Ala Sharifi
Main topics
Anxiety
Depression
Stress & Burnout
ADHD
Relationships
Languages
English
Persian (Farsi)
Methods
Cognitive Behavioural (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Systematic/Family Therapy
Schema Therapy
Mindfulness
Compassion-Focused (CFT)
Therapy types
Individual
Couples
EAP
Introduction
Hi, I’m Ala.
You may be doing everything you are supposed to do, working, studying, caring for others, and managing responsibilities, while still feeling that something inside is becoming harder to carry.
Perhaps your mind rarely switches off. You expect a great deal from yourself, question your decisions, or feel that no matter how hard you try, it is never quite enough.
I’m a psychologist based in Rotterdam, offering online therapy in English and Persian (Farsi). I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress and burnout, perfectionism, self criticism, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. I also work with parenting and family related concerns.
ADHD is a particular interest of mine. My clinical and research background includes work on attention, executive functioning, and emotional regulation, which has deepened my curiosity about how these processes shape everyday life. I’m also interested in the experiences that can develop around these difficulties, such as frustration, self doubt, and the feeling that you should simply be trying harder.
Living between cultures can bring its own questions about belonging, family expectations, and how we express ourselves. When these experiences matter to you, they can have a meaningful place in our work together.
My style is warm, compassionate, non-judgmental, and active. I listen carefully, ask questions, share observations, and gently challenge you when it may help. You don’t need to arrive with everything figured out. Sometimes knowing that something needs to feel different is enough of a beginning.
About my approach
I believe therapy should offer both understanding and practical change.
Together, we’ll explore what is keeping you stuck and find ways of responding that fit your life. My work draws primarily on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), supported by mindfulness, Schema Therapy, and attachment informed perspectives. I adapt our work to your needs and goals rather than following the same formula with everyone.
Sessions may include practical strategies for anxiety, ADHD, procrastination, or emotional overwhelm, alongside deeper work on self criticism, boundaries, and relationship patterns.
An important part of my work is helping people move away from the idea that change always requires trying harder. Many people I meet are already trying extremely hard. Therapy can help you understand yourself with less judgement, develop more flexible ways of responding, and make choices that feel right for you.
My hope is that you leave therapy with more than insight, with useful tools, greater self understanding, and more confidence in navigating difficult moments.
All topics I can help with
ADHD
Anxiety
Depression & Low Mood
Family Issues
Grief & Loss
Identity & Life Transitions
Parenting
Relationships
Self-Esteem
Sleep Issues
Stress & Burnout
Trauma
Workplace Issues
