Trauma Treatment – EMDR and Therapeutic Writing

When you have experienced something frightening, distressing, or deeply impactful, it can sometimes be difficult to process the experience on your own. The memories may remain associated with intense or unpleasant emotions, and you may experience symptoms such as avoidance, feeling stuck, intense emotions, or difficulties falling or staying asleep.

The period of trying to conceive, pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood can also involve difficult or deeply impactful experiences, both for you personally and within your relationship.

Sometimes, becoming a parent can also bring unresolved experiences from earlier in your life to the surface. Experiences that you may not have fully processed can resurface as you enter parenthood yourself.

These experiences can not only lead to trauma-related symptoms and difficulties processing what has happened, but can also bring up strong emotions and questions about parenthood.

Common themes include: Am I a good enough parent? Feelings of intense guilt or failure, concerns about your child's attachment, or worries about feelings of anxiety or low mood that you may be experiencing. Many parents also worry that their own emotions or past experiences may have a significant impact on their child, their relationship with their child, or their child's attachment.

These themes and feelings can also be addressed effectively through EMDR or therapeutic writing, and I have extensive experience in working with these issues.

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Treatment Together with Your Child and/or Partner

When appropriate, your partner and/or child can also be involved in the treatment.

For example, for very young children who have experienced preverbal trauma, such as a highly distressing birth, a combined treatment approach can be offered. In this type of treatment, you may first receive trauma treatment yourself, followed by Storytelling (an EMDR-based approach) for your child.

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Mama & Baby Group

Are you looking for a relaxed and welcoming place where you and your baby can meet other mothers and babies, share experiences, and learn more about the beautiful — but sometimes also ambivalent and challenging — sides of motherhood?

Perhaps you recognise themes such as attachment, uncertainty, Who am I as myself versus who I am as a mother?, the many different roles that come with motherhood, asking for support from those around you, or finding your own village.

Then you are very welcome to join the Mama & Baby Group.

Each week, the first half hour of the group focuses on a particular theme, with Infant Mental Health (IMH) as the foundation. Afterwards, there is plenty of time to share experiences with one another. Each week, we also do a fun activity designed to further strengthen the connection between you and your baby.

Practical Information

When: Friday mornings, 11:00–12:00
Participation: Join whenever you like; registration is possible by WhatsApp or email
Where: Eisenhowerlaan 114, The Hague (free parking until 1:00 PM)
For whom: Mothers with or without their babies (up to 2 years old), and pregnant women
Price: €25 per session
Language: Dutch (English group can be started with enough parents, please let me know your interest).

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The room is equipped with a changing mat, coffee, tea and a small treat, as well as toys and play mats for children.

Please register via the email address or telephone number below.

The group will start with a minimum of 4 participants.

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Future Groups

Depending on interest, I hope to offer the following groups in the future:

• Papa & Baby Group

• Group for parents who have experienced the loss of a baby or child

If you are interested in either of these groups, please let me know by email or phone. I will start the groups once there are enough registrations.