Leonie der Kinderen

“I enjoy working with practical, creative and body oriented exercises. My workshops and therapy sessions facilitate a safe space to reflect and practice in a playful and explorative way. There are many ways to learn, and I enjoy the challenge of creating customized learning experiences for people or groups. “

Kind words

"When I first came to therapy I was a bit tense and unsure of what to expect. After a brief but very pleasant introduction we went straight to work. We dove into the deep end, because of the safety provided and the warmth and trust radiating from the therapist, I dared to explore what we found there. I am no longer afraid of what I find deep inside, I have learned what I can do with it. After the sessions I always went home full of good courage and renewed energy and after a while I started to notice that I was doing better, I got more confidence in myself to cope with the uncertainties of life and we could eventually conclude the therapy. The therapy really helped me and now a year later I still often apply what I learned, it still helps me find my way in life..."

"For me, therapy with you was life changing. Literally, and it still is. You make me feel heard and understood, you manage to find ways to interrupt my trapped thinking patterns in ways that work for me intellectually and emotionally, a combination that is sometimes difficult for me. Your unconventional and very interdisciplinary approach, and your flexible thinking and creative ways of approaching anything I am dealing with are truly unique. I honestly feel like we are battling my demons together, and it feels great to fight alongside you :)"

"My experience at centrum vaktherapie has been superb. I did two workshops ‘conscious closeness’ (about consent) and ‘movement medicine’ with Leonie. She is amazing. Since the topics and experiences can be uncomfortable (in a good way) - e.g. how to say no and express your boundaries - she is excellent at keeping balance with relaxation and also keeping it lighthearted with humor. I learned a lot. It was a safe space to explore and grow. It was a beautiful bonding experience with the participants because there was so much recognition in our struggles. I greatly recommend Leonie as a facilitator! You’ll be in good hands."

"You helped me through a really rough time of my life. I really benefited from your openness, flexibility, and empathy. To this day, I find it fascinating how you balanced being so empathic and caring, and at the same time challenged me, made me laugh, and made me see things from a different perspective. You gave me a lot of hope and optimism to get through my crisis. I am to this day still benefiting from exercising we did in the sessions. Whenever I have moments of insecurity, self-doubt, or loneliness, I remember things I have learned about myself in my sessions with you. The therapy goal of "building and strengthening the relationship with myself" has been definitely reached. Of course the connection with myself varies in strength less strong, but I get in tune with myself a lot quicker than I used to."

"The most relevant thing I have gained from this process is that I now recognize when I am no longer in contact with my deepest inner self and that I can restore that contact. Being connected to your deepest self makes your life so much richer and calmer. Leonie acknowledged this in a perfect way, she understood what was wrong and was able to approach this from different angles. My compliments for that!"

"Leonie seems to effortlessly create an energetic, candid and accessible group dynamic each time that offers space and opportunity for enriching discovery and experience. Her guidance and exercises are appropriate and valuable for everyone, regardless of your personal experience!"

"I can strongly recommend the improv classes! It has always been so much fun, a true stress relieve and somehow by exploring different characters I got to know myself more and always went out with more confidence of who I want to be. Leonie is a fantastic leader - creating a welcoming environment for everyone, no matter if you are an experienced improv lover or if it is your time. The games she leads us into have always been fun and thought provoking! Thank you very much for organizing such incredible improv sessions! The fruits of your work are shown in everyone who has been to your classes :)"

Drama Therapy

After my bachelor in drama therapy I have facilitated therapy for various populations (adolescents with personality problems, children with developmental problems/multiple disabilities, people with an intellectual disability combined with behavioural problems and adults within psychiatry) gaining experience with different therapeutic methods and enjoying collaboration with various disciplines within the health care system.

Centrum Vaktherapie

In 2015 the therapy practice ‘Centrum Vaktherapie’ took shape, within which I created space to contribute on a project basis to beautiful initiatives within Maastricht at the intersection of art, health, research and education. Within this practice I share my enthusiasm by offering regular playful workshops around personal development in addition to working with people through expressive arts therapy (vaktherapie).

Professional Growth

I really enjoy my work and remain continuously inquisitive about human health, psychology and how people attribute meaning and value to the world around them. After further education in humanistic studies and therapeutic improvisation work (DvT), I have in recent years focused on physiology, contact improvisation and holistic health (how are nutrition, sleep and movement related to, for example, depression?).

“Movement and expression remain the core of my work and I have just completed three years in a somatic movement education programme that teaches movement analysis (LBMS) to look at recurring patterns in human movement after which I embarked on a course in human anatomy and physiology to be able to work more holistically in my practise.”

Leonie der Kinderen

“I enjoy working with practical, creative and body oriented exercises. My workshops and therapy sessions facilitate a safe space to reflect and practice in a playful and explorative way. There are many ways to learn, and I enjoy the challenge of creating customized learning experiences for people of groups. “

Drama Therapy

After my bachelor in drama therapy I have facilitated therapy for various populations (adolescents with personality problems, children with developmental problems/multiple disabilities, (SG)LVG and adults within psychiatry). gaining experience with different therapeutic methods and enjoying collaboration with various disciplines within the health care system.

"When I first came to therapy I was a bit tense and unsure of what to expect. We dove into the deep end, but because of the safety provided and the warmth and trust radiating from the therapist, I dared to explore what we found there. I am no longer afraid of what I find deep inside, I have learned what I can do with it. After the sessions I always went home full of good courage and renewed energy and after a while I started to notice that I was doing better, I got more confidence in myself to cope with the uncertainties of life. The therapy really helped me and now a year later I still often apply what I learned, it still helps me find my way in life..."

"You helped me through a really rough time of my life. I really benefited from your openness, flexibility, and empathy. To this day, I find it fascinating how you balanced being so empathic and caring, and at the same time challenged me, made me laugh, and made me see things from a different perspective. You gave me a lot of hope and optimism to get through my crisis. Although, I did not see you for a very long time, I am to this day still benefiting from exercising we did in the sessions. Whenever I have moments of insecurity, self-doubt, or loneliness, I remember things I have learned about myself in my sessions with you."

Professional Growth

“Movement and expression remain the core of my work and I am currently strengthening this focus in the third and final year of a somatic movement education programme that teaches movement analysis (LBMS) to look at recurring patterns in human movement.”