How I work
No standard programme. But a quick view of what is really going on.
The same symptom can have a very different origin in two people. That is why I do not choose one method in advance. First we look at the whole picture. Then we decide together which approach makes sense.
The support starts with understanding. Only then do we choose an approach. Here is what that looks like in practice.
- 1
A free intro call
We speak for fifteen minutes. You do not have to tell your whole story yet. We briefly discuss what you are running into, what you are looking for, and whether my practice fits that.
- 2
A thorough intake
During the intake we look at your current situation, your life history, significant experiences and recurring patterns. I try not only to understand what you feel, but also how different factors reinforce one another.
- 3
A clear explanation
After the intake I share what stands out to me. Which patterns do I see? What seems to be the core? What keeps the situation in place? You do not get a label for the sake of a label, but an understandable explanation we can work from.
- 4
Working on it
The support can consist of psychological conversations, exercises from ACT or CBT, and EMDR when earlier experiences still hold a lot of influence. Sometimes the emphasis is on relating differently to thoughts and feelings. Sometimes on choices and values. And sometimes the emotional charge of an experience has to come down first.
- 5
Checking regularly
We agree what we are working towards and look along the way at whether anything is changing. If a different approach or practitioner suits you better, I say so honestly.
A possible shape
We start with a single, thorough intake. After that I advise, when it fits, a short series of four or six conversations. I do not fix in advance that a certain number of sessions will be EMDR. That keeps the treatment clean and stops the method from defining the problem.
My style
What you can count on
Active
I think along, ask further and name what I see.
Broad
I look at personality, history, circumstances and choices.
Focused
Conversations have a direction and are evaluated regularly.
Human
You do not have to explain perfectly what is going on with you.
Bounded
I do not take on difficulties that require specialist mental health care.
Formats
Where the conversations take place
Most conversations take place at the practice on Sarphatistraat in Amsterdam city centre. Online is a form of contact, not a separate treatment. VR is a tool that is mainly relevant with exposure.
At the practice
Sarphatistraat 14, Amsterdam city centre.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the support
I only know that after the intake. A short series of four to six conversations is often enough. Sometimes a single intake is all you need, sometimes more sessions are needed. We agree what we are working towards and check along the way whether that still holds.
You do not get a label for the sake of a label. What you do get is an understandable explanation: which patterns I see, what seems to be the core, and what keeps the situation in place.
Yes, but not automatically. EMDR fits when an earlier experience still carries a lot of emotional charge. Not every symptom comes from that, so I look at what is going on first.
Yes. Online is a form of contact, not a separate treatment. We discuss during the intake what works best in your situation.
Then I say so honestly, preferably as early as possible. For difficulties that need specialist mental health care, I help you think about where you can go.
No. I work without contracts with health insurers, so you can register directly. No Dutch insurance excess applies either.
First see whether it clicks
In a free fifteen minute phone call we briefly discuss what you are running into and what you are looking for. You are not committing to anything.