My Own Journey
of Inner Growth
About me...
Do not go where the path may lead. Instead, go where there is no path and leave a trail.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
In Brief...
I am a compassionate therapist dedicated to helping individuals on their healing journey. I integrate various effective approaches, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Relational Life Therapy (RLT), Somatic Therapy, and Sandtray Therapy.
My person-centred approach is rooted in Carl Rogers' belief in the inherent capacity for growth within every individual. To facilitate this, I provide a supportive and safe space, encouraging clients to foster an openness to experience, a trust in themselves, an internal source of evaluation, and a willingness to continue to grow.
Core Competencies:
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Individual Therapy: Utilise Internal Family Systems (IFS) and person-centred counselling approaches to guide clients through self-discovery, trauma processing, and emotional healing, addressing anxiety, depression, chronic conditions, and relationship challenges
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Couples Therapy: Apply Relational Life Therapy (RLT) and IFS principles to strengthen relationships through enhanced communication, conflict resolution, trust building, and intimacy development
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Somatic & Dance Movement Therapy: Integrate body-based healing approaches combining mindfulness, movement, and breathwork to help clients release physical and emotional tension and access deeper layers of healing
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Sandtray Therapy: Facilitate symbolic exploration and non-verbal processing for clients seeking to access unconscious material and gain deeper self-understanding
My Story
Born in the Netherlands, I embarked on a journey that unfolded like a tapestry of exploration and evolution. After studying IT management and navigating the corporate world, life took a poignant turn when I decided to move to Australia at the age of 32, spurred by the sudden loss of a dear friend. This significant event served as a catalyst for me to seek solace and balance in the practice of yoga, which I embraced wholeheartedly upon my arrival in 2000.
Yoga became not just a practice but a way of life, a sanctuary where I rediscovered my true essence and a sense of coming home to myself. In 2001, inspired by the transformative power of yoga, I embarked on a new path as a yoga teacher, sharing my passion for mindfulness and self-discovery with others. It was during this chapter of my life in Australia that I crossed paths with my soulmate, whom I later married, and together we welcomed two beautiful boys into the world in 2006 and 2007.
Despite being the co-owner of a successful IT management business, I chose to pivot towards a more heart-centred path following the birth of my youngest son, selling the business to devote my time to nurturing my family and sharing the gift of yoga with others. As I immersed myself in the world of yoga, I found another calling in training horses using natural horsemanship techniques, blending my love for animals with my newfound passion for holistic practices. This path, however, took an unexpected turn when a severe hip injury led me to reevaluate my journey, guiding me back to my yogic roots and reinforcing the idea that sometimes the universe has a way of nudging us back onto our true paths...
As life unfolded with its highs and lows, in 2020, I faced the profound loss of both my parents during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. These experiences of grief and transformation propelled me towards a deeper calling to serve others on a more personal level, leading me to embark on a new chapter as an inner growth coach in 2022. Driven by a desire to facilitate healing and growth from within, I delved into the realms of Somatic and Dance Movement Therapy (SDMT) and Relational Life Therapy (RLT) in 2023, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) in 2024, expanding my toolkit to incorporate the wisdom of the body, with the power of the mind, and the human desire for connection in my therapy practice. In 2024 I also started a Master's degree in Counselling at the University of Canberra.
My Passion
My passion is to empower individuals to release limiting beliefs and heal old wounds, helping them awaken their innate strength and connect with their authentic self. I firmly believe in the profound impact of positive, supportive energy and am dedicated to fostering an environment where individuals can access their inner wisdom, creativity, and resilience. I believe we all have the capacity to heal ourselves when we feel safe and supported enough to share our untold stories, allowing you to radiate your unique light in the world.
Recognising the intricate dynamics of human connections, I also utilise my expertise to support couples in navigating the complexities of intimate relationships with grace and understanding. I help partners to deepen their bond, enhance communication, and foster mutual growth within their connection.
My Method
In my practice of Inner Growth Therapy, I weave a tapestry of powerful modalities to guide individuals and couples on a journey of self-discovery, healing and growth.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is the cornerstone of my methodologies. IFS therapy offers a unique perspective on the mind, viewing it as a system of diverse parts, each with its own role and perspective. By engaging with these internal parts, you can foster self-compassion and understanding, leading to healing and integration. This approach enhances relationships with oneself and others by creating emotional balance.
Through the lens of Somatic Therapy (SDMT), we tap into the innate wisdom of the body, inviting you to explore and release emotional blockages stored within your physical being. This somatic approach serves as a gateway to unlocking deep-seated patterns and facilitating holistic healing.
Sandtray Therapy provides a powerful medium for self-expression and insight. In a designated sand tray, you are invited to create miniature scenes using a variety of figures and objects. This process allows for the externalisation of inner thoughts, feelings, and conflicts, often reaching aspects of the psyche that are difficult to articulate verbally. It can be particularly beneficial for exploring unconscious material, processing trauma, and gaining new perspectives on life challenges.
Relational Life Therapy (RLT) complements this framework by focusing on the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. RLT emphasises the importance of communication, empathy, and mutual respect in fostering healthy connections. By exploring the patterns and dynamics in your relationship, RLT helps identify and address underlying issues that may be causing conflict or disconnection. This therapeutic approach encourages you to express your needs and feelings openly, leading to deeper understanding and intimacy within your relationship. As you learn to navigate relational challenges with honesty and vulnerability, they cultivate stronger bonds and a renewed sense of trust, ultimately promoting healing and growth within your relationships.
Using guided Meditations and grounded Mindfulness Practices, my approach emphasises the importance of present-moment awareness and conscious living. By integrating mindfulness into everyday experiences, clients can cultivate a sense of inner peace, clarity, and harmony.
Through this holistic framework of Inner Growth Therapy, you will be empowered to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth.
My Credentials
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Graduate Diploma of Somatics and Dance-Movement Therapy (AQF Level 8 postgraduate qualification in Somatics, Counselling and Dance Movement Therapy) with Tensegrity Training
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Currently completing: Master degree in Counselling at the University of Canberra
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Currently completing: Graduate Diploma of Sandtray Therapy at Opengate Institute
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Level 2 Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist with Mind Beyond Institute
- Certified Relational Life Therapist (RLT) with Terry Real
- Certified Inner Growth Coach with Centred Meditation
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Certified Level 2 Advanced Life Coach with Awakened Academy
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Certified Level 2 Meditation Teacher with Centred Meditation Australia
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Registered Level 3 (E-RYT200 and RYT500) Senior Yoga Teacher with Yoga Australia and Yoga Alliance
What an absolutely amazing, rewarding, raw, confronting, cathartic experience it was to go through this journey with my wife of 20 years, in our relationship. I am truly grateful for the time, tools and space that were provided by Anneriek to improve our relationship and connection.
Luke, NSW
We trusted Anneriek to guide us through the process and she did not disappoint. She perfectly tailored the sessions for us. We both learned a lot, gaining some valuable tools and insights that we’re committed to putting into practice. We move forward into our journey together through early parenthood stronger and more connected than ever.
Sarah & Will, United Kingdom
A trusted friend recommended Anneriek when I spoke with them about the stress and anxiety I had been feeling for the past few years. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I knew I needed help. From the very first time we met, Anneriek made me feel at ease and has really helped me better understand why I think the way I do and how I can change that. I would highly recommend her services, she has really helped me.
Cameron, NSW
Anneriek is knowledgeable and nurturing. Her passion, drive and love are wonderfully infectious. Anneriek cried with me, laughed with me, but mostly held my hand through this journey of healing. Words cannot express how grateful I am for Anneriek’s guidance... it has been life-changing for me.
Ana M, NSW
Anneriek is a true inspiration like a light in the darkness, and a gentle hand on my back the whole time until I grew my own wings.
Jess S, Qld
Anneriek is wonderful, warm, soulful, wise, compassionate, and most of all inspiring. She could sum up in a few words how I was feeling, what was going on internally for me and validate my experiences.
Mardi B, Vic