Madara Zvīne

In my practice, I integrate the following approaches and areas of focus: • Holistic understanding of mental and emotional phenomena • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) methods with practical tools • Existential psychotherapy perspective on meaning and purpose • Person-centered approach tailored to your needs • Neurocognitive perspective • Neurodiversity-affirming support • Sensitive nervous systems, burnout, and overwhelm Therapeutic Approach: I am a psychologist with a deep and holistic understanding of the mind and the many factors that influence our mental and emotional states. I have additional experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy, especially its focus on identifying small, practical changes that create immediate and meaningful impact in everyday life. I also have foundational training in existential psychotherapy, a perspective that inspires me daily. Questions about how we fit into the world and what our purpose is are often underlying issues shaping our thoughts and behaviors. Overall, my work is rooted in a person-centered approach. I adapt to your individual needs and take your personal history and context into account in each step. I focus on deeply understanding your emotional experience and the beliefs about yourself and the world that may contribute to distress, as well as those that support your well-being. Neurodiversity-Affirming Perspective: I bring an informed perspective on neurodiversity to my work. Over the past several years, I have immersed myself in neurodivergent communities and explored the sociopolitical dimensions of divergent minds, shaping an empowering and affirming lens. My approach focuses on supporting your specific needs and developing coping strategies and adjustments that make life more accessible. Rather than encouraging conformity to neurotypical norms, I aim to help you navigate a mainly neurotypical world in ways that are sustainable and self-directed. We will focus on strengthening autonomy, building resilience, and supporting safe and supportive unmasking - always on your terms. Sensitive Nervous Systems & Burnout Support: I am especially attentive to sensitive nervous systems and emotional intensity. I help clients feel seen and supported during moments of overwhelm and bring both professional and personal experience with burnout and heightened sensitivity. I can support you through recovery while honouring its natural pace, as well as through the challenge of caring for yourself in a world that does not always slow down when you need rest. Together, we can explore ways to protect your energy while remaining connected to what brings you meaning and joy, often through gentle exploration and recalibration rather than pressure or overexertion.

2026 - now: It's Complicated: Psychologist 2024 - 2025: Helfebär GmbH: Social/Care Worker 2023: Happy Kids gGmbH: Kindergarten Teacher 2023: Berlin School of Mind and Brain: Guest Lecturer 2021 - 2022: Stafferty and Canonical: Talent Acquisition 2017 - 2021: University of Groningen, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences: Teacher Assistant

2025 – 2027 Rīga Stradiņš University: Master’s Degree, Clinical Psychology Relevant coursework: Clinical and Health Psychology, Counselling Techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Systemic Therapy, Group Therapy, Brief Counselling, Psychoneuroimmunology, Digital Technologies in Psychology 2026 - Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy 2020 – 2022 University of Groningen: Master of Science in Theory and History of Psychology Key focus areas: Interviewing Techniques and Analysis, Critical Psychology, Philosophy of Psychology, Conceptual Issues in Psychology, Philosophy of Medicine, Existential Psychotherapy 2016 – 2020 University of Groningen: Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences Relevant coursework: Psychology of Religion, Cognitive Neuroscience, Decision Making, Cognitive Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Conflict Management, Developmental Psychology, Interventions in Individual Development, Clinical Neuropsychology, Anthropology, Developmental Neuropsychology, Psychology in the Workplace