You might have built a life that looks stable and successful from the outside.

You are working, achieving, managing responsibilities — often in a demanding or fast-paced environment.

But internally, it can feel very different.

You might feel constantly under pressure to perform.

Struggling to switch off.

Saying yes when you want to say no.

Overthinking decisions, questioning yourself, or feeling like what you do is never quite enough.

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For many expats and internationals working abroad, this pressure can intensify.
Adapting to new environments, cultures, and expectations while maintaining a high level of performance can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a growing disconnection from yourself.

If you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, these experiences can carry additional layers — around identity, expression, and feeling fully accepted in different environments.

Having lived and worked across different countries, including Greece, the Netherlands, and Spain, I understand how complex it can be to navigate identity, work, and emotional wellbeing across cultures.

In our work together, we create a space where you don’t have to perform or have everything figured out.

We take the time to understand what is happening beneath the surface and work towards helping you feel more grounded, more self-aware, and more at ease in your daily life.

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As an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist working with expats and internationals in Europe, I support clients who are experiencing:

• Burnout, chronic stress, and emotional exhaustion
• Perfectionism and high self-pressure in work environments
• Struggling with boundaries, assertiveness, and people-pleasing
• Anxiety, overthinking, and difficulty switching off
• Feeling disconnected from yourself or your direction
• Identity questions, including LGBTQ+ identity and self-expression
• Shame, guilt, or internal conflict
• Navigating demanding careers, expectations, and life transitions
• Coping with uncertainty and important life or work decisions

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My approach is integrative and LGBTQ+ affirming, meaning that I adapt therapy to your needs while taking into account your personal, cultural, and professional context.I draw from evidence-based therapies including:In our work, we focus on:

• understanding patterns of anxiety, perfectionism, and self-pressure
• managing stress, burnout, and emotional overwhelm
• working with self-criticism and high internal expectations
• building a more balanced and compassionate relationship with yourself

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Schema Therapy
• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

I have worked in a range of clinical and research settings across Europe, supporting diverse and international populations.

Clinical Experience

• Intern Psychologist, AntiLoneliness – Leiden, Netherlands
• Intern Psychologist, Willingness Sex, Family & Health Clinic – Malta
• Intern Psychologist, 251 Hellenic Air Force General Hospital – Athens, Greece
• Intern Psychologist, Psychiatric Office (Dimitrios Rigas) – Athens, Greece
• Intern Psychologist, Consulting Station Petroupoli – Athens, Greece
• Intern Psychologist, SOS Children’s Village – Vari, Greece

Research & Academic Experience

• Researcher, Policy Research Group – University of Cambridge, UK
• Researcher, Junior Researcher Program – University of Cambridge, UK
• Researcher & Soft Skills Trainer, European Federation of Psychology Students’ Associations – Brussels, Belgium

Publications

• Ruggeri, K., Ashcroft-Jones, S., Symeonidou, A., & Stock, F. (2023).
  The persistence of cognitive biases in financial decisions across economic groups.
  Published in Scientific Reports.
• Ruggeri, K., Tutuska, O. S., Symeonidou, A., & Ashcroft-Jones, S. (2023).
  The psychology and policy of overcoming economic inequality.
  Published in Behavioral and Brain Sciences.

• I hold a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Clinical Psychology from Leiden University in the Netherlands.
• I have completed a Clinical Training in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy, with a focus on working with anxiety and perfectionism.
• I have also completed specialised training in Gender, Sexuality, and Relationship Diversity Therapy, supporting LGBTQ+ clients and diverse identities.
• My professional experience includes working with international and multicultural populations across Europe, particularly expats and professionals navigating life and work abroad.
• I continue to engage in ongoing supervision and evidence-based training to provide high-quality, ethical, and up-to-date psychological support.