Centrum Vaktherapie
Our practice in Maastricht offers therapy in English. Our conviction is that people learn through experience. This philosophy is the basis of everything we do.​

We create a safe and pleasant space in which you can experience or restore the natural state of connection with yourself or others. We facilitate an environment in which you can invest in the relationship with yourself and expand your comfort zone.



Centrum Vaktherapie is a therapeutic center in Maastricht where you can not only receive practical help with psychological issues through therapy but also develop skills in a playful manner in our workshops.
Workshops
In our therapeutic practise you grow through experiencing. Expressive arts therapy combines the dialogue with practical exercises in music, drama, fine art, dance or movement to integrate body and mind.
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Expressive Arts Therapy

Expressive arts therapy (vaktherapie) combines artforms and psychotherapeutic methods by using practical exercises that engage your whole body. The dialogue is not our main tool for reflection. By creating embodied learning experiences we strengthen the connection between thinking, feeling and physical sensations. In this way learning experiences can be more easily integrated into our system. Many people learn more efficiently through experiences in which physical, playful and creative aspects are addressed. This form of treatment is attuned to what stimulates you to learn and process most effectively.

Not all problems can be solved by just talking about them. Especially when you have difficulty expressing your thoughts or feelings or when you cognitively know what your challenges are but you still feel stuck, expressive arts therapy can help you take the next steps.   In creative ways you will be invited and challenged to gain new experiences. The therapeutic environment also offers a safe place to practice and experiment with new behaviour. The experiences gained in therapy lead to insights and new skills that can help you in your daily life.

 Expressive arts therapy is multi-methodical, it's based on different psychotherapeutic methods such as: (cognitive) behavioural therapy, client-focused therapy and cognitive neurosciences. We find it important to work evidence-based. This means that the treatments we offer are based on scientific research, tailored to your specific needs.

The therapeutic relationship is central in our approach, we shape treatment in consultation with you. We find it important to not just focus on your complaints or symptoms but view you in your entirety. Instead of just focusing on reducing the problems, we look at physical and psychological factors, your social network, background and spiritual or religious beliefs. You are always welcome book an appointment to find out if this kind of therapy suits you. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like to get acquainted.

Workshops

Workshops

Stay informed about activities such as meetings around conversation skills, contact improvisation dance or improv theatre. Our events are aimed at stimulating your personal development by expanding your comfort zone and teaching you new skills.

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Music Therapy

The emphasis within music therapy lies on the experience and feeling through (creating) music in the present moment. Music has the unique quality that it calls forth memories, emotions and past experiences. Music can even cause physical responses. For example; getting goosebumps when you hear music that moves you. Music is also a way to express feelings without the use of words. This can be great if you want to communicate about what is going on inside your head but you have trouble verbally communicate it or if you can’t find the right words to express yourself. Sometimes it is can be too painful for someone to verbally express an event or feeling. Music can be an alternative form of communication in these cases. The music therapist can understand the client through the unique quality of music he or she brings to life. All of the aspects stated above are used throughout music therapy.

The music therapist knows how music is used to communicate and can understand the client more in depth than if the client would only be speaking. The music therapist is able to ‘read’ the client’s musical expression and can anticipate and respond to the information gathered through the musical process. By offering a direct experience, treatment goals can be worked on en problems can (non-verbally) be worked through. After musical therapy sessions it is often good to reflect on what was experienced throughout the session with the music therapist, however, the emphasis is still mainly on the personal experience felt when engaged in the music.

Drama Therapy

Within drama therapy different forms of theatre and expression techniques are used such as; roleplaying, masks, improvisation, theatre text, directing, games and poetry. Dealing with one’s personal struggles in a ‘playful’ manner can help to offer another perspective on the problems you face. The drama therapist consciously uses specific techniques to start the therapeutic process. process of acceptance and/or healing of difficulties or problems. Drama therapy is experience oriented. The playful elements used by drama therapist are methodologically integrated with a reflective intuitive process that is inspired by the person undergoing treatment.This offers one to open up to different ways of expressing emotions, experiences and ideas. The ‘pretend’ situation provides the possibility to experiment with new behaviours in a safe environment.

Drama therapy bases the methods and work forms on existing fields of knowledge like psychology, psychotherapy and special education. The treatment aims to create changes in thoughts, feelings and coping mechanisms. Through this process one’s issues could resolve, decrease or teach you to deal with them in a healthy mannerism. At the start of a process concrete goals are chosen. These goals could be; improving communication, the ability to empathise, social interaction, self confidence, self worth and self representation. Drama therapy can be done individually, in a group, with a partner or with other family relations.

About us

About us

Centrum Vaktherapie was founded in 2015 by expressive art therapists Sirik de Jong, Casper Maas and Leonie der Kinderen (sole company owner since 2020). Over the years, they have entered into inspiring collaborations with other healthcare professionals who endorse the value of embodied and experience based treatment. Thanks to the different backgrounds and qualities of the founders and their collaborating partners, a good foundation has been established during the first years. The co-creation around the shaping of treatment, research and inspiring events has enriched Centrum Vaktherapie as well as its teammates, volunteers and cooperation partners.

Objectives

We strive to maintain a network of dedicated healthcare professionals in order to improve the quality and continuity of our care. We do this by collaborating and maintaining contact with other healthcare professionals in Maastricht. In collaboration with other organisations such as Hogeschool Zuyd, we contribute to research within expressive arts therapy.

Within our range of activities and treatments, we often make use of art forms. Theatre, music, dance and visual arts have been ways of expressing personal and social issues for centuries. Important social themes can be addressed and influenced through art. In this way we bring about social changes and at the same time we grow in our development as human beings.

Within our range of activities and treatments, we often make use of art forms. Theatre, music, dance and visual arts have been ways of expressing personal and social issues for centuries. Important social themes can be addressed and influenced through art. In this way we bring about social changes and at the same time we grow in our development as human beings.

Rates

Reimburstment through insurance​

Expressive arts therapy can be (partially) reimbursed through complementary insurance without a referral. Click here to check if your health insurance covers treatment. Reimbursement through basic healthcare is an option if you are under treatment with a BIG registered psychotherapist/psychologist or if you are undergoing treatment within a GGZ institution. In some cases it is also possible to receive reimbursement through the health insurance of your country of origin.

Contact

You can contact us by phone or whatsapp during office hours.

strouvenlaan

Car: Our Center is located on a residential area where you can easily park your car. Paid parking is on Mon till Sat 08.00-18.00 hrs, Thursday till 21.00 hrs and on Sundays from 12.00-17.00 hrs.

Nearby stops are ‘Cannerplein’ and ‘Tongerseplein’. Plan your trip here: OV Routeplanner.

When you go through the blue gate you can park your bike.

You don’t have to call reception. Feel free to walk into the building. You’ll find us on the first floor opposite the stairs.