In everyday life, we all experience emotions. Sadness when we lose something, joy when things go well, fear when danger arises. These are pure emotions. They’re part of being human. They come up, offer information, and if we allow them, they often fade on their own.

But there are also feelings that are more complex—like guilt and shame. And those tend to linger much longer.

What are pure emotions?
Pure emotions are universal. Think of:

• Sadness – when we lose someone or something.
• Joy – when something brings us happiness.
• Fear – in the face of (possible) danger.
• Anger – when our boundaries are crossed.

They are direct and functional. A child who falls and cries shows pure sadness. A dog that jumps at a loud noise and hides shows fear. Emotions give us information: Something is happening. They help us respond to what is happening right now.

What about feelings like guilt and shame?
Guilt and shame may seem like emotions, but they’re actually emotional constructs. They often arise later, shaped by what we’ve learned about ourselves, about what’s “right” and “wrong,” about how we’re supposed to be.

• Guilt says: “I did something wrong.”
• Shame says: “There is something wrong with me.”

These feelings are not inborn—they’re learned. Often, they begin in early childhood, shaped by our upbringing, environment, and trauma. They can become deeply rooted patterns that cause us to shrink, to reject parts of ourselves or to constantly try to please others.

Why does this distinction matter?
When we learn to recognize these feelings as old patterns—as something that once began but isn’t truly you—we create space. Space to choose. Space to feel what you’re actually experiencing in the moment.

Maybe there’s sadness underneath the shame. Or anger beneath the guilt. And most importantly: space opens for hope.

The first step: recognition and kindness
Acknowledging these feelings isn’t weakness. It’s an act of strength. It’s an invitation to rediscover yourself beneath layers of learned beliefs.

• Allow yourself to be curious. Not: “What’s wrong with me?” but: “Where did this come from?”
• Not: “I should be ashamed,” but: “What happened that made me start to feel this way?”

There is nothing wrong with you. Perhaps only with the story you once started to believe because, at the time, you had no other choice

“You’ll just have to learn to live with it.” Maybe you’ve heard that from a doctor before. And maybe you thought: But this isn’t normal, is it? This doesn’t feel right. Why should I have to live with something that’s affecting me this much?

For people dealing with medically unexplained physical symptoms – such as abdominal pain, chronic fatigue, feeling on edge, or heart palpitations – it can be incredibly frustrating not to receive a clear medical explanation. Even more difficult is when these symptoms are labeled as "psychological," without anyone truly explaining what that means – let alone how you can actually be helped.

As a psychosocial therapist and hypnotherapist, I often see how physical symptoms can emerge when words fall short. A body that keeps “complaining” – through tension, pain, or exhaustion – is not broken. It’s trying to communicate. And it deserves attention, not suppression. These symptoms are not isolated issues; they are reflections of your inner world. And the belief that you simply have to live with them is outdated.

I can help guide you on how to include both your body and your mind in your healing process. Fortunately, more and more people are being referred to me by doctors. In fact, hypnotherapy is recognized in official medical guidelines as an effective treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Many people who visit my practice resonate with this story. Often, they come to me after trying many things that haven’t led to lasting results. Together, we explore how your body can find calm again. The deeper layers beneath the symptoms are then gently and respectfully uncovered. Hypnotherapy and psychosocial therapy can help you reconnect with yourself – including the part of you that expresses itself through your body. So that you no longer have to fear the tension, fatigue, or pain you’re experiencing, and instead can begin to regain a sense of control and quality of life. You are not crazy, and your body doesn’t lie.

Five tips to calm your mind and create more space for positive feelings

It can be a challenge to leave behind the constant worrying, overthinking, looking ahead, or revisiting whether you’ve made a mistake. However, it is possible to give your mind more peace and create space for more positive feelings. These tips can help you with that:

Write down your worries  ✍️
Instead of avoiding your worries, set aside 15 minutes to put your thoughts on paper. Write without judgment, so your hand naturally expresses what’s unconsciously going on inside you, what’s bothering you, or what you’re worrying about in your daily life. After writing everything down, you can use the following questions to re-evaluate your thoughts:

"Is this a helpful thought?"
"Is this all necessary?"
"What else is true?" (to see the bigger picture and look at your thoughts from a different perspective)
"Enough is enough."
"What really bothers me here?"
"Is this actually my responsibility?"
"Who do I want to prove right?"
"Who am I angry with?"
"Can I express my anger in a healthy way?"
"What do I feel? What do I see? What do I smell?" (Discover what belongs to the present moment and what belongs to the past, identifying old patterns.)

Reframe Your Thoughts

Try to avoid extreme words like "always" or "never." Instead, use more balanced expressions, such as: “This is a challenge for me, but I can improve it.” Instead of “Why is this happening to me?” you can ask, “What can I learn from this?” This opens your mind to new possibilities and directs your focus toward opportunities for growth.
For example, replace “What if I mess up?” with “What if I learn and grow from this?” Ask yourself: “What’s the smallest thing I can do right now?” and make a list of things you can do. Create an “I CAN” list to remind yourself of your strength.

Use humor to distance yourself from your thoughts

Try adding some loving humor by saying something like: “Thanks, mind, that was very helpful!” Say it in a funny way, so you’re thanking your mind for the ‘alarm’ that went off, while also indicating there’s no real danger. This helps to put your thoughts in perspective.

Blow to relax

Calm yourself by exhaling slowly. Imagine blowing all your negative thoughts, images, and feelings into a bubble, which drifts away from you. Picture yourself blowing bubbles, with one bubble being bigger than the other and maybe even reflecting beautiful rainbow colors. The prolonged exhalation with playful energy activates your parasympathetic nervous system, helping you relax.

Seek nature

Nature has a calming effect on your mind. Take a walk outside or sit in a park to reset your thoughts. If you can’t go outside, imagine you’re in a beautiful natural setting. You can even daydream intentionally, possibly with the help of an audio, perhaps specifically developed by therapist Mirjam Verschoor.

By applying these tips, you give yourself the chance to calm your mind and create space for positive feelings or self-compassion.

Different Terms for Chronic Pain

When we talk about chronic pain, various terms are used to describe pain that occurs without visible physical injury. These include terms such as:

• Persistent Physical Complaints (PPC),
• Somatically Unexplained Physical Complaints (SUPC),
• Mind-Body Syndrome (MBS),
• Neuroplastic or nociceptive pain syndromes,
• TMS (Tension Myositis Syndrome)
• Central sensitization,
• Psychophysiological disorders, mind-body disorders, or neural circuit disorders.

These terms reflect the complexity of chronic pain and acknowledge that it is not just a physical phenomenon. The pain experience, the pain someone feels, is real but requires a different approach than when there is physical damage. Acute pain, such as a burn or a broken bone, requires a different approach toward recovery than chronic pain.

Moving Towards a Holistic Approach to Pain

When you experience chronic pain, the most effective treatment is often one that addresses the whole person and system, not just the pain. This approach encourages self-awareness, exploring emotional experiences, and integrating techniques such as hypnotherapy, practicing helpful thoughts, and systemic work.

Conclusion

The experience of chronic pain is multifaceted, involving not only the body but also the mind and emotions. By recognizing the connections between these factors, we can treat chronic pain more effectively. This can pave the way for recovery in a holistic and personalized manner.

Regaining control over your excessive desire for control

As a psychosocial therapist working with hypnotherapy, I frequently encounter individuals struggling with perfectionism. They want everything to be perfect. In reality, this drive for perfection often leads to increased stress, insecurity, pain and a lack of self-love due to insufficient space to relax and be content. In this blog, I want to show you how perfectionism can hold you back and how you can gain more control over your own life, enhance your self-love, and learn to enjoy life more.

Why is it a problem?

Perfectionism is about the desire to always do things flawlessly. It may seem like a positive trait, but in practice, it often causes more harm than you might think. Striving for the best is not inherently problematic, but when perfectionism becomes extreme, it brings a constant fear of making mistakes and the belief that nothing is ever good enough. These thoughts can lead to stress, procrastination, and even burnout. Perfectionists often struggle to appreciate their accomplishments because they always believe they can do better. This can undermine their sense of self-worth, as success and happiness become dependent on achievements rather than who they truly are.

Building More Confidence

One of the biggest challenges of perfectionism is the need for control. Perfectionists often believe they must control everything to ensure things go right. However, this can lead to excessive stress and the feeling of having no grip on their lives. Trying to control everything around you keeps you trapped in a vicious cycle of uncertainty and fear.

Through hypnotherapy, you can learn to let go of control. By entering a deep state of relaxation, you can uncover subconscious patterns and beliefs that hinder you. You'll not only learn how to reduce perfectionism but also how to trust yourself and life. The idea is to stop fixating on the "perfect" result and instead experience the value of the process itself.

Gaining more self-agency

Hypnotherapy can help you become aware of the subconscious patterns and beliefs that drive your actions. Often, these beliefs were formed in childhood or through past experiences, but they no longer have a solid foundation in your adult life. By letting go of these patterns, you gain more control over your actions and can take charge of your own life.

It's no longer about striving for perfection but about developing a healthier relationship with yourself. It’s about trusting that you are good enough as you are, and that the process is more important than the outcome. This means you’ll live less in anticipation and more in the moment. You don't always need to plan or control everything to be happy. You can give your mind more space to relax, reducing the need for excessive "pre-thinking" or worrying. This allows you to have more energy for other things. By regaining self-agency, you'll allow yourself to enjoy things as they are, instead of constantly focusing on what needs to happen next or what went wrong.

Developing a healthy mindset

Perfectionists are often very hard on themselves, which can lead to feelings of insecurity, fear of failure, or self-criticism. Through hypnotherapy, you can work on strengthening your self-love and self-acceptance. In deep relaxation, you can reconnect with your value and unique qualities, release more of your perfectionism, and create space for a healthier, more loving relationship with yourself.

More confidence, more inner peace

In a world that often focuses on achieving success and avoiding mistakes, we can quickly feel that we need to have everything under control. It becomes a constant struggle to do everything "right," but this battle consumes a lot of energy and takes you out of the moment. By working with hypnotherapy, you’ll not only learn to trust yourself, but also live more in the present moment.

Letting go of perfectionism means you no longer need to overthink and can begin to enjoy what is right in front of you. This is a process of inner peace and trust, where you’re less stuck in the fear of what could go wrong. Instead, you can embrace the moment more often and allow yourself to enjoy the here and now, without always being preoccupied with the future or the past.

What can you expect from hypnotherapy?

If you decide to try hypnotherapy, you can expect several key benefits:

• Build trust in yourself and your abilities.
• Break free from perfectionistic patterns that hold you back.
• Develop more self-compassion and experience less self-criticism.
• Experience less stress by releasing the need to do everything perfectly.
• Enjoy the present moment without constantly overthinking or worrying about the outcome.

Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for finding more inner peace. It helps you gain control over your own life, so you can experience more self-agency and be less stuck in thoughts about what might go wrong. The result? A life where you can be more yourself, step into your own power, enjoy the moment more, and trust the process rather than the result.

What can you do on your own right now?

The following tips will help you find more peace and balance:

• Recognize limiting thoughts: As a perfectionist, you are often your own biggest critic. Start by becoming aware of the thoughts you have when things don’t go perfectly. Identify the thoughts that pressure you and replace them with realistic and gentle beliefs that help you view the situation more objectively.
• Set achievable goals: Perfectionists tend to set unrealistically high demands on themselves. Instead of striving for perfection, set achievable, realistic goals that you can reach step by step. This helps you celebrate successes without overwhelming yourself.
• Embrace imperfection: Accept that mistakes and imperfections are part of the process. Be proud of the progress you’ve made, even if it’s not "perfect." Learn from your experiences instead of punishing yourself for things that didn’t go entirely as planned.
• Recognize your qualities and successes: As a perfectionist, you often focus on what can be improved.
• Make a list of your strengths and achievements, no matter how small they seem. Acknowledge and value what you’ve accomplished, instead of only focusing on what isn’t perfect.
• Learn to accept yourself: Perfectionism is often linked with self-criticism. Work on accepting yourself as you are, with all your strengths and weaknesses. Remember, no one is perfect, and your worth doesn’t depend on meeting impossible standards.

Are you ready for change?

If you find that perfectionism or fear of failure is getting in the way of your life and you want to regain more control over your own choices, hypnotherapy might be right for you. It’s a powerful way to transform your thoughts and beliefs, so you can live with more confidence and inner peace. Take the first step today toward a life where you can enjoy who you are and what you have.

Going through significant medical experiences, such as surgery or a challenging or traumatic birth, can bring about many emotional and mental challenges. These periods can be not only physically demanding but also mentally and emotionally draining. Fear and uncertainty may arise, and it can sometimes be difficult to process these feelings. Whether you're in the preparation phase, undergoing a medical procedure, or in your recovery period, it's important to give yourself the space to rest, reflect, and process.

In my practice, I can provide the guidance you need, using psychosocial therapy, hypnotherapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Sometimes I offer home visits if you're too weakened to come to the practice (in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug region).

The powerful guidance techniques help you not only release fear and uncertainty but also allow you to focus more on the present moment. Together, we can address the blockages. By consciously feeling where there is still tension in your body or identifying emotions that haven’t been fully processed, we create space for relaxation and healing.

What I aim to achieve with my guidance is that you feel more balanced or experience an improved quality of life, regardless of the (medical) challenges you’ve gone through or still face. 

As a photographer, I have been active for 25 years capturing special people, moments, and places in life. I photographed in a relaxed manner and considered it important to put people at ease. Nowadays, I no longer work as a photographer. But since photography has been my second nature for so long, I still use this skill through photo coaching. Perhaps you would enjoy getting to know coaching in a low-threshold way through photo coaching, whether for yourself or for the team you work with.

If this resonates with you, I warmly invite you to take a look at my other website, where more information can be found.

www.mirjamverschoor.nl

Reading Recommendations for People with Chronic Pain

Drs. Annemarieke Fleming and Dr. Joke Vollebregt

"Just learn to live with it" is a message no one with chronic pain wants to hear. Yet, this is the reality for many who deal with long-term, severe pain daily, while doctors often cannot find a clear explanation for the symptoms.

In Pijn & het Brein, Annemarieke Fleming and Joke Vollebregt provide answers to the question of what exactly happens in the body with chronic pain. The brain plays a crucial role in how pain is experienced, even when no physical cause can be found. This book offers both scientific explanations and practical insights into the brain's influence on pain and the development of chronic conditions.

For people with chronic pain, this book provides valuable self-management tools, such as activity pacing and the restoration of depleted energy reserves. It is an essential resource for those who want to better understand what is happening in their body and how to alleviate their symptoms.

Pain & the Brain is not only an important resource for patients but also for therapists and healthcare professionals who work with people suffering from medically unexplained pain. It provides them with the necessary knowledge and tools to improve their guidance.

For anyone struggling with chronic pain, this book is a must-read for greater insight and practical strategies to relieve pain and regain control over their well-being.

Drs. Annemarieke Fleming (1974) is a healthcare psychologist at Reade, where she works in the Pain and Behavior cluster. Dr. Joke Vollebregt (1954) is a staff physician in rehabilitation at the same institute.

The book is available in Dutch at many bookstores.

Dr. Howard Schubiner

The volunteer team of the Emovere Foundation has dedicated the past few months to working on the Dutch translation of the groundbreaking book Unlearn Your Pain by Dr. Howard Schubiner. The result is the Dutch workbook Herprogrammeer je brein en heel je pijn (Reprogram Your Brain and Heal Your Pain), which focuses on helping people recover from chronic pain and other long-term issues.

Physical and psychological pain are usually treated separately. However, this is often not the most healing approach, as they are deeply interconnected. The book Herprogrammeer je brein en heel je pijn offers both theory and practical exercises that can help understand and address the underlying emotional and psychological causes of pain. It's explaining the Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) en Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET)

For those struggling with chronic pain or persistent physical complaints, this book offers hope and new perspectives.

Dr. Howard Schubiner is a physician, specialist in internal medicine, and expert in Mind-Body Medicine. He is a co-founder of the Association for Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (ATNS), a U.S.-based foundation for psychophysiological disorders. Dr. Schubiner is the author of Unlearn Your Pain, Unlearn Your Anxiety and Depression, and co-author of Hidden From View with Dr. Allan Abbass.

Available for purchase in Dutch at:

https://www.nowonlinetickets.nl/Shop/EventDetails/D8FEC4BDC5F9C7404437A3CFA6F12467


Feel free to reach out

Does working with the books still feel like a lonely or challenging process? Then it might be helpful to visit my practice for additional support. I’m trained and experienced in the methods described, and I’d be happy to guide you in your personal journey toward healing or a better quality of life. You’re very welcome

Medical Hypnosis is a part of modern hypnotherapy and encompasses any intervention in trance that contributes to the reduction of pain or stress. The guideline in modern hypnotherapy is that for pain complaints, one should always first contact their general practitioner. Hypnotherapy can help when no medical cause is found. In the guidelines of the Dutch College of General Practitioners (NHG), hypnotherapy is recognized as an effective treatment option for IBS.

Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that utilizes trance. A hypnotic trance is a state of deep relaxation, a changed state of consciousness. It involves receptive concentration in which thoughts and sensations are filtered. Neuroimaging studies show that during a hypnotic trance, different brain areas are activated compared to ordinary wakefulness. The 'self-awareness network' in the brain is much more dominant during trance, while the 'environmental awareness network' is significantly less active. External stimuli are therefore less important at that moment. In hypnotherapy, we refer to this state of being as being ‘in contact with the unconscious.’

Metaphorically, consciousness is the tip of the iceberg, and the entire mountain of knowledge beneath the water's surface represents the unconscious. The unconscious can be seen as a collection of all the experiences you have accumulated. Body and mind are not separate; they interact with each other continuously. Our unconscious strongly influences our behavior, thinking, and feelings. Through trance, you can come into contact with parts of yourself that you are not consciously aware of. These parts relate to the issue for which you seek an answer. You learn to listen to yourself in a different way. The unconscious feelings and beliefs come into view. In this way, new insights can emerge, helping to solve the problem, make it more manageable, or contribute to achieving your goals.

Using hypnotherapy, beliefs can be changed, emotions can be released, patterns can be broken, internal resources can be 'tapped into,' and (brain) connections can be altered and improved. You can experience what reality can become (by 'stepping' into a future situation in trance), so you can freely practice what your desired situation looks like and feels like. By first practicing something in trance, it can be executed with less effort in everyday reality.

The therapist is a guide in the therapeutic process and uses various methods and techniques. Modern hypnotherapy incorporates psychoanalytic and behavioral methods, as well as talk therapy. In modern hypnotherapy, the approach is tailored to you, and you can clearly remember what happened during the session afterward. A treatment plan is customized within the therapeutic process, as each person is different.

Van der Wardt, E. in the Journal of the Dutch Professional Association of Hypnotherapists, special issue on Medical Hypnosis, Volume 35 | 2019/2021. Article 'A Plea for Hypnotherapy'.

Our wounds often run deeper than words can express. Many of our early experiences were physical, sensory, and emotional, not cognitive. Because a child's brain is still in the developmental phase, we often cannot comprehend these early experiences through language. The use of metaphorical language and body awareness offers a holistic approach to reaching the unconscious parts of ourselves, where verbal communication falls short. This helps us understand and process the pain of these early traumas.

The healing process is a journey toward self-recognition. We learn not only to understand our wounds but also to embrace and treat them with compassion. This provides space for growth, healing, and more control over our lives. It is a process in which we learn to recognize old patterns and discover what they need. Instead of condemning feelings like insecurity, perfectionism, or guilt, we learn to understand the underlying need or pain behind them. This creates room for self-love and the confidence that we can experience new, positive events. By connecting with this pain and the underlying need, it no longer has to work so hard to get our attention.

What is Pre-verbal Trauma?

Pre-verbal trauma refers to the unconscious emotional damage that arises before we are able to process events with language. In the early years of our lives, everything revolves around sensory and emotional experiences. A child's brain is not yet capable of understanding what is happening through words; it mainly responds to what is felt—such as the warmth of the mother, the smell, the touch, or the absence of the other. This means that many of our emotional experiences in the early years remain unconscious, yet they still profoundly influence how we relate to ourselves and others later in life.

This is a crucial point in understanding trauma. The child's brain is still in development and primarily focused on survival. The responses to stress, both physically and emotionally, are shaped by unconscious processes. As a result, as adults, we may carry unresolved pain and unconscious beliefs that have their origins in these early, unconscious experiences.

Body-focused Work with Hypnotherapy

Although trauma is often associated with conscious memories and words, it is possible to address old patterns through body-focused hypnotherapy. This helps us reconnect with the childlike parts of ourselves that have been shielded by pain or unconscious coping mechanisms.

Hypnotherapy provides the opportunity to access the subconscious through deep relaxation and the protective mechanisms we developed in our youth. Metaphorical language and visualizations play an important role in this process. In a trance state, old pain points can be approached in a less threatening way, creating space for healing.

Body-focused hypnotherapy utilizes the power of the body as a gateway to our subconscious. Many traumas are stored in our bodies, for example, in the form of muscle tension or breathing patterns. Through techniques like breathing exercises or sensory processing, we can gain access to these unconscious layers. This can help uncover the old patterns that formed at a time when we were unable to understand or verbalize the events.

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize in response to experiences, learning processes, or damage. This means the brain can form new connections and strengthen or weaken existing ones, depending on the circumstances. Neuroplasticity plays a key role in trauma recovery. Through techniques like hypnotherapy, we can encourage the brain to form new, healthy connections. This process allows you to experience positive events, even if they were difficult to reach before. In this way, your brain can develop new, healthy responses that help alleviate the issues you experience in everyday life.

The integration of body, mind, and emotion is essential in the recovery process. When we safely and lovingly return to those early experiences, we can reconnect with the parts of ourselves that were once hurt. This process not only helps break old patterns but also enables us to approach ourselves with self-compassion.

Recognizing Old Patterns

The process of relieving pre-verbal trauma requires patient presence, trust, and safety. The old pain we often carry unconsciously is deeply rooted in the foundations of who we are. It is important to understand that relief does not come simply from "uncovering" what happened but, more importantly, from learning to embrace the pain and reintegrate it into our adult selves. This embrace/acceptance becomes "easier" because you can be more in touch with the need the pain carries within it, the positive intention it has for you. For example, the need to be held, seen, and heard. Through hypnotherapy, you can also begin to feel these needs so that it becomes easier to fulfill them in your daily life. Your adult self can, for example, have imaginary positive experiences together with the inner child. This can be compared to physiotherapy for your brain—experiencing new things allows the neuroplastic brain to form new connections.

So, instead of condemning your insecurity, guilt, or chronic pain, you can discover the need that lies beneath. By connecting with the pain and the need beneath it, it no longer has to work so hard to get your attention. This creates more space for self-love and helps build confidence so that you can more easily experience new positive things. Step by step, you can begin to experience more relief. Feel free to explore which old patterns are no longer helpful for you and discover what you can give to yourself.

What Story Are You Telling Yourself? And Are You Even Aware of the Whole Story?

A lot of what we think about ourselves is often an unconscious narrative. A story we tell ourselves based on past experiences, our interactions with others, and our own expectations. This story influences how we see ourselves, how we feel, and even how we react to the world around us.

When you think about your own self-image, what do you hear? Do you often feel insecure, unworthy, or maybe not good enough? Those thoughts aren’t always true – they are stories we tell ourselves, often unconsciously. And it is exactly there, in the unconscious, that change can begin.

In my practice, we work together to uncover your story. We explore which beliefs and patterns are limiting you and create awareness. Through psychosocial therapy, hypnotherapy, and EMDR, you’ll have the space to get to know yourself again and embrace your potential.

Do you recognize yourself in the idea that maybe you’re telling a story that no longer fits or serves you well? It’s time to examine those beliefs. Your story is not set in stone – you have the power to examine your personal narrative and begin walking new paths.

Why it takes time and how you can recover sustainably

There are providers who claim that you can fully recover from a burnout in 30 days. But how realistic is this? Recovery from a burnout is not a quick process. The duration of recovery varies from person to person and depends on various factors, such as the severity of your symptoms, how quickly you take action, and how much time you allow yourself for recovery.

How does a burnout develop?

A burnout is the result of prolonged overload, where your stress system is constantly under pressure. You keep going, often without realizing it. During short-term stress, your body produces adrenaline and cortisol, which provide temporary energy and focus. Once the stress is over, your body returns to balance (homeostasis). But when stress becomes a constant factor, this balance is disrupted. Your hormonal system, nervous system, and even your brain are thrown off balance. The result? You feel exhausted, emotional, have trouble concentrating, and are no longer able to function normally.

Why does recovery take so long?

Recovery starts with understanding what exactly is going on. The realization that you need to change your behavior and cannot continue in the same way may take months. Only after this can your body and mind begin to recover. Patience and rest are essential here. The longer you continue with burnout symptoms, the longer the recovery process may take.

Professional guidance:

A burnout brings with it psychological issues, but also physical disruptions. Healthy habits such as good nutrition, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and relaxation play a crucial role in your recovery process. Also, explore which negative beliefs or patterns (often unconscious) are contributing to the development of your symptoms.

Phases of recovery:

• Phase 1: Stop the burnout, reduce stress, and focus on physical recovery.
• Phase 2: Build energy, develop healthy habits, and set boundaries.
• Phase 3: Gradual return to work while maintaining the new balance. Sustainable recovery requires patience and care.

Recovering from a burnout is a process that requires time, attention, and the right approach. Give yourself the space to recover at your own pace and seek the right support. With the proper guidance and care, you can gradually recover and regain balance.

The role of the brain in persistent complaints: How stress and suppressed emotions contribute to pain and what you can do to break out of the vicious circle.

Many people with chronic pain or persistent physical complaints, such as Long Covid or Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), struggle with the vicious circle of pain, fatigue, stress or frustration. The brain plays a central role in this. When we experience stress or cannot properly process suppressed emotions, this can lead to changes in the body that manifest themselves in physical pain. This pain is often not caused by physical damage, but by psychological factors such as stress and unprocessed emotions.

What happens in the brain?

The brain plays an important role in the development of persistent complaints. When we experience stress for a long time or suppress negative emotions (suppressed often means not being aware of the emotions), the brain responds to the negative experiences that exist. The brain 'learns', as it were, to associate pain with stress or unresolved emotional blockages, as a result of which the pain persists or can itself be intensified.

What can you do to break the vicious circle?

Breaking out of the vicious circle of chronic complaints requires an approach that involves both the brain and the body. There are several steps you can take to break this cycle and start the recovery process:

REASSURANCE – Let the doctor reassure you to confirm that nothing is broken. To then learn to relax, despite the unpleasant physical sensations. Using techniques such as visualizations (evidence based on IBS complaints) you can help the brain to reduce the overreaction to pain signals. Learning to calm your nervous system is essential to breaking the vicious cycle of pain and anxiety!

STAY ACTIVE – Physical activity not only helps improve physical health, but it also reduces the tension that often builds up in the body due to long-term stress or pain. Find that movement that makes you happy and that is suitable for you.

MAKING CHOICES  – It is important to make choices that promote recovery, such as setting healthy boundaries. When you learn to recognize and respect your boundaries, you give yourself space to recover.

MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES  – Energizing activities, positive interactions with others, or fulfilling work can help take your mind off the pain and reprogram the brain to a more positive focus.

SELF-COMPASSION  – Many people with chronic complaints are inclined to judge themselves. Self-compassion is essential for recovery, because it gives the brain space to relax and let go.

EMOTIONS  – It is important to discover, recognize and process repressed emotions such as anger and sadness. Ignoring emotions causes increased tension in your body. By recognizing and processing emotions, you help the brain and body to let go of the pain.

How are your needs? 

Imagine that your intestines are a busy highway, where there is constant traffic, but the signs and traffic lights do not work properly. That's what it can feel like when you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Abdominal pain, bloating and unpredictable complaints can disrupt your daily life and hinder your well-being.

What if there is a way to reset the traffic lights on that highway? The Dutch Association of General Practitioners (NHG) recognizes hypnotherapy as an effective treatment option for IBS. This therapy helps to improve communication between body and mind, which can reduce complaints and allow your intestines to function "quietly" again.

Whether it's stress, anxiety or physical discomfort – hypnotherapy can help address the underlying causes of IBS.

Do you suffer from intestinal problems and are you curious about alternative treatments? It's time to rebalance that highway!

From fear to TRUST.

Fear of medical treatment? It is possible to overcome these.

Many people have had negative experiences in healthcare in the past, which can lead to anxiety, avoidance or even delaying necessary treatments. The good news is: this fear does not have to take over.

I have experienced that EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can effectively help to process negative memories and traumas from the past. This makes it possible to approach future medical treatments with healthy excitement, rather than paralyzing fear.

An example.

One of my clients had a traumatic hospital experience in her youth, which prevented her from scheduling a necessary surgery. After four sessions (one extensive intake interview and three EMDR sessions) she noticed that she gained more confidence in the medical process. She also felt better prepared because she was able to calmly discuss her questions with her treating physician in advance, without feeling overwhelmed by feelings of powerlessness.

A week after her operation, she writes:

"I am now recovering from the operation and am already feeling better. Everything went well both before and during the procedure. Thank you for your support. If I need any help in the near future, I will let you know For now everything is going according to plan and I am positive about the further recovery."

This is a great example of how we don't have to get stuck in fear of medical treatments. It is possible to overcome this fear and take back control of your health.

Chinese New Year  2025 

I cordially invite you to celebrate the Chinese New Year all about the Snake on February 1 from 10:00  to 12:00 in Zeist. We are guests of Helen IJsselmuiden. Helen is a taiji, qigong and coach teacher.

You will first be introduced to Tapping, based on EFT (emotional freedom techniques). With this method you can replace fixed beliefs with a different, now more appropriate view of yourself or the situation. Before and after there is a short qigong lesson, in which anyone without or with a physical or psychological disability can participate. In 'snake language', your insides will come out this afternoon.

Your inside out 

In January 2025 you can celebrate New Year twice:

• January 1 New Year according to the solar calendar. When the sun announces the new year, it invites you to imagine and empathize with how you wish for this new year. Resolutions can arise from this. However, they are still ideas that you can play with. They do not have to be realized yet.
• January 29 New Year according to the lunar calendar This is different with the first new moon on January 29. It is completely dark and in that darkness the new grows. Which of your resolutions remains? Have others perhaps taken its place? Which one do you want to achieve? And yet the latter often turns out not to be so easy. Many resolutions have fallen through over the years. Something seems to be in the way. Certainly, these are deeply held beliefs that no longer fit the current situation. The coming Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year 2025, will be all about the Snake. The snake sheds its skin while writhing; leaves his old beliefs behind.

Tapping

Tapping involves tapping certain acupuncture points with your fingers. These points activate the parasympathetic nervous system, that of calm and peace. This allows you to look at your limiting beliefs without judging yourself, let go of the pain and emotions that this belief has caused and develop a new vision from within. You can become acquainted with this technique under the guidance of me, Miriam Verschoor.

Snake qigong

Before getting acquainted with Tapping, Helen gives a lesson on snake qigong. Your body becomes flexible due to the winding, snake-like movements, which you energetically allow to continue infinitely far outside your body. This rids you of energy that you no longer need. After your experience with Tapping, we will practice qigong again to enjoy the new harmony within yourself. 

When, where, costs?

Saturday, February 9 2025, 10.30 - 12.30, Zeist.

We offer you this afternoon for free. Of course we greatly appreciate a voluntary contribution.

You can register using the link below. Welcome!

Registration form Chinese New Year 2025

Hypnotherapy is an effective form of therapy for treating various complaints and problems of a social, psychological and psychosomatic nature. This method of guidance can also help to increase personal qualities and potential.

The therapy focuses on the subconscious, where many of our automatic behaviors and reactions are stored, which makes it difficult to achieve change with conscious therapies. Through techniques such as hypnosis, trance, relaxation exercises, regression to inner children and transactional analysis, the hypnotherapist helps the client to realize positive changes in thoughts, emotions and behavior.

Hypnotherapy is recognized as evidence-based and is increasingly integrated into regular care, with scientific evidence for its effectiveness in, for example, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In addition, EMDR, another technique that I use, can be effective for people with, for example, (dentist/flying/driving) anxiety complaints.

Hypnotherapy is often reimbursed through supplementary insurance. You can find a brief overview of the coverage via the website below. Always check your own health insurance.

https://www.zorgwijzer.nl/kosten/hypnotherapie

Many SMEs underestimate the impact of work stress within their organization. The mental health ladder offers a tool to assess where you stand as an SME organization and what you can do to improve the mental health of your employees.

Research shows that investing in mental health can lead to significant productivity gains. So it actually makes a lot of sense to have open conversations about work stress and mental health. You can get started proactively with tools such as the force field analysis from the Trimbos Institute:


https://www.trimbos.nl/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/TRI-61-008-Mentale-gezondheid-in-het-MKB.pdf

As a professional, I can help support employees who are at risk of absenteeism so that they take the right steps towards healthier mental & physical health. You are welcome to discuss what I can do preventively for your employees.

New practice location in Doorn as of October 1 2024

I am pleased to announce that as of October 1 2024, in addition to my practice location in Driebergen-Rijsenburg, I will also be practicing at the Vitality Center on Acacialaan in Doorn. This center offers an inspiring environment where multiple disciplines work together to support self-healing capacity. The guidance is aimed at activating a natural recovery process.

At the Vitality Center Doorn we work in addition to the regular healthcare provided by general practitioners and medical specialists. Together we focus on strengthening your health, preventing illness, and promoting your well-being.

A proactive approach to health

At the Vitality Center we believe in a proactive approach to care. This means that we look beyond just the symptoms of a health problem; we look for the underlying causes. We take the time to explore with you what you need to regain balance.

Multidisciplinary approach for your health

An important advantage of the Vitalitycenter is the collaboration between different disciplines. The care is based on years of experience and continuous training.

“Where it rubs, there comes shine.” ✨

Jan (name changed for privacy) spoke these powerful words during the completion of his journey, and they touch the core of what therapy can mean. Although we often prefer to avoid negative emotions, they are essential for growth and change. It is precisely by tackling those 'abrasive' places in our lives that we can flourish and gain new insights.

During the process with Jan we used various therapeutic techniques. Namely hypnotherapy, EMDR and conversation techniques. This helped Jan to explore his emotions and experiences. Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for working on change at a deeper level. It helps to let go of limiting beliefs and develop new, positive thinking patterns.

In addition, conversation techniques enabled Jan to better organize his thoughts and feelings. By feeding back what he said, he became more aware of his own process. This gave him the confidence to take steps towards positive change.

In addition to hypnotherapy and conversation techniques, we have also used EMDR. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful method for processing trauma and removing blockages. This technique enabled Jan to process difficult memories and emotions in a safe way, giving him space for recovery and growth. Jan noticed that this gave him even more control over his emotions and behavior, and that his inner peace increased.

Jan emphasized that the pleasant atmosphere and the pleasant location contributed to his process. After all, a good and safe atmosphere provides space to be open and vulnerable, which is crucial for healing and personal growth.

As a human being you are often stuck in your own system and beliefs. A trip - a different view - often gives you the opportunity to discover how things can be done differently. How do other people shape their lives? What does it feel like in a place where you can completely relax? With the help of hypnotherapy you can go on an inner journey and explore your own inner world.

People usually do not go on holiday with the aim of changing, just as someone does not come to the practice for an inner journey. Often the reason is different, namely physical and/or emotional pain. These complaints should mainly diminish, they should not be there. As humans, we often have many coping mechanisms to avoid feeling the pain.

We start the journey by discovering your desired travel destination.
As a therapist, I have often seen how people can get stuck in their own system and beliefs. It's like being stuck in the same place, with no way out. But just as a trip to a new destination can broaden your horizons, so can an inner journey. Hypnotherapy offers a unique opportunity to explore your own inner world and discover how things could be done differently.

But how do you actually determine the travel destination, what is being worked on or what is needed to discover? Because you often know clearly what you no longer want, for example you want less pain or less anger. You often don't know what you do want. The pain consumes your energy;
the anger eats you up inside. The negative therefore receives even more attention. You may discover that behind the request for help, such as 'wanting less pain', lies the positively formulated wish for 'more peace and lightness'. Words like 'not' or 'less' are words with a negative charge. So make sure every word has a positive charge. By formulating your goal positively, we create a direction that gives you energy and helps you move forward.

Empowering self-reliance
People often think that as a therapist I can solve their problems. But the real power lies with you. For example, with a tailor-made visualization, I help you discover your own travel destination. This process strengthens your self-reliance and gives you the confidence that you can find the solutions within yourself. This way you not only learn to deal with your current problems, but you also discover new possibilities and resources within yourself.

Finding inner peace
Inner trance journeys also offer a safe space in which emotions that often remain covered in daily life can emerge, so that processing becomes possible. During these journeys, unconscious negative beliefs can also come to light and be transformed. This strengthens your self-confidence and helps you break patterns. Only you can make this inner journey, while I guide and support you as a 'tour guide'.

The power of hypnotherapy
With hypnotherapy you can change negative beliefs, release emotions, break patterns and tap into internal resources. Answers to long-simmering questions can emerge, allowing you to experience more inner peace. And by first practicing something in trance, you can perform it with more ease later in everyday life. For this reason, imaginations and visualizations are also used in top sport. The effect of hypnotherapy has even been scientifically proven for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)!

Truthfulness and safety
During imaginary journeys you come to beautiful destinations where you can find the safety and tranquility necessary for healing. Pent-up tension can finally find its way out, relaxing both body and mind. In trance there is room for gentleness, truthfulness and love, so that you can explore and accept life's great challenges. Just like on a real trip, you can gain new experiences and transform negative beliefs into helpful thoughts and feelings.

Hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling
Discovering the positive goal is the first step out of the vicious circle, out of the downward spiral, out of inner turmoil. The positive goal formulation also gives the subconscious direction to explore the inner images and feelings that come with it with curiosity. An attractive goal is described as sensory as possible - in hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling - so that it can be experienced and tested. And the inner trance journeys provide space to visualize the desired goal and experience what is still needed to realize this goal.

Let's start this journey together and pave the way to a life with more peace, lightness and positive changes.

A number of concepts are explained in more detail below. Please call or email if you have any questions.
 

 

Many issues are approached cognitively in the mainstream healthcare landscape. People who come to my practice find that this is not enough for them. Their symptoms have remained, despite having taken therapy for this.

Therefore, three tips:

• Examine when the complaint arose, and understand the reason for it.
• Enter into the conversation with yourself without judgment. “Hello me? How do I feel? And where am I feeling what? What thought am I having right now?”. Take time for this so you can become more aware of what you are feeling or thinking. From discovering, you can begin to change. You can start to adjust old patterns that are no longer helpful. In this way you can make other choices.
• Experience peace in your body and head.

The latter is what is often missing in the regular approach. What makes that the symptoms can persist. EMDR, hypnotherapy, deepening breathing and relaxation exercises and body-oriented work can help you experience more peace.

Your employee is important to your company. However, is your employee getting stuck because of what is happening at work? Are work situations perceived as stressful? And does this challenge the physical and/or mental resilience of your employee? Mirjam Verschoor's personal coaching method focuses on durable solutions for your employee's complaints, so that your employee can return to work quickly or that your employee discovers what is needed to continue doing the work with energy.

Common complaints that come up are: chronic pain, anxiety and stress. Various methodologies are used so that your employee receives the personalized guidance needed. From cognitive behavioral training, relaxation and breathing exercises, coaching, body-oriented work, to psychosocial therapy, hypnotherapy and EMDR. Tailoring the use of professional counseling to the needs of your employee reduces absenteeism. The targeted and efficient approach is brief and solution-oriented.

Call: 06141465700 or email: info@mirjamverschoor.nl if you wish your employee effective, professional and personal guidance. I am happy to visit you without any obligation to discuss what I can do for you or your organization.

A short-term coaching program, in which personal performance can be boosted, is also one of the possibilities. For example, for visualizing the goals to be achieved, my coaching method is also very suitable.