vision & focus
My dream is that one day we can talk about mental health as openly as we would say we have a cold or broke our leg. The main focus in my practice for primary care psychology is therefore on discussing and counseling general mental health challenges that occur in a person's life. I do not throw around diagnoses, but explore in a solution-oriented way what is going on in your life, so you can regain control of the situation. I work accessible and tailored to your request for help. Guidance is short term, in the sense that I will not use more sessions than you feel is necessary.
As primary care psychologist/therapist I like to help you with:
From my specialties as sport psychologist, health coach or tobacco cessation counselor I also help people with:
I help people to live (pro)active instead of going through your days reactively or passively. In order to help clients with as many human experiences as possible, I try to educate myself as broadly as possible. From my basic philosophy, however, I often fall back on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (a form of cognitive behavioral therapy). To create change, we consider the head (thinking), heart (feeling), body (doing) and mind (meaning).
Consultations take place online at the moment. Frequency and number of sessions are always discussed together.
As primary care psychologist/therapist I like to help you with:
- The feeling of being uncomfortable, not in the right mind and difficult emotions of anxiety and depression
- Giving meaning and direction to your life, identity, work & relations
- Personal development and self-care
- Dealing with negative, intense or traumatic events
- Life choices & questions regarding jobs, studies, family or 'midlife crisis'
- Dealing with (the diagnosis of an) acute or chronic illness
- Dealing with grief or loss experiences (death, relationships, job)
From my specialties as sport psychologist, health coach or tobacco cessation counselor I also help people with:
- Performing under pressure, fear of failure, perfectionism
- Stress, burnout, worrying, fatigue
- Performance enhancement, self-confidence, assertiveness, communication
- Adopting healthy habits in your life
- Energy management
I help people to live (pro)active instead of going through your days reactively or passively. In order to help clients with as many human experiences as possible, I try to educate myself as broadly as possible. From my basic philosophy, however, I often fall back on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (a form of cognitive behavioral therapy). To create change, we consider the head (thinking), heart (feeling), body (doing) and mind (meaning).
Consultations take place online at the moment. Frequency and number of sessions are always discussed together.
FAQ
What does counseling cost?
Price: €60/session (50-60min).
Payment options:
Payment options:
- You can pay online through a mobile app (own banki, Maestro, Payconiq) after scanning a QR code on the smartphone.
- I can send you a payment request by SMS, mail or WhatsApp.
- You can transfer money after the session.
What are the options for reimbursment?
In the summer of 2021, the press and politicians enthusiastically announced that the government would expand reimbursement for psychotherapy starting from September. Unfortunately, the reality shows that the implementation of this system on a large scale would take months. I closely follow up on these developments behind the scenes and adjust my prices and conditions if I can join this system!
Besides this, the various health insurance funds also choose whether they will reimburse a certain amount for psychological support. Contact your health insurance company to find out whether you are entitled to a partial refund. Most health insurance funds also allow reimbursement for online counseling.
Besides this, the various health insurance funds also choose whether they will reimburse a certain amount for psychological support. Contact your health insurance company to find out whether you are entitled to a partial refund. Most health insurance funds also allow reimbursement for online counseling.
is there a cancellation policy?
If clients cannot attend a scheduled session, they can cancel or reschedule it free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations must be reported by telephone or e-mail. If a client cancels a scheduled session late (<24h) or does not show up (in person or online), the session will be charged in full.
What's the difference between a psychologist / therapist / coach / ...?
[Please note: the info below relates mostly to the specific situation in Belgium]
The title of psychologist is protected by law in Belgium. You must obtain a university Master's degree after a minimum of 5 years of study and compulsory registrations with, among others, the Commission of Psychologists and the federal government allow monitoring of the quality and ethical conduct of the practice. A clinical psychologist has a specific focus on the mental well-being of people. Their training focuses on the different facets of mental health and how to treat them preventively or curatively.
The title of (psycho)therapist and coach is not protected in Belgium. This creates a plethora of titles and it is difficult for clients to know who would be suited for their particular request for help. Because of this, quality control is often difficult to impossible. For some titles there are evidence-based long-term training courses, while other care providers give themselves a title based on their main interest, short-term training or as an expert with hands-on experience. When making your choice, be sure to ask about the background and education of the person who you are going to ask for support. Generally speaking, a therapist will more often deal with psychological problems and a coach will mainly support or guide towards specific goals or personal development.
In summary: from a psychologist you can expect the necessary background knowledge about mental well-being or psychological health (what people know). You can expect (additional) expertise from a (psycho)therapist or coach about how to work with a client. This is based on a further exploration or study in a operational framework or vision on human functioning with associated treatment and/or interview techniques.
How about me now? I am a recognized clinical psychologist who regularly undergoes further training in various facets of therapy and coaching. My main therapy focus is within Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. Based on my vision on humans, I do not only work on solving problems, but I also look to help people who feel well to grow even further in their development.
Wait… so what specifically is a “primary care psychologist” then?
A primary care psychologist offers help with the most common psychological complaints. You will receive advice and short-term help if you suffer from mild or moderate psychological problems. The focus is on increasing the psychological self-reliance and autonomy of the client by exploring the situation. In a number of sessions we look for ways to make you feel better and move forward again.
Sometimes it turns out that more thorough or specialized help is needed. Then a primary care psychologist will assist with a referral to the 'secondary line'. Mental health care can sometimes feel like a jungle. Together we look for the best options for you.
I focus on primary psychology because I prefer to help people at an early stage, in order to prevent more psychological suffering. You don't have to wait for the water to rise above your lips. There is help and together we can find a way forward for you.
And what did a psychiatrist do again?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialized in psychiatry after basic university training in medicine. Only medical doctors are allowed by law to prescribe medication. Depending on the approach, sessions with psychiatrists can be quite different. While some connect with further psychotherapy training and enter into longer convsersations, other psychiatrists mainly focus on prescribing, monitoring and adjusting medication.
The title of psychologist is protected by law in Belgium. You must obtain a university Master's degree after a minimum of 5 years of study and compulsory registrations with, among others, the Commission of Psychologists and the federal government allow monitoring of the quality and ethical conduct of the practice. A clinical psychologist has a specific focus on the mental well-being of people. Their training focuses on the different facets of mental health and how to treat them preventively or curatively.
The title of (psycho)therapist and coach is not protected in Belgium. This creates a plethora of titles and it is difficult for clients to know who would be suited for their particular request for help. Because of this, quality control is often difficult to impossible. For some titles there are evidence-based long-term training courses, while other care providers give themselves a title based on their main interest, short-term training or as an expert with hands-on experience. When making your choice, be sure to ask about the background and education of the person who you are going to ask for support. Generally speaking, a therapist will more often deal with psychological problems and a coach will mainly support or guide towards specific goals or personal development.
In summary: from a psychologist you can expect the necessary background knowledge about mental well-being or psychological health (what people know). You can expect (additional) expertise from a (psycho)therapist or coach about how to work with a client. This is based on a further exploration or study in a operational framework or vision on human functioning with associated treatment and/or interview techniques.
How about me now? I am a recognized clinical psychologist who regularly undergoes further training in various facets of therapy and coaching. My main therapy focus is within Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. Based on my vision on humans, I do not only work on solving problems, but I also look to help people who feel well to grow even further in their development.
Wait… so what specifically is a “primary care psychologist” then?
A primary care psychologist offers help with the most common psychological complaints. You will receive advice and short-term help if you suffer from mild or moderate psychological problems. The focus is on increasing the psychological self-reliance and autonomy of the client by exploring the situation. In a number of sessions we look for ways to make you feel better and move forward again.
Sometimes it turns out that more thorough or specialized help is needed. Then a primary care psychologist will assist with a referral to the 'secondary line'. Mental health care can sometimes feel like a jungle. Together we look for the best options for you.
I focus on primary psychology because I prefer to help people at an early stage, in order to prevent more psychological suffering. You don't have to wait for the water to rise above your lips. There is help and together we can find a way forward for you.
And what did a psychiatrist do again?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialized in psychiatry after basic university training in medicine. Only medical doctors are allowed by law to prescribe medication. Depending on the approach, sessions with psychiatrists can be quite different. While some connect with further psychotherapy training and enter into longer convsersations, other psychiatrists mainly focus on prescribing, monitoring and adjusting medication.
do you accept every person/problem for sessions?
Regarding the WHAT (types of problems)? Ik focus me in mijn praktijk op eerstelijnspsychologie en probeer daarbij zo'n breed mogelijke ondersteuning aan te bieden. Wanneer ik vind dat jouw hulpvraag aansluit bij een specifieke diagnose en meer gespecialiseerde hulp of ondersteuning vraagt, zal ik jou helpen de juiste persoon of instantie te vinden in jouw regio. Ik communiceer hierover eerlijk en vraag ook elke cliënt me tijdig feedback te geven over hoe zij de begeleiding ervaren.
Regarding WHO? I view every client as a human worthy of being helped and heard. In my practice I do not make any distinction based on gender, skin colour, sexual orientation, religion, economic or cultural background, etc. Everyone is welcome. Please do note that I do not specialize in working with young children. I am happy to refer you to specialized colleagues for this. I accept young people from 14 years and older in my practice.
Regarding WHO? I view every client as a human worthy of being helped and heard. In my practice I do not make any distinction based on gender, skin colour, sexual orientation, religion, economic or cultural background, etc. Everyone is welcome. Please do note that I do not specialize in working with young children. I am happy to refer you to specialized colleagues for this. I accept young people from 14 years and older in my practice.
Testimonials
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I felt like a baby turtle afraid to come out of the egg. You helped me break my cocoon and now I'm on my way to sea. I'm not there yet, but thanks to you I feel strong enough to finally start my voyage.
- Young woman, 25 years old We are so happy that you came on our path! You have a good connection with our son. Thanks to your support and positive input, he is still with us! This connection is/was worth its weight in gold!
- feedback from a mother on counseling her 19-year-old son |
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"Give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.
The courage to change the things I can.
And the wisdom to know the difference."