Nagila Koster (Reinier van Arkel)

Nagila Koster is a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and senior researcher at a specialized child and youth mental health care facility. Her mission is to bridge the gap between clinical practice and scientific research by translating innovative insights into meaningful therapeutic applications. Her work centers on meaning making and narrative identity as key frameworks for understanding vulnerable youth within their often maladaptive narrative ecologies. She explores how these narratives not only reflect psychological challenges but also offer pathways for transformation and healing. Nagila advocates for redefining mental health in the 21st century—emphasizing personal agency, contextual understanding, and the power of storytelling as a catalyst for change. Her research contributes to a growing movement that sees adolescents not just as recipients of care, but as active agents in shaping healthier futures for themselves and society.