Welcome to Paskay. In the native language of the Peruvian Andes, paskay means to untangle
My goal is to help you free yourself from psychological and emotional strain. Whether you are facing a specific challenge, navigating a life transition, or striving for greater self-acceptance, I am here to support you. Together, we can connect with your values, build healthier habits, set boundaries, and question beliefs that no longer serve you. Starting this process can ease feelings of isolation and open the door to meaningful change. I hope you feel inspired to take the next step—because the world benefits when you thrive.
About Me
My name is Luciana Yabar, and I am a Spanish- and English-speaking mental health professional. I was born and raised in Peru, spent most of my adult life in the United States, and have been living in the Netherlands since 2019.
I have always been drawn to understanding how people think, feel, and relate to one another. I chose to study psychology out of a deep curiosity about human behavior and a desire to make sense of the emotional complexities we all experience. Over time, this curiosity evolved into a strong sense of purpose—to not just understand suffering, but to help alleviate it. That calling led me to pursue a degree in clinical social work, where I could combine emotional insight with practical tools for creating change, especially for those affected by inequality or marginalization.
My work is values-oriented, solution-focused, and strengths-based, grounded in evidence-based approaches. I aim to create a compassionate and non-judgmental space where clients feel safe to explore their inner world. My multicultural background gives me a personal understanding of the emotional challenges that can come with adapting to new places, navigating identity, and building a sense of belonging.
The following education, training, and work experience have shaped me:
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Psychology, Life University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 2014.
- Master of Social Work (MSW), clinical specialization, University of Houston, Texas, USA, 2016.
- Active LMSW license from the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council.
- Degrees validated by Nuffic, the Dutch organization for internationalization in education.
- Member of the Dutch Association of Social Workers (BPSW).
- RxPx: through an app I provided low impact peer support for people living with sickle cell disease and heart failure in different counties as well as health related resources to help them become and stay engaged in their recovery process. Also, I coached them with building their support circle, participating in programs, and using tracking tools.
- St. Hope Foundation Health Center: I had the opportunity to work in a diverse medical team of social workers, nurses, doctors, and pharmacists serving one of the most marginalized populations – people living with HIV. My job was to conduct biopsychosocial assessments and screening for substance abuse and mental health issues. I also provided emotional support and guidance to patients in order to reduce stress from the economic and social impact of their diagnosis.
- Texas Children’s Hospital: here is where I developed my clinical skills working with employees of the hospital. I worked as a therapist assisting people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I also helped co-facilitate crisis intervention groups for employees who were going through distressing situations while at work, enabling them to cope and continue to effectively maintain their responsibilities.
- Latin American Foundation of Social Action: I was part of the behavioral health team helping people mandated by the court to complete the substance abuse out-patient program. I provided counseling and psychoeducation about the physical, psychological, and social impact of alcohol. Also, I co-facilitated anger management support groups.
- YMCA’s Trafficked Persons Assistance Program: this was one of the hardest things I have done in my career. My job was to interview human trafficking survivors to determine the efficacy of the services they were receiving post escaping or being rescued by the authorities.
Services and Fees
In-person Counseling
€95 per session
Nature-assisted Counseling
€90 per session
Online Counseling
€85 per session
Insurance: Paskay is a non-BIG registered private practice. Therefore, sessions are not covered by your basic health insurance. However, in order to be seen, you do not need a referral and there is no waiting list.
There are limited sliding scale slots available for clients on limited income or special circumstances, so a reduced fee might be possible.
I assist with the following
Stress & burnout
Body image
Anger management
Cultural adjustment
Self-esteem
Life transitions
Depression
Social isolation
Loss & grief
Work-life balance
Anxiety
Boundaries
Modalities
I rely mainly on tools and techniques from three practices:
Narrative
Therapy
Throughout life, our experiences become stories we tell ourselves—and those stories shape our identity. Sometimes, painful or negative experiences become the dominant narrative, coloring how we see ourselves and the world. NT helps us externalize these problems, rather than internalize them, and draws on our own strengths and skills to challenge and reshape unhelpful patterns.
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy
One of the biggest obstacles to truly knowing ourselves is the set of beliefs we have internalized—about who we are, and how others see us. These beliefs often come from our families, cultures, and societies, and we tend to accept them as truth, even when they cause pain. CBT helps us identify, question, and reframe these limiting or distorted beliefs.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
It is natural to reflect on the past or dream about the future. But certain experiences can lead to rumination—replaying regrets or failures over and over. This mental loop pulls us out of the present moment. ACT helps us quiet that internal chatter, accept what we can not change, and focus on taking meaningful action based on our values and what we can control.
Get in Touch
If you have questions or would like to make an appointment for a 15-minute phone intake at no cost to see if my services are a good fit for you, please email me directly and include your phone number and your availability info@paskay.com.
Koppestokstraat 87, 2014 AN Haarlem
MON-FRI 08:00 – 20:00
Paskay is not suitable for acute psychological or medical crises or emergency situations.
If you are in a serious crisis and need urgent help, please call 112.