About Laura Ruusalu

Tere! I'm Laura

Clinical Practise Intern

Pronouns: She/her

Languages: English, Estonian

Affiliation: Leiden University

Education

R.M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology from Leiden University, Research Master’s thesis – Exploring the Relationships Between Self-Esteem, Loneliness, Social Connectedness, and Need to Belong in Young Females with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

B.Sc. in International Psychology from Leiden University, Bachelor’s thesis – Interpersonal Factors as Correlates of Suicidal Ideation

International Baccalaureate (IB) from Oslo International School

Specialities
Areas of Interest
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Self-esteem
  • Sexuality
  • Self-identity
  • Relationships
  • Addiction
  • Eating disorders
  • Body image & beauty standards
  • Schema Therapy
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Humanist Approach
  • Holistic Therapy
  • Culturally-sensitive therapy

About Me

I’m originally from Estonia but grew up in an international setting, living in Finland, Norway, and eventually moving to Leiden for university. These experiences brought both confusion and valuable insights into the concept of belonging, teaching me the importance of community. My early sense of not quite fitting in inspired my journey into psychology, where I focus on exploring the dynamics of belonging and interpersonal relationships, which I view as essential to mental health.

As a queer person who often identified as the “weird kid” growing up (and to be honest, still do), I deeply understand the challenges of feeling out of place and the transformative power of finding your people. Embracing yourself fully and creating a sense of connection is what I hope to help you achieve through our work together.

In therapy, I create a safe, judgment-free space where you can feel truly seen and accepted. My approach is integrative, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs, blending evidence-based techniques with an understanding of your individual beliefs and experiences. Having been through my own therapeutic journey, I know how powerful it is to rewrite negative beliefs and build lasting psychological tools. It’s an honor to guide others through this deeply transformative process.

Q & A

What do I offer?
  • Individual Therapy (read more about it)
  • Workshops (read more)
How long?

Up to 5 months (possibly more)

Where?

In-person therapy in Leiden, or online

Is therapy supervised?

Yes, by licensed psychologist Ishana Durante – Bose

How is this priced?

The sliding scale fee for therapy is ⅓ of Ishana’s typical fee range. For more info:

Interns completing their Clinical Psychology MSc offer therapy sessions at ⅔ of the standard rate. Individual sessions typically are an hour (60 minutes) long. Individual sessions over an hour (1.5) can be arranged for an additional proportionate fee.

 Monthly Income (Gross, Bruto) / € Individual Therapy Fee (per 1 hr Session) / €
< 1,50043
1,500 – 2,50050
2,500 – 4,00060
4,000 – 5,50070
> 5,50080
If your company pays87
If a guardian/parent paysTheir income on this scale
How does this work?
  1. Reach out
  2. We then organise a consultation meeting to see if I can support you and if there’s a match
  3. From there we start therapy; working on moving towards your therapy goals

Contact Us

It’s ok to ask for help

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