuine connectedness, and mental health support. I welcome clients in Haarlem, The Hague, or online, providing care for both local and international communities.