Courage is often needed just for showing up in therapy. As we go through transitional stages – or, rites of passage – in our lives, we find ourselves in liminal spaces that carry a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability. At the same time, these are creative spaces, offering tremendous potential for growth and (re-)connection with ourselves, others, and life itself.
I grew up in Hamburg and moved to the Netherlands in 2010. My cultural background is Afro-German. Migration is part of my family history. Living as a migrant/expat made sense immediately, and I felt many things falling into place. At the same time, accommodating relationships to physical distance and letting go of familiar places and faces had an effecton multiple levels. While I certainly found moving to be a relief, it inevitably brings loss with it.
My approach to therapy is best described as contextual and person-centered. My aim is to offer people a sense of safety and belonging by embedding them in their strengths and familial and cultural resources. I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and I have obtained another Master’s degree in Philosophy, with a focus onbioethics. Currently, I am in training to become a transcultural systemic therapist, which encompasses family and couples therapy. It is based on an anthropological understanding of human interaction and diversity in culture, gender, religion, spirituality and sexuality. I also draw from the insights of acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodrama.
I offer therapy in English, Dutch and German in Amsterdam.