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How I can Help
Is your child or teenager struggling and in need of mental support?
The modern world is an increasingly complicated and busy place.
The challenges that young people are facing today are more complex than the challenges we faced growing up.
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As a certified coach I guide children and teenagers to discover the root cause of their challenges and to help them to find their confidence and resilience. I can help them discover the beliefs that might limit them and work on building positive coping skills.
I can help if your child:
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worries too much, is fearful, anxious or suffers from performance anxiety,
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feels insecure,
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struggles socially because of shyness, low self esteem or a lack of
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self-confidence and conflict resolution skills,
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is very hard on him/herself,
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gets frustrated when facing challenges,
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has a tendency towards pessimism,
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has difficulties coping with, or expressing emotions (anger, sadness, boredom etc.),
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is dealing with complex situations such as moving house, divorce, sickness
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or the death of family members or friends,
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has learning or sleeping problems.
About Me
My name is Gabrielle van Stralen and I am the proud mother of three wonderful daughters; Mila, Madelief and Pien.
I was born in The Netherlands but lived in different countries, including Spain, Ukraine, France, and Switzerland. As of July 2023 I have been living in The Netherlands again. The adventure of living abroad is an exciting experience, and I feel that it has expanded my children's view of the world.
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In my spare time I enjoy being active - preferably with family or friends. Furthermore, I am passionate about studying and expanding my knowledge in psychology, coaching, and child development. Thereby, I am driven to empower children and teenagers to be resilient and confident - but most of all, happy.
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I look forward to meeting you and your child!
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Approach
The first session is an intake with the parents that will help us define the child’s needs. Offering my support does not require a lengthy process; on average 4 to 6 sessions will be sufficient to help your child.
Together we will search for the root cause of the issues your child is dealing with.
With young children this can be done in a very playful manner.
Once we have determined the issue and the reasons behind it, we will set an achievable and valuable goal. Reaching this goal allows your child to benefit from the solution in similar situations, as well as new ones.
The guidance I offer is goal- and future-oriented. The key to my approach is to aid your child in finding a solution to the problem himself/herself. Only then will the solution be sustainable in the long term.
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My coaching is based on three therapeutic approaches:
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My Background
In 1993, I graduated with a master in Leisure sciences. I initially worked as a policymaker and consultant for governments and private companies in the field of tourism, culture, sports and city management. In my last job with a city management consultancy firm in Amsterdam, I initiated a project with teenagers and young adults struggling to get their professional lives on track.
Finding my purpose in Coaching
That first coaching project ignited a new passion in me. I noticed what a world of difference it made when somebody believed in these young adults. Listening to their story without judging allowed me to guide them into creating a steady life and career. It was during this experience, that I decided to change my career and focus on coaching children and teenagers.
Returning to School
In order to fulfil my new career path, I got qualified as a licensed coach for children and teenagers. See my Education for more info. My approach is primarily based on cognitive behavioural therapy, psycho-dynamic therapy and systemic coaching.
Guiding an expat family
Throughout my professional career, my family and I have lived in various countries. I believe this adds a unique and valuable point of view to my coaching approach. Even-though I love the advantages and adventures of living in various counties, I also noticed first-hand that moving into different cultures isn’t always easy for children. For this reason, I specialise in helping children and teenagers find their footing in a new country.
Contact Details
Twijnderslaan 10
2012BJ Haarlem
Nederland