My name is Claartje, a psychologist born and raised in the Netherlands. Throughout my life, I have lived and studied in various countries, including Spain, France, Australia, and Portugal, which has shaped my global approach to mental health care. I currently offer psychology services in Portugal, the Netherlands, and online.

It has always been a dream of mine to become a psychologist and to gain an in-depth understanding of people. Through my own experience overcoming an eating disorder and growing up in a family affected by addiction, I have learned that it is possible to break free from many mental health struggles and live without the constraints of mental barriers. I have developed a program based on personal experience as well as provided through knowledge.

My eating disorder had become both my identity and my prison, something I believed I could never escape. However, a clinical treatment in South Africa, therapy, and the Twelve Steps helped me recover and, even more importantly, discover that I can live freely and be completely myself. While therapists in the past told me that an eating disorder was something I would have to live with, I no longer believe anyone needs to live with one. Recovery is possible.

My background is in both inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment settings, where I have been able to combine personal experience with evidence-based care. Being able to offer a personalised approach tailored to each client, I realised that this combination could create the trust and care I often found missing in the Dutch healthcare system.

As I have specialised in addiction and eating disorders, I am passionate about helping individuals—particularly those looking to find their way forward—navigate life’s uncertainties. I believe that anyone can break free from an eating disorder, addiction, or other struggles that keep them from fully living life.

I offer services in Dutch and English for clients seeking help.