Lydia Koken

My approach is personal, client-centered, and solution-focused. I combine evidence-based psychological methods, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with coaching techniques to support self-leadership, resilience, and mental clarity. Each session is tailored to your individual needs, personality, and life situation — there is no fixed format or rigid protocol. I offer a safe, open, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions in depth, while also staying focused on meaningful insights and practical next steps. I balance empathy and warmth with clarity and honesty, and I use positivity and humor when appropriate. This helps create both trust and forward movement. Having lived abroad for many years with my family, I have firsthand experience with relocation, cultural adjustment, and balancing personal and professional life in new environments. This deeply informs my work with expats, internationally mobile clients, and individuals navigating major life transitions. Together, we work toward renewed confidence, perspective, and a sense of control over your life — often with tangible progress within weeks rather than months.

Life Mentor & Psychologist (MSc) – Lydia Koken Coaching - Owner Jan 2024 – Present | New York City & Barcelona Providing coaching and psychological support to individuals navigating stress, life transitions, and personal growth. Sessions are tailored and solution-focused, 1:1 online or in person. Psychologist, Coach & Founder – Koken.care Dec 2015 – Feb 2024 | Barcelona, Spain Founder of a coaching and therapy practice for international workers and their spouses. Specializing in: Expat transitions and cultural adaptation Stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief, and exhaustion Work-life balance and leadership challenges Motherhood, and parenting support. Psychologist & Cognitive Behavioral Therapist – ArboNed BV Jan 2008 – Aug 2014 | Amsterdam Area, Netherlands Delivered short-term therapy, coaching & tra for employees and leaders across industries. Focused on stress management, burnout, depression, anxiety, leadership, communication, work-life balance, and career development. Consultant & Personal Coach – AC&T Consulting Sep 2005 – Dec 2007 | Sittard, Netherlands Worked as assessment consultant and coach for multinational companies and health organizations. Conducted selection and development assessments, provided career coaching, and facilitated workshops on communication and time management. Psychologist (Freelance) – De Praktijk Apr 2021 – Dec 2022 | Netherlands Freelance work with clients on stress, anxiety, personal development and life transitions.

Education & Professional Training MSc Psychology – Utrecht University, Netherlands (2000–2005) Focus: Work, Health & Organizational Psychology Solution-Focused Psychotherapy – GITP, Professor Cladder (2008) Emphasizes client strengths, goal setting, and practical problem-solving. Basic Course Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – GITP – PAO (2010) Fundamentals of CBT for clinical and coaching applications. Cognitive Therapy in Depth – Kienhorst & Van den Bout (2011) Advanced methods for emotional and behavioral regulation. Schema Therapy – RINO Zuid (2011–2012) Structured approach for personality patterns and emotional regulation. EMDR – RINO Groep (2013) Evidence-based therapy for trauma and stress-related disorders. VGCT Cognitive Behavioral Therapist – Vereniging voor Gedrags- en Cognitieve Therapieën (2010–2014) Certified CBT therapist for stress, anxiety, depression, and behavioral change. MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), 8-week course – Jon Kabat-Zinn method, Wiesbaden, Nov–Dec 2016 Mindfulness-based program for stress reduction, emotional regulation, and wellbeing. Course in PMS and Gynecological Psychosomatics – Almut Dorn, Berlin, 2016 Specialized training in psychological and psychosomatic aspects of PMS, gynecological endocrinology, and fertility-related stress. Coaching Skills – SUAS / Schouten & Nelissen Core coaching competencies for personal and professional development. Coachingsvaardigheden – de Baak Practical techniques for leadership, career,