Counseling
What is counseling?
Counseling is a form of psychosocial guidance aimed at helping people to change in a positive sense, create positive change, based on the human capacity to grow through the continuous interaction between insight and behavior. Counseling works a layer deeper than coaching, you might think of it as a lighter form of psychotherapy.
As a counselor, not only do I help you clarify and achieve your goals (coaching), I also guide you in resolving inner conflicts and clearing underlying blocks that hinder you in achieving those goals – freeing the path to realizing your dreams and aspirations.
My approach is grounded in positive psychology, with the core principle of strengthening people’s inherent capacities and positive qualities. One of these strengths is your natural self-healing ability:
In both your conscious and unconscious mind, you hold the capacity to grow and heal. Just as the body knows how to heal a physical wound, the mind has its own self-healing potential. In counseling, I focus on activating this capacity and removing any blocks that may stand in its way – so you can move through life with strength, energy, joy, and enthusiasm.
Short-term counseling program
In a short-term counseling program of on average 5–8 sessions, you gain clarity about what you’re struggling with and what you want to achieve. We explore your goals and preferences, you set meaningful priorities, and I help you resolve inner blocks (inner world). You will also work with a concrete action plan (outer world) to realize your goals and build your happiness — in our practice in Amsterdam Zuid or online.
Why short-term?
I believe clients deserve an approach that is focused, effective, and fast-acting. You want to overcome your challenges quickly and take concrete steps toward your goals. With a short-term, solution-focused, and positive approach, you can get started right away in a clear and targeted manner – so you can soon continue on your own with confidence and concrete steps toward your dreams and goals.
Client-based approach
Every person is unique. That’s why I work client-based, starting from the individual in front of me – their personality, background, experiences, mindset, emotional world, and dreams for the future. I use interventions and techniques from different disciplines, tailored to what best supports you.
I work as a strategic counselor, in contrast to counselors or therapists who follow only one method or technique. After all, no single technique fits every person. Therefore, I adapt my methods to what you need as a client and what aligns with your particular goals and challenges.
Would you like to experience what counseling can offer you? You are welcome to contact us for a free intro session — at our practice in Amsterdam Zuid or online.
When is counseling right for you?
Coaching focuses on unlocking your potential and is used when you want personal growth or to develop more effective behavior. In addition to insight, coaching provides practical tools to put your goals into action. The emphasis is on personal growth, self-confidence, and motivation.
Coaching helps you clarify what you want to achieve, how to approach it, and which concrete steps are involved. Sometimes, however, you know what you want and how to proceed, yet still struggle to make progress. In those cases, inner blockages, underlying beliefs, or emotional patterns may be holding you back.
This is when counseling is appropriate. Counseling helps you explore and break through these inner blockages and patterns, creating more space to realise your goals. It can be used for (temporary) psychosocial challenges, such as:
stress , overwhelm, anxiety, or panic symptoms
exhaustion, burnout, or persistent fatigue
low mood, sadness, or depressive feelings
difficulties in partner relationships, family, or household
low self-esteem or lack of confidence
relationship problems or divorce
tension symptoms or stress caused by major life changes
experiences of grief or loss, such as the loss of a loved one, job loss, or a relocation
loneliness or difficulty being alone
or other situations where you feel stuck and can use some support
When challenges are deeper-rooted, long-lasting, or linked to recurring patterns or past experiences, the focus shifts to understanding the underlying causes and creating meaningful change. Even with specific, problem-focused issues, I take a goal-oriented approach, helping you clarify what you want to achieve and use that focus to overcome your inner obstacles.
In short: coaching when possible, counseling when needed.
And when deeper insight is helpful, we will work together to determine which form of guidance is most appropriate.
You can always decide what you want to focus on. Sometimes, along the way, it becomes clear that a different approach better fits your needs. I focus primarily on you, carefully tailoring guidance to your goals, wishes, and pace. It remains your journey — in our practice in Amsterdam Zuid or online.
Not sure what's right for you? Schedule a free intro session.
"You yourself, as much as anyone in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection."
- Buddha
Reach out for a free intro session.
Without pressure or obligation.
Build your happiness
