Reflecting on my own midlife transition and ageing, and simultaneously pondering the myriad challenges and crises in the world - such as mental health, demographic shifts, housing, and climate - became a pivotal catalyst for birthing the movement of Conscious Ageing. In 2019, I co-founded the Hekate Conscious Ageing Foundation.

Through my work in Conscious Ageing and conscious living, alongside the application of the Gestalt approach, I delved deeper into the design framework of Permaculture. This exploration helped me comprehend the beauty and wisdom of Nature's intricate yet fundamental ecosystems, along with their interconnectedness. Today, Nature and Permaculture form another cornerstone of my life philosophy and are integral to my therapeutic, coaching, and organizational work.

Since 2017, conscious ageing and conscious living have become foundational elements of my life, significantly shaping both my professional and personal spheres. This not only allows me to integrate Gestalt therapy, mental health, and (social) permaculture but also enables me to effect positive social change at individual, community, and societal levels.

About me

My life is driven by an endless curiosity to observe, explore, find meaning, and understand the interconnectedness of life - whether it's a cell in our body, a human being in her/his environment, or Earth's ecosystems.

My career path authentically reflects my exploration and understanding of the world around me. It began with a deep admiration for the beauty of systems and processes, which I fully immersed myself in while working with integrated information systems at complex corporate organizations. However, I soon realized that the people within these organizations, utilizing these IT systems, were the most crucial components.

While my fascination with built systems persisted, I felt a strong desire to learn more about the individuals making sense of and utilizing them. Throughout this journey - both as a leader and a consultant - I acquired extensive knowledge and experience, along with certifications, in organization development, change management, and coaching.

During these formative years, I began applying the Gestalt approach in my work and witnessed its effectiveness on both individual and organizational levels. As my focus shifted entirely to human beings, transitioning to become a Gestalt therapist felt like a natural yet significant step.

Arriving at this juncture in my life - established in my professional career, with a family and a settled life - I found myself amidst the tumult of midlife change. Moving to The Netherlands with my family in my early 40s emphasized the need to pause, reconsider, and redefine my personal and professional identity.