Connection Heals
The Role of Connections
The communication with our own bodies and feelings can be neglected or ignored - some experiences in our lives may have triggered emotions that were too overwhelming to feel at the time. As much as it helped then to ‘switch off’ the line of contact with our bodies, this loss of connection also means that our wishes, needs, sensations can also stay neglected afterwards. This can lead to issues with setting boundaries, life choices that aren’t right for us, overwhelming emotions, or symptoms we cannot find an explanation for. (Re)finding the bond with our bodies can help us feel our needs, showing us the way to a life we feel more comfortable in and that fits us better.
Similarly, when we struggle to find ourselves, we may also be disconnected from others around us. We might struggle to be honest with others, convincing ourselves they won’t understand. Even while surrounded by groups of friends or family, we may feel misunderstood or lonely. We can be unaware of - or ignore - our boundaries and wishes, not communicating them clearly. This can lead to frustration, irritation, sadness, anger. Once we reconnect with where these strong emotions come from, we can communicate with more honestly, and make conscious choices - whether in relationships or in decisions.
Client-Centred Therapy
In my work I use a client-centred approach (also called ‘person-centred’ therapy). This means that I don’t have standard protocols that I use with everyone mentioning the same symptoms, but I tailor my therapies to each individual. I do this based on what someone’s needs, goals and preferences are, and what would help them based on my experience.
I follow the notion that ‘You need to feel it to heal it’ and will focus on exploring your emotions about any given problem. When you understand your inner landscape, that awareness helps you get less overwhelmed by your emotions in the future. That is a first step in getting better.
Viewing any situation together from your perspective is very imporant. If we use the metaphor of looking at a lake (the situation) - I would be sitting next to you, not opposite you, to be able to see what you see. I will help you try to find words to the experiences and emotions you’re having.
Rather than using specific diagnoses based on your symtpoms, we will focus more on your experience and where your emotions might come from. Often that takes some remembering and revisiting past difficulties. Your current symptoms are important and should be taken seriously - though they are signs of something bigger that needs attention, rather than the issue itself.
Exclusion Criteria
Many common mental health issues can be helped in psychological therapies. However, a level of stability is needed for therapy to work. There are times when another type of treatment or support is needed first, to reach that basic stability.
If you struggle with the following issues, then it’s possible that the therapy I provide is not the right fit at the moment.
Severe addiction
Severe eating problems
Acute (current) suicidality
Unstable life situation (examples: current relationship violence, lack of housing)
If you’re still in doubt whether or not therapy is at the right moment for you, we can discuss this at the free screening (15 minutes).
If it turns out I unfortunately can’t take you on but you still feel you need care, I advise you to contact your GP. I might also be able to think along about places that better fit you.
Languages
Language is essential in therapy, both for you to be able to express yourself well and for me to understand you properly. I work in the following languages:
English
Dutch
Hungarian
We can also take time in our sessions to explain expressions or cultural aspects through your mother tongue that might not exist in the language we use in therapy.
Fees
€80 per hour for a session
€100 for an intake
Sliding scale
If based on your financial situation the above fees aren’t available to you, contact me and we can discuss possibilities for a lower price.
I do not have contracts with Dutch health insurance companies.