Psychosocial Therapist. ACT Coach. Founder of TogetherSamen. Intercultural Guide. Change Facilitator.
Most of all though, I’m a fellow human being who understands that although life is beautiful, it’s not always easy.
Over 25 years ago, I left South Wales, UK, for the Netherlands as a brave and curious 18-year-old, chasing adventure and following her heart. Looking back many years later, I realise that I was actually running away from my circumstances – from a life where I didn’t feel truly seen or accepted for who I was. I was often confused – why did I miss my country so much when it was me who took the decision to leave it? Now I understand that I was seeking acceptance and love, not necessarily a new geographical home.
Today, I live in Hilversum, NL, with my anchor – my Dutch partner, and our two much loved (and often head strong!) teenage daughters who bring so much inspiration, curiosity, laughter, energy and challenges to our everyday lives, along with our beloved dog Holly and cat Koobie. And yet, the other side of the coin is that I have often felt like the ‘outsider’ in my own family, the only non-Dutch one, navigating a language, customs, and traditions that haven’t held the same meaning for me. I know first-hand how interesting, heart-warming, complex, and often lonely, intercultural life can feel.
I have more than 20+ years of experience of working within recruitment and HR environments, although deep down I felt something was missing – the genuine connection needed to help individuals in their personal journeys, not just in their careers.
During the Covid pandemic, everything I had built over 2 decades seemed to crash down. I lost my sense of direction in my relationships, my job and within myself. For many years I had been living according to the needs, wishes and expectations of others and society – on autopilot, disconnected. This insight was a painful awakening, and at the same time also such a gift. It brought me back to my heart – to my values, my needs, and a deep desire to live true to myself.
I finally came to understand something profound: it wasn’t that others weren’t accepting me – it was that I hadn’t yet learned to accept myself.
This insight led me to retrain to become a Psychosocial Therapist, I made the decision to listen to my heart and not my fears – to help others through their personal journeys, whilst offering my knowledge, my experience and my compassion.
As the founder of TogetherSamen, I offer guidance for those navigating the many layers of life in the Netherlands – or wherever their international/ intercultural life has taken them.
Every day, I’m moved by the wonderful people I meet. I am inspired by the courage, strength and resilience of those building a new life in a different environment. Seeing how others adapt to change teaches me so much and motivates me in my own life and in my therapy practice.
We all go through difficult periods in our lives. Often, we can overcome them ourselves with the support of those around us. Sometimes, though, a bit of extra support is needed. That’s where I can walk beside you, offering a space for you to pause, to breath, and to find your footing again.
My approach is person-centred and grounded in acceptance and compassion. I meet you where you are – with warmth, respect, and genuine curiosity. Therapy can be deep and emotional, but it can also include humour and moments of lightness; growth often comes through small shifts and gentle awareness.
Sessions together can be in English or Dutch, or a mix of the two languages if that makes things easier.
I offer both in-person and online therapy sessions, depending on what is practical for your situation. If you live further away or outside my local area, online sessions provide a flexible and accessible way for us to work together. If you’re nearby, we can meet in person or have hybrid sessions. My aim is to make therapy as accessible and supportive as possible, wherever you are.
I mainly work with Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) – a mindful, values based approach that helps you move toward a more meaningful and connected life.
I may also draw on Positive Psychology, Voice Dialogue, Body-Oriented Therapy, or Creative/Systemic methods.
It’s important to me that you feel safe and supported in your process. From there, we can begin walking the first steps of your new path together.