METHODS
All treatment methods aim to provide insights. By reflecting on who you are, what your issues are, and how to manage them, you will always gain a better understanding of yourself. Shedding light on what concerns you leads to greater insight. Below, you can read more about the different methods through which we can achieve insight in therapy.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a widely used treatment method. It is often the first choice for treatment according to clinical guidelines. Marjan has established a broad theoretical foundation in CBT through both her clinical psychology training at University and her subsequent GZ-training.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) teaches you to create a clear problem analysis. Often, the following parameters are analysed: 1. Situation: What situations trigger your symptoms? 2. Thoughts: What thoughts do you have, both consciously and unconsciously? 3. Feelings: What feelings do these events and thoughts lead to? What are your associated physical sensations? 4. Behavior: What do you do in response, and how do you behave? 5. Consequence: What are the short-term and long-term consequences of that behavior? Based on these parameters, you'll learn strategies for change. CBT primarily focuses on analyzing and altering thoughts and behaviors, which in turn affects emotions. This approach is particularly effective for anxiety-related issues.
ACT
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
ACT is a modern treatment method often referred to as the third generation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This approach differs from traditional CBT through significant additions and a somewhat different perspective. In many cases, it is not possible to completely change your thoughts. While formulating helpful thoughts can sometimes be effective, negative thoughts often persist, especially when you're feeling down.
ACT focuses on accepting negative thoughts and feelings and learning to take them less seriously. Mindfulness techniques play a crucial role in this process. A core component of ACT is its emphasis on positive psychology: discovering what truly matters to you in life—your personal values—and finding the courage to act in accordance with them. Positive psychology concentrates on enhancing, expanding, reactivating, or otherwise leveraging what is going well and your personal strengths. Although this aspect of psychology was long undervalued, it has gained significant popularity in recent years. At Psycheheel, this approach is embraced with enthusiasm.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
One of Marjan's favorite treatment methods is EMDR, due to its often surprisingly quick and positive results. EMDR can help process a wide range of distressing experiences, and it often does this significantly faster than therapy based solely on talking. After a thorough problem analysis, the focus is directed in a very targeted and intense manner on the experience that is difficult for you to process. Specific eye movements are then used to activate your brain's self-healing capacity.
Although EMDR is often associated with the treatment of severe traumas such as war experiences, sexual assaults, or natural disasters, it is also particularly effective for less extreme events. EMDR can effectively treat various distressing experiences that lead to anxiety, stress, irritability, or sadness. Examples include a failed job interview, a difficult childbirth, an accident, or the loss of a loved one. Specific phobias, such as fear of death, dentists, dogs, or geese, can also be addressed with this method. For more information, you can visit www.emdr.com or www.emdr.nl.
"I, someone with a bit of aversion to psychologists, was deeply affected by my younger sister’s psychological issues. I was very worried, had disturbing dreams, and struggled with my schoolwork. After an intake, Marjan advised me to try EMDR to help process the troubling dreams. Slightly skeptical, I started the therapy. During a session, you revisit the disturbing dream and process it by following a light, which helps reduce the unpleasant feelings associated with it. My thoughts wandered in all directions: from my family to a piece of music and back to the dream. After a session, you feel extremely tired, but the distressing feeling connected to the image is gone. I’m very glad I did it and I learned a lot during the sessions. I now handle things better and give myself time to process difficult issues. Marjan was a great psychologist who truly dispelled my doubts and prejudices about psychologists. Thank you!"
Making the unconscious conscious
Outdoor Psychology, Hypnotherapy, and Body-Oriented Therapy
The unconscious plays a powerful role in our lives. The part that operates outside our direct awareness is much larger and more influential than the conscious mind. Ap Dijksterhuis, author of Het slimme onbewustzijn, suggests that the unconscious has a processing capacity that is up to 200,000 times greater than that of the conscious brain. While this capacity often works to our advantage, it can also hinder us when dealing with psychological issues. At Psycheheel, we offer treatment methods aimed at making the unconscious more conscious. If this resonates with you, feel free to let us know, and together we’ll find the best approach for you.
Outdoor Psychology
In 2022, Marjan was trained and inspired by the Buitenpsychologen (Outdoor Psychologists) to incorporate the ancient wisdom that nature is healing into her treatment. Psycheheel walks in the Stadspark and, when feasible, in nature areas a bit further from the city (such as the Appelbergen or the Onlanden). For more information, I refer you to: Buitenpsychologen – We walk with you (debuitenpsychologen.nl) or get inspired by this video: https://vimeo.com/361820473.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis is making a comeback, and that’s great. It is deeply relaxing and helps you access processes that would otherwise remain unconscious. Experiences, emotions, and beliefs can be understood and processed differently. It helps you understand why you react the way you do and that you can change this. This method can be very effective when applied carefully and without any mystical overtones. You, the client, are always in control—nothing happens against your will, and sessions can always be recorded so that you know exactly what’s happening. Additionally, you can practice at home with these recordings. The healers of ancient indigenous peoples around the world have long used trance journeys (including soul retrieval), and psychologists have managed to incorporate this ancient knowledge into their hypnosis practice.
Body-oriented therapy
In 2023, Marjan completed a year-long program called 'Incorporating the Body in Therapy,' where she became more aware of the connection between body and mind and how bodywork can be used in therapy and diagnostics. Learning to listen to your body is an important skill in getting to know yourself and taking better care of yourself. Students in particular, and Western people in general, have learned to rely on their intellect and often become so preoccupied that they lose touch with their bodies and the feelings within. Your emotions can be overshadowed by depression, anxiety, or compulsions, which is unfortunate because these emotions reveal who you are and what you need.
"When I came to Marjan, I was suffering from burnout symptoms. The hypnotherapy was very helpful in gaining insight into why I act the way I do and how this affects my fatigue, all within five sessions. It was very effective and nice to work in this way. It brought me closer to my feelings. I was good at talking about my feelings, but not at actually feeling them. The hypnotherapy allowed me to feel, and I really appreciated the way you conducted the sessions. I felt completely at ease and was able to open up fully. Additionally, I still use the relaxation exercise whenever I experience stress."
