I lived in other countries when I was in my twenties and to be honest, I was very little prepared to be an expatriate. Paperwork was much harder than I thought it would be and I didn’t realize how psychologically difficult moving far from home can be. Many times, I felt utterly alone, but help was on its way. Much later on, I learned this period in your life is called ‘Emerging adulthood’ (Erik Erikson) in which you define your core values, career trajectory and personal beliefs, independent of your family of origin, and intimacy versus isolation. Working on my own personal issues is precisely what I did abroad, with the help of a group of great people following an intensive 12-step program. The lessons I’ve learned in that period of my life have changed me and my outlook on life.

Back in the Netherlands, I worked as a mural painter and a house painter, I studied journalism in my thirties and later on became a language teacher. I became interested in Buddhism and started meditating. My desire to help people with psychological problems emerged again in my early fifties and alongside my work as a language teacher, I took courses in coaching in various schools. In 2018 I became a registered life coach after completing a study at the Atma Institute in Amersfoort, years later I specialized in Transactional Analysis at the Corael Institute in De Bilt and over the last 3 years I’ve studied Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Gijs Jansen and Russ Harris (I’m also very fond of the teachings of Robyn Walser and other ACT experts). Working with ACT the penny dropped: this is a method I can fully identify with and I can’t wait to share this way of life with you. My mission is to guide you towards a happier life in which you chose what you really want to do and take steps in the right direction. I’ve worked with a good number of clients and look forward working with you!

Especially for you I have developed these coaching methods and continue to do so. Please look at my coaching proposals and see what fits you best! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!