My journey
Born in February 1967 to parents who did not feel safe in their own nervous systems after suffering atrocities as children during the Second World War, I grew up with an ambivalent attachment style. From a young age I felt very disregulated and I struggled with anger issues and depression during my life.
Eager to change and commit to anything that might help me I studied the Alexander Technique when I was in my twenties. Signing up later for Cranio Sacral Therapy and Reflex Inhibition Therapy. Besides my studies I developed a strong interest in Chinese Medicine, meditation and neurofeedback. My biggest personal challenge was learning how to bring together all the useful things I had discovered so I could consistently regulate my nervous system and become resilient.
I have dedicated my life to this journey in which touch plays a mayor role. Over time I became better at understanding the bigger patterns that lay at the root of my imbalances and how to truly resolve issues on many layers. In the process became better at helping others.
I consider myself a late bloomer, it wasn’t until my early fifties that I found my path in work, life and love. Today I am happily married and I live with my husband Gijs in the south of The Netherlands. I have no children of my own but I was warmly adopted by my husband’s family and recently became a bonus grandmother. My grand daughter was born in 2025 and she has brought to life the theory I learned about early childhood reflexes and early development. It is a joy to spend time with her and watch her grow and develop.
“I believe our lives are shaped by what we fail to notice. We often tend to think that commitment, dedication and effort shape our health and our lives. To a certain extent this is true. But when recurring issues come up I suggest you stop trying harder and try and figure out what it is you fail to notice. I use touch to help clients uncover very common problems which completely eluded their awareness.. An over stimulated trigeminal nerve, fascia tension caused by orthodontics, uninhibited reflexes or a detrimental habit they weren’t aware of are some examples”
Professional education
- Alexander Techniek Opleiding Nederland (1993-1996) teachers: A.J. Hoorweg en J. Burger. (Three year training; 1600 hours)
- Post Graduate Trimester at the Constructive Teaching Centre London teachers: W. en D. Carrington. (1996)
- Upledger Doorn – teachers S. Visser, H. Huikeshoven, T. Bottema, M. Volkering (2001 – 2005)
Modules: CranioSacraal Therapie I (2001), CranioSacraal Therapie II (2003), Somato Emotional Release (2004) CranioSacraal Therapie in de pediatrie (2005) - Equine Cranio Sacral therapy, teacher: Maureen Rogers (2008-2016)
Modules: ECS 1, ECS2, ECS3, cranium dissection (ECD)
Modules horse anatomy (dissection of the de forelegs, spine and back legs) - Reflex Inhibition Therapy, Margaret Mulder, (2014-2015)
- I have been a member of the Dutch Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique since it was founded in 1996. I was active for this society respectively as Secretary and Chair and member of several commissions.