My Story

​The reason I started MindWork is personal since I struggled with my own mental health. As a teenager, I faced life events that I didn’t know how to process or handle. These events, combined with some negative beliefs about myself, left me feeling trapped. It was as if I was stuck in my own mind—drowning in emotions, but unable to express or make sense of them.​

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Feeling Stuck and Alone

​One of the most difficult things I experienced was the feeling of being completely alone in my struggles. It felt like I was living with my worst enemy—myself. It felt like being stuck in a small, tiny tent with someone who constantly criticised and belittled me, someone who I couldn't escape from. That’s what it felt like living with my own mind. Despite the support I received, I struggled to let it in because my feelings didn’t feel valid. I wanted connection but found it difficult to open up. My emotions felt overwhelming, and even though I longed for closeness, I didn’t know how to fully let people be there for me.

 

Discovering the Root of My Struggles

Over time, I began to understand that my struggles were rooted in beliefs I had formed about myself. Beliefs like: "My feelings aren't valid," "I'm not good enough". These beliefs were shaped by experiences and made everything feel like a constant battle. They kept me from moving forward, kept me trapped in self-doubt and self-criticism.​

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The Turning Point

Through my journey, I learned that healing didn’t just came from understanding my thoughts and beliefs—but that it also came from feeling my emotions and digging deeper to uncover their roots. With the right support from a therapist, I was able to explore these feelings, not just analyze them. I was taught to sit with my emotions, to acknowledge them fully, rather than bypassing them or rushing to find a solution. This process of truly feeling, of understanding the deeper causes, was important to break free from the beliefs that had kept me stuck for so long.​

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Why I Do What I Do Now

That’s why I started MindWork. I know firsthand what it’s like to feel stuck and desperate for change, and I believe that healing is possible through small, courageous steps. I'm here to support and guide you in your process, helping you shift limiting beliefs and work towards a life that is more balanced and where you feel more empowered

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From Experience to Professional

Driven to help others, I began my academic journey in Social Work at the University of Applied Sciences in Groningen with completing an honouors program. I then completed a transfer program at SPO University before earning my Master’s degree in Behavioral Science at the University of Groningen. During my final internship, I worked in specialized mental health care for children, adolescents, and their families.