Welcome to FocusNest
Ever experienced a deeply distressing or disturbing experience as a child, or find yourself as an adult unable to concentrate, stay organized or in control of your emotions? That's probably because you have symptoms of trauma and ADHD ( Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder).
Trauma and ADHD often go hand in hand, like a glove to a hand. Because t rauma contributes to the development of ADHD and individuals with ADHD are more susceptible to experiencing trauma due to the challenges they face in regulating emotions and behavior. Together, they can create a cycle of frustration and struggle that feels overwhelming, both internally and with others (ie in our family and romantic relationships, and in the work environment).
The overlap between these conditions can make diagnosis and treatment complex, requiring a nuanced approach that considers both the neurological and emotional aspects of ADHD and trauma.
The Need for Comprehensive Therapies to treat ADHD & Trauma Symptoms
While traditional talk therapies can provide some benefit, addressing ADHD and trauma requires a comprehensive 'Whole Me' approach that we've coined that considers the whole person (body, mind, and spirit) for long-term impact, using natural/creative and evidence based/scientific tools for healing. At FocusNest, we integrate various therapeutic modalities (see our treatment approach below) to understand the underlying causes, decrease symptoms, and help the client feel calm and in control of themselves and their responses.
'Whole Me' Treatment Approach
The 'Whole Me' Treatment Approach was designed by Drs. Amelie van den Brink-El Makkaoui (BA, MA, ATR) after treating children and young adults, and working with their families for over a decade in various clinical and non-clinical settings-from summer camps, private practice to psychiatry. Drs van den Brink-El Makkaoui's clients' symptoms of trauma or ADHD often co-occurred, leaving her to rethink her approach to treatment by not using the standard approach of 'one size fits all' but several treatment approaches and in an integrated, individualized way, beginning from working deeply with the nervous system, the body, then to the mind. Her tools range from using ancient Chinese tapping meridian points in the body to unblock trapped energies, meaning making/creating using art psychotherapy to talk therapy using various psychological approaches.
With children and their families--Drs. van den Brink-El Makkaoui works with parents to help them learn about and enhance their emotional intelligence (understanding and managing one's own emotions, empathizing with children, and teaching them healthy emotional regulation) skills via intensive workshops called Calmer Me, Calmer Us.
There is also a workshop for mothers who, despite fathers doing the caring remain the main caregivers of their family entitled Anger Management for Mothers. The workshop presents the science behind anger as well as equips moms with understanding their own anger, triggers and how best to help them in the moment and post anger episodes.
Veelgestelde vragen
“ I was really looking for a therapist and someone I can really trust and talk with. And connecting with you during your workshop because you're mixed race is helping me to understand my upbringing and traumas I have suffered.'
[Beverely, 25 year old, mixed heritage, trauma and identity related challenges]
“Regular sessions with Amelie helped us connect with our emotions, recognize it and learn to express it more accurately. Through discussions based on real examples from our family life, we were able to better understand what is going on in our children's mind. We started to change the way we react to challenging family situations and feel better equipped to accompany our children in managing their emotions."
[Sophie, mother of Canadian family living in Senegal]
“FocusNest has helped my son get organized, plan ahead and his grades up. The comprehensive and creative approach of Drs. van den Brink has really made a difference in managing his executive functioning symptoms. He is now more confident and I love seeing him smile again.”
[Monica Jansen, 10 year old son diagnosed with ADHD]
Contact Us
Contact FocusNest for holistic and creative solutions for ADHD and trauma online or in person.
Location
FocusNest
Online & Gelderland region, The Netherlands
About us
FocusNest is a psychology/psychotherapy practice for youth (children and young adults) struggling with ADHD and/or trauma related challenges, as well as a support system for their families.
FocusNest aims to provide a warm, accepting and supportive environment where each individual feels heard, seen, and understood so that they can achieve inner calm and thrive in their goals, whether personally, academically or professionally.
FocusNest provides online and in person sessions and guidance, and in English and French.