ABOUT ME
I'm Derek
a psychologist and coach in Wageningen
I guide people who are stuck in stress, old patterns, or a need for control, and who long for more peace, direction, and freedom. In doing so, I combine psychology with body awareness, intuition, and spirituality—always focusing on how you can apply these concepts in your daily life.
Why I Do This Work
My own journey of self-discovery began over fifteen years ago. The magical and wondrous world of psychedelics—and especially their therapeutic application—has profoundly changed my perspective on myself and on life. As a result, my personal development gained momentum.
At the same time, I discovered how easy it is to go from one journey, ceremony, or retreat to the next without anything actually changing in your daily life. An insight is often incredibly powerful, but it only becomes valuable when you can translate it into how you live, make choices, work, and interact with others.
That is precisely where my passion lies: helping insights take root in everyday life. This also applies to my own process—practice what you preach—and forms the core of the guidance I offer others.
My Approach to Coaching
Psychology
Together, we’ll explore the beliefs, emotions, and patterns that are holding you back. My background in psychology and analysis helps shed light on what’s going on and where change is possible.
Body Awareness
Not everything can be resolved simply by talking about it or thinking it through. Your body carries experiences, tension, and emotions. By listening to those as well, you create space for processing, peace, and change.
Insight only becomes change when it becomes part of how you live your life.
Meaning and Action
We explore what your insights, intuition, and experiences are trying to tell you. We then translate this into concrete choices and steps, so that change is not only felt from within but also becomes visible in your daily life.
My Background
and Skills
Master's degree in psychology from Leiden University,with a thesis specializing in burnout.
PNEI and orthomolecular medicine, body-oriented trauma therapy, EMDR, and EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques).
More than fifteen years of experience in coaching a wide range of individuals: from young professionals to retirees, and from those with vocational training to scientists and professors.
Energy management, stress and burnout, trauma healing, future life design, living intuitively, and developing greater peace, direction, and confidence.
PERSONAL PHOTO – ADD LATER
Just Derek, too
I live in Wageningen with my husband Mark and our son and daughter, who came into our lives through a Dutch surrogate mother. Fatherhood keeps me focused on what really matters: being present, maintaining a sense of wonder, and giving room for growth.
People describe me as cheerful, intuitive, practical, analytical, and curious. I love to explore things deeply, but I also try not to make life harder than it needs to be.
"Not the insight itself, but the courage to live by it,
"brings change"
What You Can Expect from Me
Mindful Presence
I listen to what you say—and to what’s harder to put into words.
Honestly and without judgment
Anything that comes up is worth exploring—with an open mind, curiosity, and without feeling the need to prove anything.
Depth and Practical Steps
We look for the underlying layer of your story and translate what we discover into choices and actions that fit your life.
Space for your own process
You don't have to adopt my perspective. We'll explore what psychology, intuition, symbolism, and spirituality mean to you and what truly helps you move forward.