Welcome at Praktijk Actvol Leven/ Practice Actful Living

Praktijk Actvol Leven is a psychology practice specialized in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for children, adolescents, (young) adults and parents. Therapy sessions can take place in Nijmegen (the Netherlands) or online. 

 

What is ACT?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a practical, evidence-based behavioral therapy that can help with many of the challenges we all face in life.  It supports you in building resilience, staying connected to your values, and living a meaningful and authentic life, even in the face of difficult thoughts, emotions, or situations.

 

In ACT, we recognize that difficult thoughts and emotions are a normal part of being human: everyone experiences them. The message is simple yet powerful: there is nothing wrong with you. By learning to connect more deeply with your emotions and take a little distance from your thoughts, you create space to act in line with your values and to live a life that feels meaningful and authentic to you.

 

ACT is not only a form of therapy, but also a training in essential life skills that strengthen your psychological flexibility: the ability to stay open, mindful, and adaptable, even when life gets challenging. You might think of it as a kind of life jacket that helps you move with the waves of life, rather than fight against them.

How ACT can help

ACT can be particularly helpful if you experience:

• Stress, worry, or perfectionism

• Feelings of loneliness or homesickness

• Challenges related to study, work, or family life

• A sense of uncertainty or loss of direction

• Emotional exhaustion or burnout

• Difficulties adjusting to (parenting in) a new culture or environment

• Feelings of guilt or pressure while supporting your children through change

ACT can help you navigate these experiences with more openness and self-compassion. It offers practical tools to handle challenges while staying connected to your values, as a student, professional, or parent, so you can focus on what truly matters most to you (and your family).

 

International students and expats: adjusting to a new country often involves redefining who you are and what gives your life meaning. ACT provides tools to help you manage this transition with curiosity and compassion, rather than judgment or pressure. It helps create space for growth, self-acceptance, and purposeful action, even when life feels out of balance.

 

Parents living abroad: parenting can be both rewarding and demanding. You may find yourself navigating new educational systems, language barriers, or shifts in family routines. ACT can support you in staying connected to your values as a parent while handling stress, guilt, or uncertainty with greater ease. It helps you respond more calmly and flexibly to your own emotions, to your children, and to the constant changes of life abroad.

Each of us experiences moments of struggle, uncertainty, or pain. ACT helps you take gentle, committed steps toward a rich and meaningful life, not by avoiding discomfort, but by learning to walk alongside it with openness, courage, and self-compassion.

 

What to expect

Sessions are tailored to your situation and take place in a safe, understanding space where you can explore challenges openly. Together, we will work at your pace, using practical exercises and reflection to support meaningful change.

Rates

 

As a psychologist affiliated with the NIP (Nederlands Instituut van Psychologen - Dutch Association of Psychologists), my therapeutic treatments, such as psychological care and therapy aimed at treating mental health issues, are exempt from VAT (Value Added Tax).

 

Business rates*:

• Introductory consultation (by phone or Teams; 20-30 minuten): Free
• Per session (45-60 minutes): € 125 (including 21% VAT)

 

Payment can be made per session or monthly, by arrangement. Invoices will be sent to you by email and can be easily paid via bank transfer. Appointments can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance; for later cancellations, the full session rate will be charged.

 

Advantages of Private Therapy

Choosing private therapy offers several benefits:

• No referral from a general practitioner (GP) is required.

• No diagnosis or registration with your health insurer is needed.

• Complete privacy and confidentiality.

• Often a quicker start without a waiting list.

• More room for tailored care and customization.

 

Currently, there is no waiting list; you can start within a few weeks.

Reimbursement and coverage

Practice Actful Living does not have contracts with health insurance companies or municipalities. Therefore, the cost of therapy is generally your own responsibility. See the potential exceptions below.

Children and Adolescents: Coverage via PGB

Therapy may be covered through a Personal Budget (Persoonsgebonden Budget - PGB). This is provided by the municipality based on the care needs of the child or adolescent. Please inquire with your local municipality for details. 

 

Students: Coverage via educational institution

Some educational institutions reimburse (a part of) the therapy costs through:

• The student counsellor's office (studentendecanaat).

• Study guidance budgets.

• Special circumstances funding.

Ask your student counsellor or study advisor about the possibilities.

 

Adults: Coverage via employer

Many employers are willing to (partially) reimburse therapy, especially for:

• Work-related issues (stress, burnout).

• Reintegration or recovery programs via the occupational physician (bedrijfsarts) or occupational health service (arbodienst).

• Preventative coaching (e.g., resilience, stress management).

You may also be able to use:

• Your training or development budget.

• Budgets for sustainable employability (duurzame inzetbaarheid).

Note: For preventative coaching/training, VAT is applicable, even for me as an NIP psychologist. In that case, 21% VAT will be added to the rate.

Do you want to discuss this with your employer? I am happy to help with substantiation or explanation.

 

Adults: Tax deductions (for self-employed)

If you are a self-employed entrepreneur, you can sometimes deduct therapy or training as a business expense, provided there is a clear link to your work. For example:

• Stress or burnout symptoms that affect your functioning.

• Skills training aimed at professional development.

Always consult with your bookkeeper or tax advisor. Services purely focused on private issues are typically not tax-deductible.

 

For more information, please contact me through the contact button below this page.