
Soldiering on through a pile-up of big life events that's internally draining you?
That's messing up your mojo and making you worry it's costing you your connection with your kids, your partner or team?
I help parents and professionals find their way back to flourishing. So there's belly-shaking laughter at dinner again, connectedness and more inner peace. Even if - or especially when - you're still amidst the pile up.
Does this sound familiar?
Lately, it’s just been one thing after another—a massive pile-up of life events. Perhaps you became a parent, your company is reorganizing, you’re navigating a relationship crisis, or you’re caring for a child with extra needs. Maybe you’ve moved, are renovating, or are grieving the loss of a loved one. And then a bunch of these at the same time.
On the outside, you’re holding it together.
Practically, you’re doing everything you need to do. Heck, even mentally you’re trying to stay positive, telling yourself that "others have it worse" or "this too shall pass."
But on the inside, You Feel So Drained.
And increasingly so, experiencing moments of intense sadness or a sense of loss for the person you used to be. It scares you that you aren’t enjoying precious moments with your kids or partner the way you "should" or want. Causing you regret later.
The mental load never seems to stop. Dinners feel like logistics meetings. You’re already thinking about the next task while your kids are trying to share a moment with you. You find yourself snapping at your partner or team. Only to regret it all later. You’re worried this is costing you your relationships—that you’re not the parent, partner, or leader you want and value to be.
You’ve tried "thinking" your way out of it. You use all the tools you’ve learned before—mindset, influence of thought, trying to take care of yourself—but in the face of this pile-up, nothing seems to profoundly change your experience right now.
A Foundational, Restorative, 'Breath of Fresh Air' Approach to Restoring your Wellbeing and Resilience
Through my therapy work with over 100's of parents and leaders—and through my own lived experience—I’ve learned that true flourishing is impossible when our resilience is missing its foundation.
Most people I work with nail functional and mental sides of resilience. They are high-functioning, responsible, and keep showing up, even while dealing with a shitload of pile-up. They know the theory, they’ve read the books, and they’ve done the coaching.
But true resilience also requires space for your emotional and physiological experience.
What you need isn't more "ratio," more discipline, or more "stop worrying" tactics. Your emotions and your body don't simply "fall in line" because your mind tells them to. And this is where many therapy, coaching and self-help modalities fall short.
I help people integrate the four bases of resilience. By connecting with the emotional and physical side of your experience so you can:
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Reconnect with your energy, your values and inner drivers in life again;
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Truly slow-down and enjoy your children and partner again, even if - or especially when - you're still amidst the chaos of it all;
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Bring back the belly-shaking laughter at dinner, playfulness and connection;
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Restore meaningful connection at work.
Shortly so you can parent, love, lead and 'just' be with energy, compassion and true presence.
About Kristel
With over 10 years of experience in counseling and 5 years of institutional therapy settings, I help people integrate the four bases of true resilience. After graduating Cum Laude with a Master’s in Developmental Psychology (Clinical Pedagogy) in The Netherlands, I continued my education in adult psychology, mastering diverse therapy modalities. I’ve worked with family systems, teams, and individuals to enhance wellbeing across a wide range of life circumstances. In my practice, I maintain a holistic view, translated into actionable, concrete tools. In both my private practice and my freelance collaborations, I work internationally, providing therapy in Dutch and English (along with a mix of English and French for local clients). Most of my work is conducted through online consultations.
My work is rooted in the belief that when we are our most nurtured selves, we can guide a more compassionate, connected, and resilient next generation which the world so urgently needs.
ABOUT ME
ABOUT ME
Hi! Welcome! My name is Kristel Steen. Therapist, interdisciplinary expert, mother, entrepreneur, and woman are the roles I currently embrace with all my heart. Some days are filled with energy and joy; others bring the challenges and struggles that require me to find ways to sit with the emotions those struggles bring up to create space and meet my emotional needs again before moving towards feelings of wellbeing again.
From my experience as a psychologist, pedagogue and parent, I know that we only truly flourish when we nurture the entire system: every role within an individual, and every individual within a system. I am here to help people become their most 'nurtured' selves and reach their full potential. This creates the energy and peace of mind needed to build a foundation of resilience, empathy, and connection for the generations to come.
EDUCATION
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Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, 2025
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Specialization in baby- and infant sleep & wellbeing, 2025
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EMDR certification, 2023
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CBT certification Rino Groep (NVO), 2022
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Intuitive Coaching certification IMC Mensontwikkeling (NOBCO), 2020
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Utrecht University, 2016, Cum Laude MSc, Clinical pedagogy
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Utrecht University, 2014, BSc, Pedagogical Science

EXPERIENCE
My approach is rooted in a rich and diverse career focused on the human psyche and group dynamics. As a psychologist, I have five years of experience in clinical mental health care (SGGZ) and currently support the mental well-being of employees within large organizations through my own firm and an international platform (nilo.health). Combined with my previous roles as a project leader and behavioral scientist, I have over 10 years of experience in guiding and developing people. This (clinical) foundation allows me to quickly get to the heart of complex challenges.
Alongside my therapeutic work, I have extensive experience in leadership and organizational culture. I have managed complex collaborations as a project and team leader within the public sector and co-led a dynamic business with a staff of 50. My passion for healthy work environments previously led me to head a task force for cultural improvement within clinical mental health care. I combine the analytical insight of a psychologist with the decisiveness of a leader to build systems where people feel truly engaged—and act accordingly.
What people have said about working with me:
Norma van Maaren
"Kristel is an incredibly sweet and warm woman, which, combined with her expertise, has allowed her to shape many treatment programs in a truly wonderful way. For clients, she's a gentle yet clear and consistent therapist who makes them feel comfortable, seen and heard, and who also provides them with life-changing insights..."
A.
“Kristel is a cheerful and friendly presence who creates a unique connection. She has the ability to streamline team processes and engage the people involved all the way.”
CONTACT ME
Every change starts with a single conversation (in English, Dutch or French!).
I work online and tailor my approach to what is needed to initiate the move toward resilience. Do you have a question about my services or would you like to explore if we are a match? I look forward to hearing from you.
PHONE
+33 6 64 76 91 18
ADDRESS
47 Route des Côtes, 71250
La Vineuse sur Fregande, France
SIRET
845107929 00026