Frequently, during couples therapy, we also encounter underlying issues in partners that can strongly influence relationship problems and require a complimentary approach. At that point, we can augment counseling with targeted expertise from our network.
The professionals we work with have their own independent professional practice and legal liability and work completely independently from each other and from Groepspraktijk De Alverberg.
Carolien Ponsaerts
Licensed family mediator
As a certified family mediator and notarial lawyer, Carolien guides couples through both the legal and emotional aspects of separation.When couples want to break up and communication becomes difficult or impossible, she helps (ex-)partners express their needs and emotions clearly and truly listen to each other, creating space for meaningful and open dialogue.
By addressing important but sensitive topics such as (co-)parenting and the division of assets, she helps prevent conflicts from escalating. Carolien makes sure all necessary legal information is explained in a clear and accessible way while also making room for the emotions involved.
Dr. Ellen Stoffelen
Physician – Body-oriented therapist
Bodymind centering helps you get more in touch with your emotions, your deeper needs and your inner peace. As a physician and body-centered psychotherapist, Ellen specializes in working with adults who suffer from stress, burnout or stress-related physical symptoms, including those that are the result of an insecure attachment.
Using a physical approach, you connect your body, emotions and thoughts. You create a firm foundation in your pelvis through body awareness, breathing and releasing physical muscle tension. You work integrally and strengthen your confidence, strength and sensuality. You will be able to unmask and retrain the reaction patterns that hinder you when stressed. This allows you to live life to the fullest.
Karine Ruttens
Grief & loss counselor
Sometimes couples may experience a loss, which is always accompanied by a grieving process. It can be the loss of a loved one, but also the loss of a child, losing your job or business, losing your health or having to say goodbye to a love affair or a big dream you cherished.
Karine offers guidance to help you (and/or your partner) find the support and recognition you need during this copîng process.Together, you will create space for all the emotions and challenges that come with grief.
Katja Mommen
Child and youth coach
Katja helps children and young people – with or without special educational needs (such as ASD, ADHD, giftedness, etc.) – who struggle with social interactions or understanding their own or someone else’s feelings. She specializes in ‘animal assisted therapy’, a goal-oriented approach that integrates trained therapy animals (dogs, rabbits,…) into the counseling process.
When parents enter couples therapy and notice that their child(ren) are struggling with the home situation, a collaboration with Katja can be explored. This partnership aims to support and enhance the child’s overall well-being—psychologically, socially, emotionally, behaviorally, cognitively, and physically.
Anniek Vanbriel
Cognitive behavioral coach for addiction
Anniek Vanbriel is a behavioural coach with more than 25 years of experience counselling people with addiction problems. From her practice ‘Gewoon Anniek’ in Helchteren, she supports clients stuck in substance use, binge eating, excessive gaming or other avoidance behaviour. Her approach is warm, accessible and focused on creating space for change – without judgement.
Anniek always starts from real contact and works experientially: exploring together what does work, step by step. She helps clients regain control of their lives and strengthens their resilience, self-care and connection with themselves. When needed, she offers home visits to lower the threshold. Her motto: you don’t have to do it alone.
Recha Bervoets
Career coach
Daily work stress, toxic leadership in the workplace or a lack of satisfaction in your job can have a great impact on people and put pressure on their relationships and family functioning. Relationship therapy has a better chance of succeeding when these problems are adequately addressed along with it.
For these matters, we will propose a collaboration with Recha Bervoets – a certified career coach who runs her own career center. She can guide people in dealing with their obstacles and job stress, and help them make the right career choices to match their talents.
Traumazorg
Team of trauma therapists
When individuals show symptoms indicating trauma-related processing issues, trauma treatment may be proposed. Trauma in one (or both) of the partners can cause couples to experience interaction problems leading to relational difficulties.
Following client consultation, a referral is made to Trauma Care, a team of trauma therapists specialized in diagnosing and treating symptoms from early childhood, chronic, or complex trauma.
Ignace De Wolf
Auticoach
Ignace De Wolf specializes in coaching teenagers and adults with (suspected) autism. As an autism coach, he works alongside his clients, emphasizing equality—neither above nor below them. His approach centers on the client’s concerns and goals, tackling the challenges posed by (suspected) autism.
The length of a coaching program varies and continues as long as needed. Support ends when both coach and client agree that the goals have been achieved as effectively as possible and no further assistance is required.