Trauma is understood not merely as what happened 'to' you, but rather as what happened 'within' you. Trauma does not reside solely in our memories or thoughts; it leaves traces in our bodies, nervous systems, and beliefs, as well as in the way we relate to ourselves and others. Many of the patterns we encounter in daily life—such as anxiety, shame, perfectionism, people-pleasing, making oneself small, or struggling with boundaries—often originated as attempts to protect ourselves. When you have experienced (developmental) trauma, you have become disconnected not only from what was painful, but also from your unique essence and qualities.
Restoring a sense of safety is central to (trauma) therapy. By paying attention to what is happening within the body and nervous system, as well as the underlying dynamics that have shaped us, space opens up for processing, relaxation, and change. This is a process that requires time and attention. It asks you to open yourself up not only to your personal history, but also to bodily sensations (the "felt sense") and action tendencies. At the same time, we carry with us not just our personal history, but also the influence of our family system, culture, and the society in which we grew up. These factors profoundly influence both the course of your life and your approach to living. My approach is holistic, which means I view the person as a whole; body, emotions, thoughts, relationships and life history are inextricably linked. In a therapeutic process, the focus is not only on recovery, but also on rediscovering who you are at your core. Consequently, a source of suffering can become a gateway to greater awareness, self-compassion, and a sense of coming home to yourself. You could call this an awakening to who you truly are.
Perspective on (trauma) therapy and coaching
‘Trauma begins to heal when you are met with safe love at the very moment you expect abandonment. When you brace to be forgotten, but instead you are remembered’.
Jef Foster
Why body-oriented
In body-oriented therapy, the focus is not solely on the narrative, but also on what the body has held onto and remembered all this time. After all, stress, tension, and difficult experiences do not always simply vanish on their own. They can become lodged in the nervous system and manifest as physical complaints, restlessness, fatigue, tension, or recurring patterns in relationships and daily life.
Insights from polyvagal theory, among others, tell us that our nervous system is constantly scanning for safety. When the body has experienced prolonged stress or a lack of safety, truly relaxing can become difficult—even when your mind knows there is no longer any immediate danger.
Body-oriented therapy helps you to reconnect with your body and nervous system. This is achieved not by forcing yourself or over-analyzing everything, but by gradually experiencing a greater sense of safety, awareness, and inner space. Through breathwork, focused attention, body awareness, movement, and gentle exercises, stored tension can slowly release, fostering a greater sense of calm, connection, and vitality. Relying solely on feelings—or solely on words—is insufficient; there must be a link between feelings, words, and your personal history. Only then can healing occur at a deep level.
I work…
body-oriented. This means we don’t just talk; we focus on—and raise awareness of—what is happening in your body. After all, that is where experiences are stored... That is often precisely where what needs to be seen resides. See the text ‘Why body-oriented’ above.
in a session, we also work on 'I-strength'—your capacity for self-healing and self-regulation. This is essential for allowing your system to open up to a process of awakening. During the session, I provide exercises that help restore your nervous system or otherwise enhance your capacity to hold and process experience.
being-oriented. A session aims to fully allow whatever is alive within you at this moment to be true, and to work towards restoring who you are in essence.
relational. Trauma arises in connection and can therefore only be healed in connection. That is why the connection between you and me is an essential part of the therapeutic process.
experiential. In a session, I don't just provide explanations and context; the most important thing is the experience itself!
‘Trust is a confident relationship with the unknown’
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