From Iran to the Netherlands: Ghazal's Journey to Becoming a Freelance Psychologist
In this interview, first published in June 2024, Ghazal Hajivandi shares how she became a psychologist after moving from Iran to the Netherlands. She talks about starting freelance work, finding her feet with the uncertainty it brings, and why staying connected with colleagues matters to her.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Ghazal and I originally come from Iran. I live in the Netherlands for 10 years now. I work as a psychologist. Recently, I decided to start working as a freelancing psychogolist as well, to explore the experience and see how it feels.
What led you to become a psychologist?
This is a very interesting question. When I look back at my life, it makes me believe that there has always been something in me that wanted to know and learn more, first about myself and then others. However, I never looked at it as a profession for myself, until I came to the Netherlands as a refugee and had to start from zero. I was lost and had no idea what I wanted to do, how and where to start. Everything was totally different here. After some very difficult years and mental struggles I went through, I just wanted to learn more about who I was, to understand what I was going through and how then to save myself. So I decided to look at the option of studying clinical psychology, which used to be just a hobby for me, little did I know that it was never going to be an easy journey. So, I did my bachelor and master in clinical psychology, did months of internships and then started to work. I believe what led me to the place I am now at this moment was to know how to live despite all the challenges.
Were you afraid to start freelance work?
To be honest, yes. Of course, depending on what type of character you are, it can differ. The instability and unpredictability of working as a freelance psychogolist is still something I need to get used to and become more comfortable with. I had always the idea of expanding my working field and context, to plant a seed, nurture it and watch it as it starts to flourish and grow. For that reason, I decided to start working freelance as this was the first step for it.
Ghazal works at Stories Sarphatistraat
Who are your clients?
I work with adults (+18) and sometimes couples. Often, clients come with anxiety and depression, different traumas, childhood traumas, attachment-related problems, and self-esteem issues. These problems consequently affect their careers and relationships, as well. These are very general and sometimes just symptoms of something else. So during therapy, we can reach to much deeper levels underlying the abovementioned problems which can lead to more self-awareness. That is what I love to happen in therapy sessions, that is to learn to see and understand more, to become curious about “YOU” rather than trying to escape yourself.
What would you tell someone starting their own practice?
I work in mental health field. To me, it does not sound and feel as a business and I do not see it as a business. So I believe that this is important to know. What I also noticed when I started freelancing is the importance of having colleagues or teammates so that you do not feel alone, especially in our field. It is important that you can discuss opinions and brainstorm a bit with colleagues, in case there are some questions and doubts about the way you work. Otherwise, it might feel a bit isolated. So my advice is to approach other colleagues and try to engage with other people and network if you work in the mental health field.
Ghazal Hajivandi
Featured in June 2024 at Stories Sarphatistraat
In the interview above, Ghazal describes studying clinical psychology and working with adults and sometimes couples. She also explains why being able to discuss questions with colleagues matters to her as she starts freelance work.
Find Ghazal’s Instagram here.
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Editorial update: 13 September 2026. The introduction, interview headings and closing information have been clarified. Ghazal’s original answers are unchanged. First published on 20 June 2024.