About Me

Nik van den Berg (51)

Click here for formal bio

Intimate relationships bring us to the core of who we are and how we want to connect. I love helping people move their relationships toward deeper love, intimacy, and appreciation for each other.

In my own relationships, I have experienced how easy it is to get tied up in relational dynamics, and how painful and lonely that can feel. And I have also learned that there is so much to gain by getting out of the repetitive loops and the messiness.

I have a strong analytical mind and also a deep compassion for the flaws and quirks we have as human beings. I thrive in complex dynamics, and I love helping people bring complexity back to the core of the matter.

I value critical input. As a critical thinker myself, I appreciate and learn from different perspectives and disagreements. It’s nice to know what works; I find it even more valuable to hear what my clients have concerns about or disagree with. That is the soil for creating the best relationships.

At the same time, I also challenge my clients. From the start of the first session, I interrupt the patterns. I challenge and support my clients to experiment with new ways of interacting and sharing what is really going on.

It is possible to get unstuck. Not always easy, but so worth it. Real love takes compassion and courage.

‘It is possible to get unstuck. Not always easy, but so worth it.’

Nik van den Berg

Formal Bio

BADER-PEARSON DEVELOPMENTAL MODEL

I am trained in the Developmental Model for relationships at the The Couples Institute. This model is based on attachment theory, neuroscience and differentiation theory. - I am inspired by the combination of creating safety and, at the same time, making space for each person’s utter individuality.

SOMATIC EXPERIENCING

I am a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner based on the work of Peter Levine. This is a very gentle body-based approach to integrate the difficult episodes of your life. - I am touched by how deep and transformative this gentle, slow work can be.

VITA SEX, LOVE AND RELATIONSHIP COACHING

I have done 5 years of deep work at Layla Martin’s Tantric Institute for Integrated Sexuality. Here, modern-day neuroscience is combined with ancient practices and the latest insights in somatic healing. I am registered at the Dutch organisation for coaches NOBCO and certified as a VITA™ Sex, Love and Relationship Coach. - I find it very fulfilling to use these tools and guide people to upgrade their lives.

EMBODIMENT WORK

I have a thorough 20-year background in different kinds of deep embodiment work. These include deep (ecstatic) dance practices, bodywork, meditation, and voice work. I am deeply and intimately connected to my own body. - I am in awe of the wisdom of the body.

‘Learning to stay present in the difficult moments is not easy but when you do it creates a new level of connection’.

ACADEMICS

I have a BA in Analytical Philosophy and I am certified in the Socratic Method of Dialogue and Inquiry. - I enjoy deep nuanced thinking, analysing and approaching complex issues from different perspectives.

I have a MSc in Business and have a strong background in business, finance and, sustainability. - l love transforming complex issues into practical solutions that work.

OTHER RELEVANT TRAININGS AND EXPERIENCE

Institute for Relational Intimacy (Martha Kauppi): Consensual Non-Monogamy Training and Assessing & Treating Sex Issues in Psychotherapy.

Esther Perel: Sessions Platform.

Gottman Institute: Gottman Method Couples Therapy Training Level 1 and 2.

I am part of different supervision and peer-supervision groups that I attend regularly and am committed to my ongoing professional development.