About Hanne
I am an experienced therapist specializing in the treatment of (complex) trauma, personality disorders (Cluster B and C), and issues related to self-image. Since 2019, I have been working from my own practice in Bavel, where I offer a combination of individual- and group therapy and supervision. My approach is in-depth, experiential, and always attuned to the person behind the symptoms.
Working with people using drama and creative arts therapy methods is a powerful and inspiring combination, which I practice with great passion. In therapy, we work actively. Through doing and experiencing, you discover more about yourself and your inner world. I guide you step by step in recognizing your behavior, desires, emotions, patterns, and bodily sensations — so that you gain a clearer understanding of what lives inside you and what you need.
My background lies in both social work and drama therapy. I trained in the Netherlands and the UK, and have worked across various care settings, including youth services, adult mental health, and specialized mental healthcare. My broad experience — from intensive systemic work to individual psychotherapy — enables me to get to the heart of even the most complex issues quickly.
In addition to my practice, I provide training and continuing education in Schema Therapy, Drama Therapy, and Narrative Therapy, including at RINO Zuid and the British Drama Therapy Association. I am a registered supervisor for schema therapists and creative arts therapists, and I develop training programs for professionals working in mental health care and the social domain.
My strength lies in combining depth with creativity, clinical sharpness with humanity. I work from the belief that healing begins with recognition, connection, and space to be who you truly are.
Education and Experience:
After graduating as a social worker in 1998, I lived and worked in Scotland and London for nine years. During this time — and in the years that followed — I gained over twenty years of experience in youth and health care, working in a wide variety of roles and with diverse client groups.
As a social worker, child protection officer, and therapist, I worked with people dealing with personality disorders, (complex) trauma, ADHD, autism, elderly, children and adults with severe behavioral issues and special needs. I worked in child and youth care, child protection, psychiatry, and also independently as a drama teacher with different client groups. In 2005, I earned my Master’s degree in Drama Therapy from the University of Hertfordshire in London. Since 2006, I have been living and working in the Netherlands. Among other roles, I worked as a child protection officer at the William Schrikker Group in Rotterdam, as a therapist for Social and Communication Skills at the Centre for Autism in Voorburg, and as a social worker at the Leo Kanner House in Goirle.
In 2009, I started my own practice — initially part-time and now full-time. I also worked freelance as a drama teacher for the Social Work program at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, gave guest lectures at the Arts Therapy program (Drama and Speech) at Leiden University of Applied Sciences, and served for nine years as a guest lecturer and assessor for various creative therapy programs at HAN University of Applied Sciences in Arnhem and Nijmegen. From 2019 to 2023, I supervised first-year Social Work students at Avans University of Applied Sciences in Breda.
Over the years, I have continued to deepen and broaden my knowledge through ongoing professional development. I have completed training in ACT, Narrative Therapy, Forum Theatre, Narrative Sandplay, Schema Therapy, Developmental Transformations and Polyvagal Theory. In 2020, I completed my clinical Supervisor training at PAO in Amsterdam.
I am currently training as a psychodrama therapist, specializing in the Therapeutic Spiral Model — a psychodrama method focussing on trauma work.
My extensive experience forms the foundation of my work as a therapist. I am always curious about each client’s story and I approach everyone with an open, inquisitive attitude. My practice is grounded in experiential methods, with a focus on body, emotion, and felt experience.
Free Time:
I am married and we have a 14-year-old daughter together. I love working in my garden and vegetable plot. I enjoy cooking and being creative — I sew clothes and love knitting. I also enjoy day trips, discovering new places, and traveling. Reading is a big passion of mine too. There is never enought time for all the things I’d like to do.
How others see me:
Clients often tell me that I work in a focused and practical way, that I create a safe and pleasant atmosphere, and that I instill confidence in their own abilities. Other qualities that are often mentioned include patience, professionalism, enthusiasm, experience, good listening skills, creativity, respect, and a calming presence.My strength lies in combining depth and creativity, clinical sharpness and humanity. I believe that healing begins with recognition, connection, and the space to be who you truly are. From that foundation, room arises for play, creativity, and spontaneity — allowing new perspectives to emerge.
Feel free to contact me if you would like to know more about me, my approach, or the therapy methods I offer.
Warm regards,
Hanne