Emma Harmsen

What is your style as a coach?

‘I am empathic, but I also like to be concrete: to name what I see. As soon as I meet someone, I can usually pinpoint the core of the problem fairly quickly. I pay attention to the past, where certain thoughts and patterns come from, but I always make a connection to the present: what can you do about it now? That is where the growth lies. 

Awareness is an important part of my work. I often talk to people who have to do everything for themselves: they have to be the best employee, a great parent and loving partner, they have to exercise five times a week and they have to have a compelling social life. My question is: who does this belong to? And do they really have to?

I believe in prevention. Recognising the signs of stress in time, so that worse can be prevented. I recommend that everyone has a mental health check from time to time.

I am convinced that a seemingly small adjustment in behavior can lead to big, positive changes. Make time for a walk in the woods, say “no” if you don’t feel like it – and see what happens.’

What is your background?

‘I graduated in Clinical Neuropsychology. Super interesting, the influence of the brain on your behavior. Then I worked in various places, including the forensic field, and became proficient in all kinds of treatment methods, such as EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness. About ten years ago I started my own practice. 

People can come to me if they want to break through ingrained patterns and gain insight into their blind spots. I help people with burnout problems, work life balance and I know how to deal with fear, panic and worry. I also have a lot of experience in coaching managers, entrepreneurs and young professionals.

I live with my boyfriend and my son in a surfing village near Lisbon. I enjoy nature, being outdoors. People here live more in the moment. Besides being a psychologist and coach, I am a yoga teacher and I have my own company in sportswear.’