My philosophy

Through use your voice, I pass on my knowledge and insights about voice to those who want to grow awareness and deepening in that respect. My approach is unconventional and has the individual at centre, not one particular method or technique. Every person is unique and therefore needs a personal attitude. I use my sensitivity to tune into that level. This way, my clients offer me just as much opportunities for learning and growth as I offer to them. Besides my knowledge about the voice, I work with the Polyvagal Theory, Theory of Positive Disintegration, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Nonviolent Communication to put voice coaching in a broader context.

I like to create an environment where you don’t have to be afraid of making mistakes; where you can explore freely what your possibilities are and feel safe enough to leave your comfort zone. Group workshops and individual sessions are offered in Dutch as well as English. My logo depictures a dolphin, as the animal is an ancient symbol of communication, intelligence, freedom and playfulness. These are all relevant core values in my way of working.

Voice as an expression of the self

Your authentic voice, which is able to reach and touch people, is most powerful when you’re connected to your intuition and your attention is in present moment. When your attention is consumed by thoughts or memories, you’re not present. Having your attention fully and intensely in the present moment means that you’re tuned in with all your senses, connected and responsive to what’s going on around you.

I have the holistic approach that all expressions and processes of the self are connected to each other, and they influence each other constantly. So when someone comes to see me with a particular voice problem, of course we work on voice techniques. We also look at breathing, body language and occasionally to the use of language. Sometimes that’s just what’s needed: learning new voice techniques, polishing up old habits.

But when someone mentions stage fright, stress or insecurity combined with voice problems, voice coaching will only make sense if you are prepared to look at your internal processes as well. This means you have to recognize, accept and regulate emotions that the voice reflects. Or it means that you need to take a different perspective towards certain thoughts and beliefs that get in your way of speaking freely. And imagine the opposite: maybe you don’t know how to make impact, how to speak from your heart. Then you can learn to connect more with feelings and emotions, and express them through your voice.