Karel | Body-Oriented Therapist

Introduction

Body-Oriented Therapy

Feelings of loneliness, stress, burnout, and chronic fatigue are common complaints that can be addressed with body-oriented therapy. Suppressed emotions and stress often get stored in the body, which can lead to both physical and emotional symptoms such as migraines, lower back or shoulder pain, weakened immunity, or excessive worrying.

Body-oriented therapy is a form of therapy where you learn to be present by experiencing rather than thinking. We go beyond talking and understanding, we go deeper. This helps you quickly reach the core of your problem as we look at the underlying causes. Throughout life, you accumulate experiences, and the effects of those experiences are stored in your body. Bodywork helps release tension and supports the processing of suppressed emotions. That’s why the body is our starting point. You’ll be encouraged to become more aware of your physical sensations, which helps you reconnect with your desires, spontaneity, strength, and relaxation.

About Me

After studying Civil Engineering, I worked as a project manager and held various leadership roles in bridge construction and the energy sector. What motivated me in that work was guiding teams and creating something tangible together. From the outside, everything seemed to go smoothly, but inside, I knew I couldn’t go on like that. Therapy seemed too “soft” to me at the time, I thought I could fix it all myself. Admitting that I couldn’t eventually led me, ten years ago, to bodywork. It was a turning point in my life.

I was shown a mirror and invited to take an honest look at myself. For the first time, I experienced real connection, while staying firmly grounded. After eight years of experience with bodywork, I felt it was time for the next step. I began training in body-oriented psychotherapy and have since dedicated myself to being a therapist and trainer in my practice in Arnhem.

Sessions

I offer therapy and coaching to people who want to understand themselves more deeply or feel stuck in life or work. Common issues include depression, headaches, neck pain, burnout, relationship problems, and work-related stress.

My approach is characterized by direct communication. I use a range of body-oriented methods, including systemic constellations, character analysis, breathwork, bioenergetics, and Gestalt techniques. These are always secondary to what you need and how the connection between us unfolds during the session. Working with posture, movement, sensation, voice, and expression, I help you become aware of the signals your body sends and the emotions or behaviors linked to them. Trust and truth form the foundation of each session. I'd be happy to tell you more during an intake session at my practice in Arnhem.

Are You Struggling With or Feeling Limited By...

Mental concerns:

• Loneliness

• Difficulty setting boundaries

• Trouble making decisions

• Imbalance between work and private life

• Questions about meaning or purpose

• Relationship issues

• Grief

• Trauma

Physical symptoms:

• Burnout

• Chronic fatigue

• Recurring neck and shoulder tension

• Hyperventilation

• Anxiety or panic attacks

• Tension headaches (migraines)

• Lower back pain

• Stress

I focus on people who want to explore themselves more deeply and feel stuck in some aspect of their life or work. This may manifest in the symptoms above or, for example, in the inability to express emotions. These issues often arise when a part of you hasn’t been developed or doesn’t have space to be. Truth and trust are essential in my work. I’m not a therapist who simply tells you what you want to hear. I hold up a mirror, ask challenging questions, and together we explore how you can move closer to your own truth and from there, create real change.

If you want to know more or make an appointment, feel free to contact me via the Send a message - button.

Karel