About us

International Psychology Practice

Barends Psychology Practice works with clients from Europe, North America, and internationally through secure online therapy. Our clinicians provide structured, evidence-based psychological treatment and specialize in trauma therapy, personality disorders, anxiety disorders, and relationship difficulties.

We combine clinical expertise with a practical, results-oriented approach. Therapy focuses on developing emotional regulation, improving relationship patterns, and addressing underlying psychological mechanisms that contribute to distress.

Considering working with us?

Choosing an online counselor is a personal decision. If you would like to explore whether Barends Psychology Practice is the right fit for you, we offer a free introductory consultation.

Media and Publications

• 2014 – Interview in De Telegraaf Magazine discussing summer depression.
• 2015 – Interview on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder published in UP Magazine.
• 2016 – Interview on expatriate psychology and culture shock published on Telegraph.co.uk.
• 2017 – Article on loneliness in relationships published in Moje Zdravje.
• 2017 – Article on the effectiveness of online therapy published in Moje Zdravje.

Niels Barends, MSc – Psychologist

Niels Barends is a psychologist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Developmental Psychology from the University of Amsterdam. He has more than a decade of clinical experience treating trauma, personality disorders, anxiety disorders, and complex relationship dynamics.

He specializes in evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Schema Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Before founding Barends Psychology Practice, he worked at Mentrum (Arkin) in Amsterdam and at JellinekMinnesota, treating trauma, addiction, and severe psychiatric conditions.

Sessions are available in both Dutch and English.

Leadership Coaching and the 20–80 Method

In addition to clinical work, Niels provides leadership coaching for entrepreneurs and high-performing professionals. His coaching is based on the 20–80 Method, a psychological framework that explains how strengths can gradually become limitations when they are over-applied under pressure.

The framework identifies recurring stress-response patterns that influence decision-making and leadership behavior. By understanding these patterns, leaders can expand their behavioral range and prevent rigid thinking styles that often emerge in high-pressure environments.

Coaching focuses on decision-making under pressure and psychological flexibility in complex environments.

More information about the framework can be found at The 20–80 Method.

Marylise Zwarts, MSc – Psychologist

Marylise holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Paris 8 University. She is a licensed psychologist and EMDR therapist with more than 15 years of professional experience in both France and the United States.

Her clinical background includes work in psychiatric hospitals, suicide prevention services, addiction treatment centers, and private practice.

She specializes in depression, trauma, anxiety disorders, grief, addiction, personality disorders, and challenges related to expatriate adjustment.

Marylise provides therapy in French.

Tijana Debelić, MSc – Psychologist

Tijana earned her Master’s degree in Psychology with honors from the University of Padua. She completed post-master training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy through the Croatian Association for CBT.

She has worked in educational settings and private practice, focusing on anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, self-esteem difficulties, and relationship challenges.

She provides therapy in Croatian and Italian.

Ready to take the next step?

Whether you are looking for therapy, trauma treatment, or executive coaching, we are here to help you move forward with clarity and direction.