Your questions, answered

Individual Therapy

How long do I have to wait to start therapy?

I usually offer free consultation appointments within 1 to 4 days of being contacted. After our conversation, you’re welcome to take your time to decide whether you’d like to start therapy. If you feel ready, we can arrange your first session right away.

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How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?

That’s exactly what the free consultation is for. It gives us both a chance to see if we connect and if my approach feels right for you.

What do I need to prepare for my first session?

Nothing special is required — just come as you are. It can help to reflect on what brings you to therapy and what you’d like to work on, but we’ll explore this together.

How long should I expect to go to therapy for?

This depends on your needs and goals. Some people attend just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. We’ll regularly review your progress and adjust as needed.

Will everything I share stay confidential?

Yes. Everything you share in therapy is treated as strictly confidential, in line with professional and ethical guidelines. Exceptions only apply in rare cases of serious risk of harm.

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Why should I consider private therapy?

Private therapy offers flexibility, shorter waiting times, and the ability to choose a therapist who feels like the right fit for you. It also allows us to tailor sessions fully to your needs without external limitations.

Does my insurance cover therapy?

Whether sessions are reimbursed depends on your individual health insurance plan. In the Netherlands, therapy is not covered under the basic healthcare package, but some additional insurance plans may offer partial reimbursement. I recommend checking directly with your provider to see what applies to you.

Can I cancel a scheduled session?

Yes. I ask that you give at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Sessions cancelled later than this may be charged. Read more in the Pricing and FAQs section about this.

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I do not want to continue with therapy, what happens?

That’s completely okay. Therapy is your choice, and you are free to stop at any time. We can either end our work together right away or use a final session to reflect on what you’ve gained and how to continue supporting yourself moving forward.

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If you have more questions, we can discuss them during the free consultation. Of course, you can also send me an email or call me and ask questions in advance.

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​Couples Therapy​

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What happens during the first couples therapy session?

During the first couples therapy session, we explore what brings you to therapy, the history of your relationship and the changes you would both like to see. We also look at the strengths in your relationship and identify recurring communication or conflict patterns that may be contributing to current difficulties.

Do both partners need to attend couples therapy?

Yes. Couples therapy is most effective when both partners attend and take part in the sessions. If one partner cannot attend a particular appointment, we can discuss whether it is appropriate to continue or whether the session should be rescheduled.

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Will you meet with us individually?

As part of the couples therapy assessment, I may meet briefly with each partner individually. This can provide space to discuss personal background, relationship history or concerns that may be difficult to raise immediately in a joint session. The main couples therapy work takes place together.

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How long does couples therapy usually take?

The length of couples therapy depends on your goals, the difficulties you are experiencing and how long the relationship patterns have been present. Some couples benefit from a focused number of sessions, while others need longer-term support. We will review your progress regularly.

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How often do couples attend therapy?

Couples usually attend therapy weekly or fortnightly. Regular sessions are often most helpful at the beginning of couples therapy, especially when conflict is frequent, communication has broken down or the relationship is under significant pressure.

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What if one partner is unsure about couples therapy?

It is common for partners to begin couples therapy with different levels of motivation or confidence. You do not both need to feel completely certain before attending the first session. What matters is that both partners are willing to participate honestly and explore whether change is possible.

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Is couples therapy about deciding who is right?

No. Couples therapy is not about choosing sides or deciding which partner is right. The focus is on understanding the relationship dynamic, recognising recurring patterns and helping both partners communicate more clearly and constructively.

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Can couples therapy help after infidelity?

Yes. Couples therapy after infidelity can provide a structured space to understand what happened, process the emotional impact and explore whether trust can be rebuilt. Therapy cannot guarantee that the relationship will continue, but it can support a more honest and constructive process.

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Can we attend couples therapy if we are considering separation?

Yes. Couples therapy can also support partners who are considering separation. It can help you clarify what each person wants, explore whether the relationship can be repaired and, where necessary, navigate separation with greater care and respect.

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Is couples therapy suitable when there is violence or coercive control?

Couples therapy is generally not appropriate when there is ongoing violence, coercive control, intimidation or fear of speaking openly in front of a partner. In these situations, individual therapy and specialised support may be safer and more appropriate. Safety will always take priority.

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How does confidentiality work in couples therapy?

Couples therapy is confidential within the usual professional and legal limits of confidentiality. As both partners participate in the therapy, we will discuss clear agreements about privacy, individual conversations and the sharing of information at the start.

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Information shared during an individual conversation will not automatically be disclosed to the other partner without permission. However, couples therapy cannot work effectively when I am asked to hold significant information that directly affects the relationship or the therapy. In such situations, I will support you in discussing the information with your partner. If this is not possible, we may need to pause or reconsider the couples therapy.

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Confidentiality may only be broken in exceptional circumstances, such as a serious and immediate safety concern or when disclosure is legally required.

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Can we have couples therapy online?

Yes. Online couples therapy can work well when both partners are able to join from a private and quiet location with a stable internet connection. Whether online couples therapy is suitable will depend on your circumstances and can be discussed during the initial consultation.

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If you have more questions, we can discuss them during the free consultation. Of course, you can also send me an email or call me and ask questions in advance.​

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Complaint Procedures

I aim to offer psychological care in a safe, professional, and respectful environment. If you are unhappy with any part of our work together, I encourage you to raise this with me directly first. I will take your concerns seriously, and we can look together at what is needed to resolve the situation.

If we cannot resolve the issue together, you have the right to submit a formal complaint through an independent complaints procedure, in accordance with the Dutch Healthcare Quality, Complaints and Disputes Act (Wkkgz).

I am affiliated with the independent complaints scheme “Er is iets mis gegaan”.

You can submit a complaint here. An independent complaints officer will support you during the process and, where possible, help mediate towards a suitable solution.