My journey towards working with burnout an stress started when I was 24. My fascination for Buddhism took me to the Far East where I was trained by Buddist nuns and learned about the art of silence and meditation.
My first job as account manager for McCann Erickson taught me more than I needed to know about the speed of the corporate world, stress, drive, politics, perfectionism, ambition and fierce competition. After my business partner died and we lost everything we worked for, I burned out. I was 28.
During my recovery I learned about what it was that made me voluntarily destroy myself and especially why. It was one of the most powerful experiences of my life and it created who I am today. I wanted to learn how to thrive instead of survive. I wanted to grow, learn, understand and try again.
I became the Executive Assistant to the Supervisory Board of STMicroelectronics. By working with top level executives around the globe for 12 years, I had the privilege of observing the survival of the fittest under the toughest and most stressful circumstances. I was fascinated by the top level performers who blossomed under pressure and stayed sharp and driven. I took a deep dive into best practices when it comes to stress resilience, efficiency and productivity.
During my corporate years my curiosity continued to call me towards personal growth, optimal performance in sports and life, stress management and the magical properties of the breath.
I was trained by Sonya Sophia, Master Level EFT Practitioner (Emotional Freedom Techniques) who taught me the art of self-compassion and how to channel your own energy constructively instead of destructively. I organized rebirthing Meditation Workshops with Bassam Younes and learned about the power of the breath. I learned about the power of vulnerability and authenticity through Authentic Relating Techniques with Anke Verhees. I learned how to replenish my depleted energy systems with sports and music and became a certified Spinning Instructor at Mad Dog Athletics. I learned that sitting still and observing is progress instead of stagnation through Mindfulness. I learned that there is an endless source of happiness and satisfaction called Positive Psychology. I implemented a Gratitude Practice through the work of Shawn Achor. I lead a Mastermind group and learned about the importance of setting realistic goals and that together we are more than the sum of our parts. After an Ayahuasca session in 2014 some very old and deep wounds resurfaced. EMDR was the tool that helped me heal these old wounds and taught me that all pain serves a greater purpose. After healing my own deepest pain, my psychotherapist and now mentor and supervisor trained me to use this tool in my practice. She continues to teach me how to work with an open heart and an open mind.
I finally left the corporate world and started my fulltime practice after completing the Burnout and Stress coaching training at the HR Academy in Belgium. Currently I’m a Psychosocial Therapist in training with Psychodidact.
As a specialist and therapist I believe that burnout and stress are catalysts for personal growth and positive change. Together with the client we work on creating awareness of the personal triggers, patterns, traps and personality traits that turn stress into a destructive force. Clearly seeing and understanding these traps creates the space to transform these old destructive ways into constructive and sustainable energy management allowing you to truly thrive in work and life.
When working with clients I strive towards giving them an experience that will not only heal or prevent burnout but also gives you the tools and lessons that will last a lifetime.
