Michal Pawlega - in person (Amsterdam Metropolitan Area)

Name: Michal Pawlega - in person (Amsterdam Metropolitan Area)
Address: Mahoniehout 30, Zaandam, Noord-Holland, 1507ED, Netherlands
Telephone: 0031620934696

Therapist Directory Listing Category: Sex- and sexuality-related practitioners

About the Therapist

About the therapist:

I am a Polish therapist and sexologist based in the Netherlands, dedicated to supporting individuals' personal development. I provide psychotherapeutic and crisis support as well as short-term counselling focused on ongoing difficulties. My therapy sessions are tailored for each individual and can span from several to numerous meetings to foster lasting changes in functioning and enhance overall quality of life. Drawing from cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and its derivatives—dialectical-behavioural therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)—my approach addresses challenges related to sexual disorders, misuse and addiction to psychoactive substances (alcohol and drugs), as well as issues like gambling, shopping, overeating, mood disorders (depression, dysthymia, excessive mood elevation, bipolar affective disorder), anxiety disorders, personality disorders, low self-esteem, and relationship difficulties (family, romantic, and friendly).

I have a degree in adult education from the University of Warsaw and clinical sexology from the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. Currently, I am finalising my post-graduate diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) at Crescentia Psychotherapy School and my Master's Degree in Psychology (Sexology and Psychotherapy speciality) at the University of Economics and Humanities in Warsaw.

Sexual identity:

Gay
Other

Gender identity: I use another term

Gender history: Prefer not to say

Non-monogamy: No

Intersex: No

Neurodivergent: No

Qualifications - Additional:

Award	Awarding body	Year of award

Experience and approach:

I am a qualified therapist and sexologist with over ten years of experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities. Being a member of various vulnerable populations myself, I deeply understand the unique challenges faced by traditionally marginalized communities. My therapeutic approach primarily stems from CBT and its newer waves like DBT and ACT. However, I also draw from various therapeutic models, tailoring my approach to meet each client’s unique needs.

My specialization lies in working with LGBTQIA+ clients, and I have extensive experience assisting individuals dealing with sexual disorders, especially Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD), chemsex (sexualized drug use), as well as other mental health issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. Having navigated my own mental health crisis, I am committed to delivering non-judgmental, compassionate, and evidence-based care to all my clients.

I strongly believe that therapy is a collaborative process. Therefore, I strive to create a safe and supportive space for my clients, allowing them to openly share and explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Being actively involved with the community and understanding its dynamics drives me to participate in various grassroots organizations and initiatives. I serve voluntarily as a member of the Steering Committee of AIDS Action Europe, a board member of the Precursor Foundation advocating for contemporary and efficient drug policies, and a board member of the Social AIDS Committee, providing access to quality HIV testing and support for infected people.

To ensure the support I provide meets the highest quality standards, I work under the guidance of certified clinical supervisors: Prof. Maria Beisert, Poland (PsyD, PsyT, Certified Sex Therapist, Clin Superv), Dr. Artur Kołakowski, Poland (PhD, MD, PsyT, Clin Superv), Łukasz Müldner-Nieckowski, Poland (PhD, PsyD, PsyT, Certified Sex Therapist, Clin Superv), and Dominic Davis, United Kingdom (PsyT, Certified Sex Therapist, GSRD Expert, Clin Superv). Additionally, each year, I attend several workshops and conferences (Pink Therapy, Polish Sexological Society, Polish AIDS Scientific Society, Polish Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies) to exchange experiences with other professionals and learn about the recent developments in the field.

Approaches: