Hi, I'm Nana Schlaefke-Ong Integrative Counsellor & Relocation Coach
I meet you with emotional resonance and practical clarity, bringing a curious mind and an unwavering presence to our work.
I am the founder of The Intercultural Space providing integrative counselling and relocation coaching based in Amsterdam.
My professional foundation is built on a Master’s Degree in Counselling from Monash University in Australia and 15 years of leadership roles including serving as top management in the relocation industry and co-founding an immigration services company in Singapore.
Originally from Malaysia, growing up in a diverse racial and linguistic environment, and having worked in international companies and the relocation industry, I developed an intrinsic ability to manage cross-cultural dynamics.
In the last 26 years living across Asia, the subcontinent, and Europe, my path is shaped by multiple reinventions, weaving between gains and losses. This enriching journey was instrumental in cultivating a global mindset and fostering diverse perspectives.
While it is imperative to embrace new cultures, the need to uphold my identity and values remain a delicate but essential balance. Achieving this requires a fundamental shift in mindset.
Having raised two Third Culture Kids (TCKs) in an inter-racial household across ever-changing landscapes, I leverage this wealth of lived experience to provide specialized insight into the complexities of expat life.
My Story
My journey into counselling wasn’t driven by a career change but a crisis of faith in the system. During an assignment abroad, my son struggled in school and required external counselling. The experience was frustrating: the care was transactional, unreliable, and purely money-oriented.
This moment was my catalyst. It compelled me to pursue my Master Degree in Counselling back in 2017 with a clear mission. My way of making a difference by providing authentic, ethical and dedicated support I wish my own family had received.
Adding on as relocation coach, I offer an advantage few coaches can match. My previous role combined internal coaching (for experts) and external training (for clients), making me a subject matter expert on complex relocation challenges. I often provide advisories and insights on market development and best practices, partnering with corporate HR and global vendors to benchmark policies.
Today, I bring both worlds to you. I harness my industry knowledge to gently anticipate and remove practical roadblocks, and I use my therapeutic skills to create a safe, compassionate space where you can address the emotional and identity architecture of transition.
My Credentials
Qualifications
Master of Counselling
(Monash University, Australia)
Bachelor of Business - Double Majors
(University of Southern Queensland, Australia)
Other Trainings
Professional Supervision
ICF Training Level 1 (In Progress)
Psychedelic Practitioner Training (In Progress)