Astrid de Ruiter
Psychotherapist, Somatic Psychotherapist
Sunshine Coast Mindfulness
Maleny, QLD 4552
In Person + Telehealth
Philosophy & Vision
If you are facing challenges right now, whether they are tiny or monstrous, and feel you're not coping the way you would like to, there is actually nothing wrong with you! Life is just pretty complicated these days, with a lot of different stressors and often high demands. Social support is not always as frequent or available as we would like, or it might not quite provide us with what we need. In these circumstances, we all need some professional, caring, confidential support and guidance.
Background
My initial interest and career was in applied physics and environmental science, and I worked in the field of photovoltaic solar energy. In my early thirties, I had a bit of a wake-up call, and set out on a mission to 'find myself'. I spent several years travelling, exploring and discovering. During that process I learned a meditation technique called mindfulness (during a 10-day silent retreat), It was the hardest thing I've ever done, but also the most beneficial and life changing.
I decided to retrain as a counselor and also to migrate to Australia. I initially worked for a community center as a counselor, and also had the opportunity to teach mindfulness to others. And I've kept doing that ever since, with great passion and enjoyment!
Services
A session is a collaborative process between you and me and not something I 'do' to you. I have a deep trust in people’s inner wisdom, and their capacity to overcome difficulties in their life. I see the therapy process as simply the catalyst, the personalized support they need for change, healing and growth to take place.
One of my strengths is listening deeply to where you're at, however vague, unpleasant or extreme, and to find what you need to move forward. I often find myself working with people's emotions, and earlier life experiences underlying those. When we are struggling in life, it is often because of things that have happened to us when we were (very) young, even if that might already be many decades ago!
Quality Provision
I undertake regular professional supervision, and also continue to keep developing my skills and knowledge by taking part in professional training. I am a clinical member of PACFA and QCA, and also certified to teach mindfulness by both the Center for Mindfulness at UMASS (USA) and the Mindfulness Training Institute Australia and New Zealand.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Graduate Diploma Psychology - 2017 - QUT
- Graduate Diploma of Counselling - 2006 - ACAP
- Diploma of Holistic Counselling - 2008 - Sophia College of Counselling
Modalities
ACT - Experiential - Internal Family Systems - MBSR - Mindfulness - Person Centred - Somatic Psychotherapy - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
I'm a registered counsellor/psychotherapist in private practice and an internationally certified mindfulness teacher. Each modality I practise can be powerful on its own. What I have found is when I combine counselling/psychotherapy and mindfulness it leads to much faster, deeper and more profound change in people... and that's exciting.
In my therapy and counselling work, I have a specific focus on the mind-body connection, and how we can access our subconscious by working through our bodies. We do this by simply tuning into what is going on in the body, and also through simple movements and postures. This, in combination with good old talking therapy, can often really accelerate the therapy process and lead to surprising shifts.
Professional Associations
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia - Clinical
Practice Locations
3 Cherry Street
Maleny QLD 4552
There are bus stops close to both practice locations, and there is plenty of parking.
Appointments
I see people in Maleny on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, and at Moffat Beach on Thursdays.
Fees & Insurance
$120/hr
Languages
English
German
Dutch
Payment Options
Cash, eftpos, or I can send an invoice afterwards.
Contact Astrid
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Astrid de Ruiter
-
I was born in the Netherlands and migrated to Australia in my late thirties. I have always had a strong drive to understand the world, and to contribute something meaningful to that world. At the tender age of 19, I did not quite realize that my real curiosity was People and Life, and I therefor did a Master in Applied Physics, with a minor in environmental science. I initially worked in the field of photo voltaic solar energy, as a consultant and policy maker.
In my early thirties, my body went on strike (I developed such severe problems with my back I could not sit behind a desk anymore). It made me realize (with a lot of resistance initially) that I had been completely out of touch with my body, and in a way, with myself, who I really was and what I really wanted in life. I quit my job (and career) and spent several years travelling, exploring and discovering. During those years, I slowly realized that being occupied with the workings of the material world wasn't really nourishing my soul, but that I seemed to be naturally good at really listening to people, helping them understand themselves better and to make changes in themselves and their lives for the better.
I also realized I needed to live in a country where I could live much closer to nature and a sense of wildness, and I decided to migrate to Australia. I retrained as a counsellor/psychotherapist (and also became a certified mindfulness teacher). I have found it very rewarding to be able to connect with people in the places within themselves where they suffer most and are usually completely alone, and to help bring about insight, healing and transformation.