Sunshine Coast Mindfulness

Astrid de Ruiter (MSc (Physics), Grad Dip Psychology, Grad Dip Counselling, QCA/PACFA Clinical Member, CFM/MTI Certified MBSR Teacher)

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Thank you for wanting to find out a little more about me!

From an early age, I was driven by a deep urge to understand the world and a strong desire to contribute something meaningful to that world. I was born in the Netherlands and my initial education was in (applied) physics. I went on to work as a consultant and policy maker in the field of photovoltaic solar energy – a very rewarding career choice for someone wanting to positively impact the planet!

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In my early thirties, my curiosity began to shift from the material world to the mystery of life, and what it meant to be a human being. I spent a number of years traveling, exploring and  discovering. During my travels, I learned a meditation technique called 'mindfulness', which completely changed my life.

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I decided to migrate to Australia and retrain as a counsellor/psychotherapist. In my first job as a counsellor in 2006, I was asked to develop a course to help people manage difficult emotions such as stress, anxiety, low mood and irritability. In the process I unearthed a great passion that remains to this day - teaching mindfulness to others. 

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Now I’m a registered counsellor/psychotherapist in private practice and an internationally certified mindfulness teacher. Each modality I practise can be powerful on its own. What I have found is when I combine counselling/psychotherapy and mindfulness it leads to much faster, deeper and more profound change in people... and that’s exciting.

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Over the years I have developed a deep trust in people’s capacity to overcome difficulties in their life. I see the therapy process as simply the catalyst, the support they need for change, healing and growth to take place.

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My style of counselling is gentle, caring and attentive. One of my strengths is in building genuine rapport and truly connecting with people, so they feel safe and supported. I draw on a range of counselling and psycho-therapeutic modalities, yet am also able to put aside these models and fixed protocols and just ‘be’ with someone when needed. No matter how unusual or extreme their situation, I am able to remain open minded, calm and responsive. From there I can find what is going to be most useful in that moment for that person.

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Contact me to have a chat and to see how I can help you.