My Life

My Personal and Professional Journey

Born in 1970, I grew up in a family where supporting and guiding others was at the core. Like me since 2008, my father was a therapist and yoga instructor. Along with my mother, a dedicated elementary school teacher, they showed me from a young age how valuable it is to help people with their personal development and growth. In 1995, I moved to the United States, where I lived, studied, and worked. Early in 2002, my life as an expat ended, and I returned to the Netherlands.

In addition to the inspiration my parents gave me, I also carry my own life story with me. I am what you might call a wounded healer. My childhood and adult life were marked by significant personal challenges that have shaped me. This not only gives me the strength to guide others, but also a unique insight into what it means to go through dark periods. I believe that true growth arises from these moments.

A milestone in my life was the publication of my autobiography and self-help book in 2023, Monddood, aan een narcist ontsnapt (Silenced, Escaped from a Narcissist). In it, I share my experience of being in a relationship with a man with narcissistic personality disorder. This book is more than just a story; it is a tool for others who are searching for a path to healing and freedom.

My Vision and Approach

My work as a therapist is characterized by a holistic approach and my conviction that the relationship between therapist and client is crucial. I want to meet you as a person, not just as a client. Together, we embark on a journey to discover what is holding you back and what can help you move forward. I offer you the tools, you put them into practice, and in each session we refine our collaboration based on your experiences in daily life.

My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment in which you have all the time and space to rediscover yourself. Together, we work on breaking patterns that hinder your life and developing a new path full of strength and self-love.

Professional Roles

In addition to my work as a psychodynamic therapist, I am also a mindfulness trainer, yoga instructor, author, and mental health counselor in a local GP practice. My diverse expertise enables me to offer my clients a wide range of techniques and insights, tailored to their unique needs.

Journey Together

My work is rooted in my personal experience and professional development. I believe that genuine connection and mutual respect are the foundation of every successful therapeutic relationship. Together, we can shape your unique journey to healing, growth, and self-love. Take the first step today and discover how we can transform your life together.

Passport
Who is Annemarie?

I am Annemarie Braun, an enthusiastic psychodynamic therapist (Master Practitioner) with over 15 years of experience in mental health care. In my work, I combine trauma therapy (EMDR, Flash 2.0, IFS, SE), cognitive behavioral therapy, relationship therapy, grief counseling, and mindfulness. I have worked in my own practice, in general medical practices, and in international clinics, where I have also guided many patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.

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Five Fun Facts About Me

If you get to know me a little, you’ll quickly discover there’s plenty to laugh about. Here are five things I look at with a wink myself:

1. Humor in my practice: I’m known for my appropriate humor during sessions. Even when discussing serious matters, I know how to break the tension with a light-hearted remark and bring a smile to faces. I always say: learning with laughter!
2. The eternal search: If there were an Olympic sport for finding your phone and keys, I’d be on the podium every time. I lose hours each week searching for these small but oh-so-crucial items. Maybe I should dedicate my next session to myself…
3. Language fanatic with a twist: I have a thing for language. Whether it’s finding just the right words or joking with puns, language and I are inseparable. The only thing missing is a certificate officially recognizing my passion.
4. Yogi, my loyal companion: My cocker spaniel Yogi keeps me on my toes. Adopted in 2020, this lady has stolen my heart. She’s not only my walking buddy but also my daily source of cheerful chaos, perfectly matching my own character.
5. Cold-weather wimp deluxe: As autumn leaves fall and winter sets in, I turn into a human burrito; wrapped up in blankets and fueled by liters of tea. Give me spring and summer, when I can sit on a cozy terrace or enjoy long walks on the beach. That’s when I truly thrive!

So if you ever have a session with me or bump into me somewhere, don’t be surprised if you hear me crack a joke, see me searching for my phone, or spot me chasing the sun with Yogi. Life should stay a little lighthearted!

How I Ended Up on Texel

I was born and raised in Rotterdam, but my heart has belonged to Texel since I was six years old. That year, my parents started a tradition: every year at Ascension, the tent was pitched at Camping Kogerstrand, and it stayed up until after the autumn break. We spent every school holiday and free weekend on the island. Even the (at the time with the old ferry) sometimes hours-long wait for the crossing on the Marsdiep was part of the adventure and made arriving all the more special.

My parents still tell me that when I was six, I already said: “One day, I’ll live here.” That ultimately took another 48 years, but my love for Texel never faded. Even when I lived in the United States, I never skipped a year. Every visit to the Netherlands automatically meant a visit to Texel, it was a given.

When I met my husband, I quickly infected him with the Texel bug. Over the past twenty years, we visited the island so often that we increasingly wondered: ‘Why don’t we just live here?’ In October 2024, it finally happened: we moved to Texel. And we have only one regret; that we didn’t do it much sooner. The funny thing is, many locals think we’ve lived here for years. That says enough about how often we were here and how at home we feel.