Are you interested in joining the Two Year Online Buddhist Psychology diploma Programme
Yes
What Buddhist sangha, if any, do you belong to? If none, write "none".
Zen Baarn (Netherlands, Andre van der Braak)
Are you a
Use psychology in your work
Regarding Global Sangha, do you
Wish to receive GS Newsletter & Podcasts
Your history with Buddhism/Psychology & interest in this network:
Buddhist background
I've just applied for BP (june 2025) and had interview with David Brazier, I am happy to start feb 2026 with the BP program. I first met Buddhism in the 90’s in Thailand and did the 10-day Annapannasati retreat in Suan Mokkh several times. In the 00’s I went to the Dutch FPMT Maitreya center (tibetan) in Amsterdam and I twice did the month long Lamrim retreat at Kopan Monastery in Katmandu, Nepal, with lama Zopa Rinpoche, in 2001 and 2008. Eventually I found the tibetan practices too far removed from my own cultural roots and understanding. Since 2011 I’ve been practicing zen in my own country. My teacher is André van der Braak, and I’ve also trained and done retreats with both of his teachers, with Nico Tydeman and with Ton Lathouwers, who are zenteachers in the Japanese and in the Chinese tradition.
Psychology background:
- BA in psychiatric nursing (2008)
- BA in health psychology (2008, Open University)
- BA+ in social community psychiatric nursing (2011)
- MSc Nurse Practicioner Mental Health Care (2021)
As a Nurse Practioner for mental health care I work in a psychiatric out patient clinic for the elderly in Amsterdam. I usually have about 50 clients, all above 65 years, most of them live at their own homes. I do a lot of home visits, and also many clients come to our clinic. I do both short and (very) long lasting treatment episodes, depending on the context and the question. I have several nurses, a psychologist and a psychiater as colleagues and support for this often rewarding and sometimes very demanding work.
