Dorien | Psychosocial therapist

I offer therapy in

• ✓ Dutch

• ✓ English

• ✓ Portuguese

Specialisations

My Working Method

I work as briefly as possible and as long as necessary. Depending on the nature and complexity of the issues, this can mean that an average of three to eight sessions are needed. However, if the situation requires it, a longer trajectory can also be initiated.

If you would like to make an appointment, the process is as follows:
We schedule an appointment for an intake session. This session lasts 1 hour. In preparation, you will fill out an intake questionnaire and send it back before the intake session (via email). During the intake, we will get to know each other, discuss the questionnaire, and explore your concerns. I will explain what I believe I can do for you and what type of treatment might be appropriate. The intake is the first session and will be charged. If we decide not to continue after the intake, it will not be charged.

If we both agree on the type of treatment, I will draft a preliminary guidance agreement, which I will send to you via email. This agreement will outline the treatment goals and arrangements regarding duration, frequency, and costs.

We finalize the guidance agreement during the second session by signing it together. We will also schedule future appointments. There will be moments of evaluation to assess whether the therapy is meeting your needs. After each session, you will receive an invoice by email, along with the appointment confirmation for the next session.

Most common issues I support people with:

Loss and Grief Counseling

Everyone experiences loss at some point in their lives. It is an inevitable part of loving and being connected to someone or something. Loss can occur in many different areas. Often, we associate loss and grief with the death of a loved one, but it can also involve losing your job, your relationship, or your health, leading to questions and uncertainties about your future, identity, and self-image. After a significant loss, a grieving process follows, where you may experience intense feelings of sadness, anger, confusion, but sometimes also relief or shame.

This process is very personal and varies for each individual; there is no set time for how long it should take or a specific way to handle it. These feelings can be overwhelming and sometimes misunderstood or frightening, both for you and those around you. If you find yourself stuck, lacking support and understanding from those around you, or having difficulty sharing your feelings, it might be advisable to seek help.

Together, we will explore the impact of your loss, allow you to tell your story, and find meaning in your experiences and feelings. This helps in finding a way to cope with the loss and to give new meaning to your life.

Assertiveness, Insecurity, and Anxiety

It is normal to feel insecure occasionally or to seek someone else's opinion when facing a difficult decision. However, if you often doubt yourself, feel uncertain about your abilities, or frequently seek validation from others for your choices and actions, this may lead you to avoid, delay, or completely evade certain tasks.

This can be related to fear. Fear of not being good enough, of being exposed, or making the wrong choices. You may also be concerned about what others think of you. Often, it is your thoughts about yourself that you start to believe and see as the truth.

You don't want to disappoint others or yourself, and you don't want to fail. You become dependent on others and perfectionistic. This can lead to a vicious cycle of avoidance and increasing insecurity.

If you recognize yourself in the above, you might wonder how to gain more self-confidence.

While it may seem easier said than done, I can help you gain more self-confidence in my sessions. For example, by helping you discover your boundaries and learning that it is okay to say no, whether to yourself or others. Becoming aware of your thoughts and the feelings they evoke is important. You might even allow yourself a compliment occasionally. Ultimately, this leads to accepting yourself and feeling good enough as you are, with all your strengths and weaknesses.

Stress-Related Complaints, Burnout, Mood Disorders, and Depression

Do you often feel rushed, as if there are not enough hours in the day? Or do you notice that while you are doing one thing, your mind is already on the next task? This can cause restlessness, poor sleep, or excessive worrying. You may feel increasingly tired, irritable, or suffer from headaches. You might find it harder to concentrate and stay focused on a book, a series, or your work. Conversations may go unnoticed, which can be a sign of stress.

If these complaints persist and become chronic, they can eventually lead to burnout or depression. You may notice your mood becoming more somber, feeling listless, increasingly tired, and struggling to get out of bed or get through the day. Your breathing and heart rate may increase, and you might feel like you are losing control of yourself and your life. You may also experience anxiety and panic attacks.

Together, we can explore how to deal with these complaints. Talking about your feelings and thoughts with family or friends can help. Physical activity, such as walking or cycling, also helps manage depressive feelings. It is also beneficial to establish daily structure and find ways to bring more calm and relaxation into your life. This can help you find a balance between effort and relaxation, gain control over your thoughts and feelings, and get your life back on track.

Acceptance Issues with (chronic) Illness

Picking up your life after an accident or illness can have a significant emotional and physical impact. This can come with a lot of uncertainty and emotions such as sadness, anger, frustration, and confusion.

Your condition can impact many different areas of your life. You may question your identity and self-image, be unable to perform your job fully, worry about your future, relationships, friendships, and the hobbies and activities you used to enjoy. Thoughts like "why did this happen to me" or "I am worth less" may arise. People around you might not always understand what you are going through or say you "just have to live with it."

All these thoughts, feelings, and emotions are normal and understandable. Acceptance involves allowing all these painful, difficult thoughts, feelings, and emotions. By giving them space, staying with them, and experiencing and feeling them instead of pushing them away and ignoring them, relief can emerge.

I would like to explore with you what these feelings want to tell you, by standing still and confronting them, to find a new way to lead a valuable life despite the limitations you experience.

Work and Study-Related Issues

You might not feel comfortable at work. Perhaps interactions with colleagues or your employer are not going well, there is disagreement, high work pressure leading you to overextend yourself, or you struggle to say no. Maybe you don't feel taken seriously, heard, or seen, or you experience stress, anxiety, insecurity, or low self-esteem. Your work and private life may be out of balance, and you feel like you're juggling too many balls. This can lead to the brink of sickness or you may have already been on sick leave for some time. You want to know how to deal with dismissal or work-related conflicts. Or you might be contemplating a career change but are unsure what to do or hesitant to take the step. Similar issues can arise with education.

If you find yourself stuck in your work, education, or in searching for work or education, do not hesitate to contact me to discuss the possibilities. This can involve understanding your interests, skills, and values. I can help you develop effective coping strategies to handle stress, performance pressure, and other challenges at work or in education. This might include learning relaxation techniques, communication skills, time management, and setting realistic goals. Additionally, I can help you increase your self-awareness, so you become aware of your own behavior, thoughts, and feelings, and learn to address obstacles and gain self-confidence.

Consider discussing with your employer the possibilities for reimbursement of the treatment. Your personal growth and well-being are valuable not only to yourself but also to the organization.

If you have questions about another theme or area of life, do not hesitate to contact me. I will be happy to discuss the possibilities with you.

Exceptions

There are a few exceptions. I do not treat severe psychiatric disorders or addiction problems.

Fees

The cost per session for psychosocial therapy is €90 (1 hour). This amount is exempt from VAT. The cost for couples therapy is €110 excluding 21% VAT (1 hour) and is not covered by health insurance. Appointments must be canceled at least 24 hours in advance. If not canceled or canceled too late, the session will be charged. For business sessions, please contact me to request a quote.

Depending on the terms of your health insurance policy, reimbursement may be possible. This type of therapy is not covered by the basic insurance package but falls under supplementary insurance. Therefore, a referral from your general practitioner is not necessary.

You might also discuss with your employer the possibilities for reimbursement of the treatment. Your personal growth and well-being are of great value not only to yourself but also to the organization.

Availability (Opening hours)

Photos

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