Hi
My name is Gunnar. I am a therapist in Bodymind Integrated Psychotherapy, a student in Somatic Experiencing (body-oriented trauma therapy), I give workshops for men and workshops in Reichian body-work ('Leven in je lijf').
For me, my work as a therapist is the most effective way to contribute to a more healthy, empathetic and peaceful world. Using my experience, knowledge and skills to guide people deeper into their own being, and to offer the space in which healing can take place adds to a sense of purpose, meaning and fulfilment in my life.
About me
Originally I am from Germany and I studied art in Switzerland. Love brought me to the Netherlands. After two years of long-distance relating I now live in Amsterdam in a lat-relationship (living-apart-together) with my partner and her teenage sons.
Since 2010, I have been consciously involved in personal development in various ways. For example by regularly participating in silent retreats. This was mainly about awareness and comparable to meditation and mindfulness. I am also part of a group of men that I meet every month. Together we explore life and the challenges and beauty of being a man more deeply.
In 2017 I completed the official training to become a Coach for The Work of Byron Katie (VTW). The Work is a coaching method to explore the effect of thoughts on behaviour and emotions. In the beginning of 2024 I completed my 4,5 year training Integrated Psychotherapy at Bodymind Opleidingen in Rotterdam. In the end of 2020 I started my own practice for body-oriented psychotherapy in Amsterdam. In 2023 I started a 3 year long training in Somatic Experiencing, a body-oriented trauma therapy developed by Peter Levine.
Relevant trainings
2023 - 2026
Somatic Experiencing practitioner (Body-oriented trauma therapy)
Founder: Peter Levine. Teachers: Doris Rothbauer, Sonia Gomez
2023
Trainer Leven in je lijf (Reichian body-work, breath-work, bio-energetics)
Trainer/founder: Margaret Harten
2023
De kracht van woede (trainer: Margaret Harten)
2018 - 2024
Integrated Psychotherapy (at Bodymind Opleidingen)
Therapist training in body-oriented psychotherapy
2015 - 2017
Training Coach for The Work of Byron Katie
Ralf Heske, Verband für The Work
Testimonials
"Gunnar is an excellent therapist who made me feel at ease and taught me how to trust my body. I used to struggle with my emotions and felt at their mercy. I found, in his practice, a safe space where we could explore together what was underneath the physical sensations. I now trust my emotions (and therefore myself) and understand my nervous system better. Gunnar leads every session with gentleness and tact. I like that he always explains a bit of the theory behind the work we do. The insights I gained through my therapy with him have been extremely valuable. I highly recommend it!" (Catherine C.)
"Ik heb Gunnar ervaren als een absoluut integer, vaardig en warmhartig therapeut, die weet een ruimte te creëren die veilig voelt en mij de mogelijkheid gaf weer in contact te komen met mijn gevoelens, behoeftes en de sensaties in mijn lichaam. Gunnar luistert en begeleidt wat er speelt in het moment en gaat met wat zich wil laten zien, waardoor je leven weer gaat stromen en het vertrouwen erin gaat groeien. Zijn benadering is trauma-sensitief, aards en met veel rust. Ik heb door de sessies bij hem verzachting ervaren en meer acceptatie en inzicht betreffende mijzelf gekregen. Ik kan hem als therapeut alleen maar aanraden." (Sabine S.)
"Gunnar is a skilled therapist and his approach of working at the intersection between emotions and the body is refreshing and I've found it to be very effective. He is highly attentive during sessions and guides them kindly, holding space, and asking precise questions when required - making all sessions very clarifying. I can highly recommend Gunnar and finding out if his approach would be a good fit." (Nicolas B.)