A psychologist cannot be specialized in everything. That is why I focus on trauma, fear, mourning and loss, as well as on a negative self-image. I keep up-to-date with the latest developments on the above mentioned topics. You can also contact me for other matters that can be solved with EMDR.

If you are unsure whether I am the right psychologist for your problem, please feel free to contact me (info@sarahverroken.com or 0471 60 25 11). You could also make an appointment for an exploratory interview. This way you can immediately sense whether it clicks between psychologist and client, a crucial ingredient for the success of the therapy. When in doubt, do not hesitate to be honest about this.

As no two people are alike, it is impossible to estimate the duration of the therapy in advance. However, it is never the intention to stretch the therapy needlessly and your progress will be evaluated at regular intervals.

For alcohol and drug problems, I strongly suggest you search for a specialized psychologist.

In 2015 I followed a training to become an EMDR therapist (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, Integrativa vzw). Since then I have been using this technique successfully for various problems (including trauma, stagnated grief, phobias, phantom pain, negative self-image...). There are many theories about why it works, but that it works is a fact.

Before we start the therapy, I give a detailed explanation of how, what and why, so you can always understand what is happening.

Some advantages of EMDR at a glance:

• We cannot change what has happened in the past, but we can change how you feel now when you think back: the emotions are disconnected from the trauma.
• You do not have to talk a lot. If you do not want to describe certain elements, do not describe them: you are and remain in control. You stay in the present and are able and allowed to indicate that you want to stop at any time.
• Even when you are not yet able to talk about certain events, they can already be processed.
• There is no complete re-experience of the trauma (in contrast to other forms of therapy).
• The client himself comes up with solutions (which are often better than those that any psychologist can think of).
• Fast progress.

Sarah Verroken (˚1982) completed her masters in clinical psychology at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Prior to her independent practice, she worked on trauma, grief, stress, and burnout in highly sensitive persons. She is also experienced in treating trauma in refugees. She currently studies trauma and victimology at the Université Libre de Bruxelles. 

She is educated in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, Integrativa vzw) and is a board member at Trauma-Aid Belgium vzw. In this context she worked on a stabilization box for refugees. She is a volunteer at Red Cross Flanders, where she offers psychosocial help as part of the DSI team (Urgent Social Intervention) in case of disasters. 

Apart from being a psychologist, Sarah Verroken also holds a master’s degree in Visual Arts (Sint-Lukas Brussels) and has been active as an independent graphic designer and illustrator for over 10 years.

Memberships and recognitions:

• Psychologencommissie: nr. 822118353 (Commission of Psychologists)
• Belgische Federatie van Psychologen (Belgian Federation of Psychologists)
• Vlaamse Vereniging van Klinisch Psychologen (Flemish Federation of Clinical Psychologists)
• EMDR-Belgium vzw & Trauma-Aid Belgium vzw
• Gentse Psychologenkring

• LANGUAGE

Consultations are possible in Dutch, English, and French

• COST

A classical session takes about 1 hour and costs €60.

An EMDR-session takes about 1.5 hours and costs €90.

In case of absence, please notify at least 24 hours in advance. Without announcement I am forced to charge a session. Anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be sent home without delay. The consultation will be invoiced.

Most health insurance companies partly repay psychological assistance. However, they each apply their own criteria. For more information, please contact your own health insurance company.

The private practice is located at Prinses Clementinalaan 112/2 in Ghent, within walking distance of the Ghent-Sint-Pieters railway station.

DO KEEP IN MIND: The practice can only be visited AFTER APPOINTMENT.

Appointments can be made via email (info@sarahverroken.com) or by telephone: 0032 (0)471 60 25 11.

During consultations I do not answer any calls, so please leave me a message and I will call you back as soon as possible.