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    Mei(Joanne) Zhou

    Psychotherapist

    English, MandarinNetherlands
    EmpoweringNurturingPlayful

    Introduction

    About me

    I’m a therapist who works with the connection between body and mind. My approach focuses on creating a calm, supportive space where you can slow down, reconnect with yourself, and explore what you’re experiencing without judgment.

    In our sessions, we won’t rush to label, analyze, or “fix” what you’re feeling. Instead, we focus on understanding the different parts of your inner world and how they have helped you cope over time. Many patterns that feel confusing or overwhelming today were once ways your mind and body protected you.

    My work is influenced by Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy and body-based approaches. I pay close attention not only to your thoughts and emotions, but also to what your body may be communicating. When different parts of ourselves begin to feel safer and more understood, healing often happens naturally.

    I work especially with people who have experienced trauma, including childhood emotional neglect, sexual abuse, and long-term relational wounds. My goal is to help you rebuild a sense of safety within yourself and experience what it feels like to simply exist without constant pressure or self-judgment.

    How it works

    from€80/ session

    Includes tax & admin fee

    Free 15-minute intro call

    Not sure if it's the right fit? A chance to explore how we can work together before making any decisions.

    Focus areas

    What I help with

    Self-EsteemLonelinessRelationshipsGrief & LossTrauma / PTSDEating DisorderPeople-PleasingDepressionAnxietyAttachmentShame & Self-CriticismSocial AnxietyOCDAbuse & Domestic ViolenceDissociationBipolar DisorderRelocation / Expat LifePersonal Growth & Self-Discovery

    My approach

    What it's like to work with me

    In our first session, I gently guide you to notice and explore a part of yourself that is present in the moment. Together, we approach this part with friendliness, compassion, and curiosity. If the part feels heavy or overwhelmed, we work slowly to help it feel safer and release some of its burden, whether emotionally, mentally, or through body awareness.

    Progress often shows up as a deeper awareness of your inner world and a more compassionate relationship with the different parts of yourself. Many clients begin to feel lighter as emotional or physical burdens gradually release. Over time, this work can bring greater self-compassion, inner balance, and emotional freedom.

    Between sessions, I may suggest simple practices such as self-compassion exercises or Internal Family Systems (IFS) guided meditations to help you stay connected with the work we are doing.

    Therapeutic approaches

    Internal Family Systems (IFS)Somatic TherapyTrauma-Informed

    Personal

    Beyond therapy

    Why I love being a therapist

    What I value most about being a therapist is supporting people as they reconnect with the love, confidence, compassion, and inner strength that already exist within them. It is deeply meaningful to witness clients grow and experience their lives with greater openness and freedom.

    My interests & joys

    Outside of my work, I enjoy meditation, belly dancing, yoga, cooking, and spending time walking in nature.

    Background

    Professional experience

    4 years in practiceTherapy for Internationals and expatsStudent CounsellingTrauma-informed / PTSD experienceWomen’s Trauma Recovery

    Joanne Zhou is a therapist specializing in trauma-informed psychotherapy with a focus on Internal Family Systems (IFS) and body-oriented approaches.

    Her work centers on helping clients process complex trauma, including childhood emotional neglect, sexual abuse, and long-term relational wounds. Joanne supports individuals in reconnecting with their internal sense of safety while building greater emotional stability and self-awareness.

    She has worked with clients across international contexts and brings a culturally sensitive perspective to her practice, supporting individuals navigating identity, relational patterns, and cross-cultural experiences.

    Alongside her clinical work, Joanne has participated in multiple advanced trainings and teaching programs in Internal Family Systems therapy and continues to deepen her practice through supervision and ongoing professional development.

    Training

    Credentials

    • IFS Institute – Certified IFS Therapist
    • NIP Registered Psychologist (Netherlands Institute of Psychologists)

    Studies

    Educational background

    Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology (Trauma Focus), Leiden University, Netherlands

    Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy Training, Completed Level 1 & Level 2

    Registered Hypnotherapist, Shanghai

    Somatic and body-based therapy training, International Association of Integrated Therapy (IFA)

    Bachelor’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine

    Ongoing professional supervision and advanced trauma therapy training

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