Barbara
Strategic Coach and ACT / CBT Therapist, Mindfulness, Body-Oriented Therapy, and specialized in Giftedness.
Introduction
Support tailored to your personal or professional questions, from short-term or longer-term psychological support to working through a specific coaching question. I specialize in Strategic Coaching and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) I also work with CBT-protocols, mindfulness, and body-oriented methods. I have extensive experience with giftedness and issues related to high ability/sensitivity.
I live and work in Groningen, am a mother of four, and in addition to my coachingwork, I'm also a practicing medical doctor
I offer support for a wide range of questions f.e. work, personal development, relationships, and more. I run a practice for adults. Feel free to contact me for more information (by email or online) or to schedule an introductory meeting.
Building on my background as an ACT therapist and physician, I specialize in integrating a variety of techniques. In my coaching practice, I utilize tools such as the Coach Matrix, systemic constellations, visualizations, and simulations. I also frequently incorporate metaphors and focus on values, acceptance, and mindfulness, all rooted in my ACT training.
I facilitate perspective shifts by applying Transactional Analysis, the Drama and Winner’s Triangles, and drawing on my experience in body-oriented psychotherapy. When needed, we can also work with specific CBT protocols to address particular challenges. Based on your individual needs, I provide exercises during sessions that you can continue practicing at home. Everything is tailored to support your personal process toward change and improvement.
My practice for Strategic Coaching and ACT is located in the heart of Groningen, in a beautiful historic building at Damsterkade 9. While I share the building with others, sessions take place in a quiet, welcoming room where we can talk in privacy and focus fully on your coaching or therapeutic questions.
Online sessions, walk-and-talk coaching, or a mindfulness walk through the city or park can also be part of the process. And of course, you'll continue working on what you've learned in your own time at home.
If you want to know more or make an appointment, feel free to contact me.
Online therapy
Qualifications and registrations
2025 verdiepingsdag Ethisch Handelen (R. Melcherts, C. Gazendam, SCG)
2025 Transdiagnostische factoren bij Angst: Process-based therapy, van casusconceptualisatie naar behandeling, (Stefan Hofmann, nascholing VGCt)
2025 Nascholing Arbeidsgerelateerde Zorg en Arbocuratieve Samenwerking (KNMG)
2024 Workshop Groeisprongmethode (R. Melcherts, C. Gazendam, SCG)
2024 Masterclass Leef als een beest! (On)alledaagse stress te lijf (W. Hoogendijk, Brainfeed)
2024 Skills4Comfort-training, focustaal en praktische vaardigheden om angst, pijn en stress bij patiënten te verminderen (E. Groeneveld, Skills4Comfort)
2023 Strategisch Coachen, Strategisch Leiderschap (R. Melcherts, L. Rijkuiter, SCG)
2023 vervolgopleiding ACT bij CGT (L. Bruyninx, Factorpsy, J. A-Tjak, ACT-cursus)
2019-2022 3-jarig Supervisie traject vanuit Lichaamsgericht Georiënteerde Psychotherapie.
2019-2022 Jaarlijks scholing Hoogbegaafdheid (ERCB)
2020-2021 2-jarig leertherapietraject ACT / CGT
2021 Basisopleiding Cognitieve Gedragstherapie (J. Wijermans, Psy-zo)
2017 Vervolg Opleiding Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (J. A-Tjak, ACT-cursus)
2016 Strategisch Coachen, Strategisch Conflict Management (L. Stam, R. Melcherts, SCG)
2015 Opleiding Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) (J. A-Tjak, ACT-cursus)
2012 Basisopleiding Strategisch Coachen (R. Melcherts, Strategisch Coachen Groep, De Bilt)
This is only a limited overview. You're welcome to get in touch for further details, with no obligation.
Issues I can help with
- ADHD
- Anger management
- Anxiety
- Being a perfectionist
- Being assertive
- Bereavement, grief, loss
- Body image
- Bullying
- Burnout
- Career challenges
- Communication
- Cultural adjustment difficulties
- Depression
- Expat issues
- Fear
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Homesickness
- HSP - highly sensitive person
- Hyperventilation
- Insecurity
- Intercultural relationship problems
- Jealousy
- Life-meaning questions
- Loneliness
- Loss of meaning
- Low self esteem
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Panic attack
- Panic disorder
- Parenting
- Performance anxiety
- Phobia
- Relationship issues
- Self confidence
- Setting boundaries
- Sleep problems
- Social phobia
- Stress
- Study problems
- Trauma
- Work-related issues
- Workplace stress
- Worrying too much
Fees
INFORMATION
Working Method
Introductory session:
During the intake session, I will explain my working method and give you a sense of my approach. Together, we’ll explore whether we can enter into a coaching or therapy agreement. The aim of this introductory session is to determine what is possible and whether we’re a good match.
It is important that there is a sense of connection and that you feel safe and comfortable enough to work with me. This exploration goes both ways. It may be that your issue falls outside of my expertise or that another therapist would be better suited to help you. There may also be other reasons for me not to start a process with you, such as conflicts of interest or too much personal closeness (e.g. family or friends).
Follow-up sessions:
In consultation, we will determine the number and frequency of sessions. This may range from once a week to once a month, depending on your needs, the nature of your questions or challenges, and your goals. In some cases, a few sessions may be enough to help you move forward. Sessions generally last 50 minutes. Based on the severity, complexity, and potential risks of your concerns, we’ll estimate the number of sessions likely to be needed.
To support your personal development process, you’ll receive homework assignments that we co-create during the sessions. On average, these will take about 10–30 minutes per day. We will discuss your experience with these assignments and what they mean for you during our time together.
At the end of each session, we take a moment for a brief reflection to evaluate how the session supported your progress and goals.
- Private individuals: €125 per session, including administration costs
- Corporate/employer: €145 per session, including administration costs, VAT applicable
- On-site visit: €145 per hour, excluding travel expenses
- Double session: €25 discount
My practice operates without insurance contracts. This means I do not have agreements with health insurance companies, and sessions are not covered by insurance. Invoices are paid directly to me. Many clients consciously choose this type of care because it requires no GP referral and avoids any registration in your insurance medical record.
If you would like to discuss this with your manager or HR department, I will gladly prepare a non-binding corporate proposal outlining the clear goals of the coaching or training program.
- Cancellation: Scheduled appointments must be canceled at least 24 hours in advance.
- No-show fee: Missing an appointment without timely cancellation will incur a fee of 50% of the session cost, including administration.
- Payment terms: Invoices must be settled within 1 week, either via a WhatsApp payment request or by direct bank transfer.
Availability (Opening hours)
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