Colleague Profile – Cara Blackie

Cara Blackie is a registered Educational Psychologist with the Nederlands Instituut van Psychologen (NIP) and the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), specialising in supporting children, adolescents, and families through psycho-educational assessments and therapeutic interventions.

Originally from South Africa, she worked primarily in private practice for 11 years before she relocated to the Netherlands in December 2020. Cara then established her practice, Expat Child Psychologist, in The Hague. She has first-hand experience of the challenges that come with immigration and adapting to a new culture. Drawing on her personal journey, she is passionate about helping international families navigate the educational and emotional complexities that can arise during transitions abroad. She offers services including cognitive, educational, emotional, and neurodevelopmental assessments, as well as play therapy, adolescent psychotherapy, parental counselling and psychoeducation on a wide range of topics.

Cara’s approach is rooted in empathy, working closely with families, schools, and other professionals to ensure that children and parents receive the holistic support they need. Her focus is on empowering her clients, fostering resilience, and helping them thrive, both academically and emotionally.

In July 2024, Cara co-founded Calm Waters with Mieke Smet, a multidisciplinary family support centre, providing integrated care for international families.