I'd like to support you to come home to yourself.

Hi, I'm Merel.

I am a certified counsellor, somatic therapist and trauma-sensitive yoga facilitator, working mostly in the area of (complex, relational) trauma and with highly sensitive people. 

Because we store experiences not only in our minds, but also in our bodies, I have found a combination of talk-based and body-based (somatic) approaches most useful and beneficial in the therapy room. I am certified in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) and my work is further influenced by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Creative approaches, and Mindfulness – always rooted in person-centred and trauma-informed principles.

Complex trauma happens within relationships, and therefore, relationships play an important part in healing too. I value the therapeutic relationship and do my very best to create an environment that is open, respectful, honest, kind, flexible, creative, compassionate, and authentic. A place where we can meet each other in our shared humanity. 

This doesn't mean I won't challenge you, but it will always be done with respect and gentleness.

While I work from a person-centred approach, I also acknowledge we do not exist in a vacuum, and there are many layers and intersections of privilege and marginalization that influence our experience of existing in this world. I strive to have an ongoing awareness of intersectionality. 

My work aligns with neurodiversity affirming practices, as well as the Health at Every Size approach.

I have worked in the mental health field for about a decade now, with experience in acute adolescent psychiatry, kids helpline, risk management, mentoring, leadership, training, and counselling in community mental health before starting my private practice.

If you'd like to know a little more about the person I am outside of the therapy room, here are some facts about me...

- Every weekend I make a batch of chocolate treats to last me through the week. My current favourite is dates stuffed with peanut butter, covered in dark chocolate. 

- I enjoy filling my house up with plants, but am still working on my plant parent skills. 

- I make an effort to notice small signs of beauty in the world. A little bird, a reflection of light, an interesting leaf...these things bring me so much joy.

- I have a complicated relationship with tomatoes.

- I was born in Holland and came to Australia in 2008. I have built my own family here now and feel so lucky to be able to live in this part of the world.

Qualifications

- Bachelor of Psychology (2010)

- Diploma of Counselling (2021)

- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Level 1 (2024)

- Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga 300hrs (2019)

- Yoga Teacher Training 200hrs (2015)