About Annabelle van Nieuwkoop-Read
Neuro-affirming Therapist & Trainer | Creating Neuro-Affirming Spaces Where Being Divergent is Beautiful | Helping Neurodivergent People feel truly seen & heard.
I value the importance of bringing my whole self to my work. I offer an integrative, complementary (out of mainstream mental health), trauma-informed therapeutic experience grounded in my training as an Arts Therapist, Psychosocial Therapist, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and Autism specialist. I am a reliable, experienced therapist specialising in working with neurodivergent individuals. The therapeutic experience that I offer follows no one-size-fits-all script or protocol. I take the time to observe, listen, and acknowledge what the client brings to the therapeutic space. I may guide the client by suggesting they draw or write what they are experiencing. There may be moments of silence too, sitting with that silence can have meaning and purpose. Together with the client, we find ways to facilitate change and encourage the exploration of feelings with non-judgmental and self-loving approaches. Through this process, clients can learn about their values and needs, as well as how to articulate them effectively to others.
I identify as Neurodivergent and invite you to read My Story. I have over twenty years of experience working as a therapist or counsellor in International Education settings, social work and private practice. I value working in diverse environments, alongside the therapy I offer via Nurturing Neurodiversity Netherlands, I work as a freelance Student Counsellor at Codam College (Amsterdam).
I hope to meet you soon!
Annabelle
Experience
Academic
- MA Arts Therapy (Drama)
- MEd Autism
- Psychosocial Therapy
- ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
Internationally minded
I am British and Dutch/, and I have worked in the international community in the Netherlands since 2006. I value environments and relationships that are inclusive. I am interested in how microaggressions impact us all and strive to engage in helpful dialogues to address this issue.
Clinical experience
Over twenty years of experience as a Counsellor and Therapist in various settings:
- Trauma Care
- Primary (International) Education
- Secondary (International) Education
- Private Practice
The four core principles of Nurturing Neurodiversity services:
Neuro- affirming
To be neurodiversity-affirming means that I embrace and acknowledge the variations in learning and development, and I do not prescribe to dominant deficit narratives.
Relational
I value the importance of building a trusted relationship with my clients. To build that trust I am committed to self-disclosure and will share (when appropriate) about myself to help convey humility, humanity and understanding.
Arts Therapy
Finding your words in therapy can at times feel hard. I incorporate creative methods of expression such as writing, drawing or role play. This can be a helpful way to help a client find the right words and give a name to the feelings and thoughts they are experiencing.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy helps clarify individual values, stay focussed on the present moment, and accept thoughts and feelings without judgement. ACT can help guide the client to set goals to move toward those values and incorporate mindfulness to increase self-awareness and improve self-regulation.
BOOK A CONSULTATION
In this beautiful encounter, I explore the stages of shared later diagnosis with Leen. I was privileged to be invited to be part of this wonderful project from Laudace, Flip the Neuro-tive. Flip the Neuro-tive is a series of conversations and interviews with Neurodivergent adults. Sharing our stories increases awareness, acceptance, and common humanity. You can learn more about Flip the Neuro-tive and watch other episodes in this meaningful series.
