Approach
Working with your inner experience
What you feel, think and do is connected. That is why we look at the whole picture and I tailor the support to you.
How we work
Integrative Counselling brings together what you feel, think and do. We work step by step.
First, we look together at the situations and moments in which the unpleasant feeling arises. Simply sorting through it all often makes things feel lighter: you feel more in control again and can step back from it a little.
Then we make a plan together. It has two parts.
In your daily life
You discover how you can respond differently to the situations that trigger the unpleasant feeling.
Deep within yourself
We work on the unpleasant feeling itself and on the old beliefs and blocks that hold you back. That is where real change can begin.
The two parts reinforce each other. Step by step, you find more room to breathe again.
The core
How change works
You have a problem; you are not the problem
What troubles you becomes something we can put on the table and look at together. That creates breathing space and room to choose.
What it does to you
It is not only the situation that weighs on you. Often the heaviest part is the sense of powerlessness or doubt that comes with it.
The feeling inside
What exactly do you feel and where in your body? Which thoughts and images belong with it? What do you do then?
Where it comes up
We map the situations and moments in which the feeling surfaces.
Where you want to go
Just as concretely: what do you feel, think and do when things are going well?
Inside and outside
The feeling itself changes. As a result, how you stand in situations and what you do changes too.
The new becomes yours
What you practise can become more and more natural in your daily life. Then you can move forward again.
How the process works
Getting in touch
You send a request, call, message or email. I respond personally within two working days, answer your questions and we schedule the intake.
Intake
A one-off session of ninety minutes for your story, what you have already tried and what would make the support a success for you. I also ask about your health, medication and any previous support, so that our work is right for you. The intake is your first session straight away. The aim is that by the end you understand better what is going on and have a firmer grip on it. And that you know how you can tackle, resolve or change it. We set out our arrangements in a written agreement.
Sessions
One-hour sessions, weekly or every two weeks. The support is short-term: usually 1 to 10 sessions, depending on your question. The aim is for you to be able to move forward again. We review progress along the way and you help decide when it is enough.
Conversation and experiential exercises
Alongside conversation, we may work with, for example, attention to bodily sensations, imagery and relaxation. The choice depends on your question and what suits you. For example, we can explore together where you feel the tension in your body and what changes when you pause and stay with it calmly.
I always explain the purpose of an exercise. You can ask questions, share what you are experiencing and ask to pause at any time. We work with care for your resilience and your pace.
Safe and confidential
What you share is confidential. I work in accordance with the Dutch WGBO (Medical Treatment Contracts Act). I only share information with your explicit written consent. You can read more in the privacy statement and the terms and conditions.
To safeguard quality, I may discuss a process anonymously in peer review or supervision, without anything that could identify you.
The right kind of support
Integrative Counselling is complementary psychosocial care. If you have physical symptoms, an assessment by your GP is important. In an acute crisis or with complaints that require specialist treatment, I will refer you to your GP or an appropriate practitioner.
Do you need help right away? Call your GP, the out-of-hours GP service or 113 (0800-0113). In a life-threatening emergency, call 112.
A referral or prior diagnosis is not required. Has a diagnosis already been made, or are you receiving treatment? Then, with your written consent, I will contact your practitioner so that the support is well aligned.
Contact
Step by step
You will hear from me personally within two working days.