Hoogstraat 38, 9700 Oudenaarde - info@sarahverroken.com

ABOUT ME

Sarah Verroken (1982) completed her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, after which she followed the interuniversity training in Victimology and Psychotraumatology at the Université Libre de Bruxelles and the legal training to become a Court Expert at the Catholic University of Leuven. Prior to her independent practice, she worked for several years on trauma, grief, stress and burnout in people with Sensory Processing Sensitivity, and as a trauma psychologist for refugees.

She is a recognized EMDR Europe Practitioner (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, Integrativa vzw), and has been active as a board member at Trauma-Aid Belgium vzw since 2016, where she worked on a stabilization box for refugees.

In addition to being a psychologist, Sarah Verroken also has a master’s degree in Visual Arts (Sint-Lukas Brussels) and has been active for twenty years as an independent graphic designer and illustrator of children’s books, among other things.

Memberships and recognitions:

  • Commission of Psychologists (COMPSY): no. 822118353
  • Belgian Federation of Psychologists
  • Flemish Association of Clinical Psychologists (VVPK)
  • EMDR-Belgium vzw
  • Trauma Aid Belgium vzw

EXPERTISE

A psychologist cannot be specialized in everything. That is why I focus on (complex) trauma, anxiety, grief & loss. I keep up to date with the latest developments on the above mentioned topics. Various techniques are used, such as EMDR and imaginary exposure, as well as talk therapy.

If you are unsure whether I am the right psychologist for your problem, please contact me by email (info@sarahverroken.com). You could also make an appointment for an exploratory interview. This way you can immediately sense whether there is a click between psychologist and client, a crucial ingredient for the success of the therapy. If in doubt, do not hesitate to be honest about this.

Another field of expertise is the guidance of families who are involved in a legal battle, commissioned by the Family Court. In these cases, it is always my intention to work towards a solution that benefits each party involved.

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

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

EMDR

Since 2015, I have successfully used EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) for treating various problems, including trauma, stagnated grief, phobias, phantom pain, negative self-image… I am also constantly updating my knowledge of this technique as a certified EMDR Europe Practitioner. 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 the how, what and why, so you always understand what is happening.

Some of the advantages at a glance:

  • We cannot change what happened, but we can change how you feel now when you think back: the emotions are being disconnected from the trauma.
  • You do not have to talk a lot, if you don’t 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 able to talk about certain events, they can still possibly be processed.
  • There is no reliving of the trauma (in contrast to many other forms of trauma therapy).
  • The client comes up with solutions, which are often better than those that any psychologist can think of.
  • Although the length of the therapy is difficult to predict, clients should experience changes after a few sessions.

IN PRACTICE

Consultations are possible in Dutch, English and French.

RATES

  • A classic session takes about one hour and costs €80.
  • Some clients prefer sessions of 1,5 hours. This costs €120.
  • Reports, letters, multidisciplinary consultation, telephone conversations with third parties, etc. are charged per hour at a rate of €80/hour
  • The above rates do not apply to legal expert assignments. Before the start of a legal assignment, the parties will receive a clear price quote.
  • In case of absence, please notify at least 24 hours in advance. Without notification, I am forced to charge a session, unless force majeure is clearly at play. Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be sent home without delay. The consultation will be invoiced.

Most health insurance companies partially reimburse psychological assistance. However, they each apply their own criteria. For more information, please contact your own health insurance company. Reimbursment does not apply to legal assignments.

CONTACT

The practice is located at Hoogstraat 38, 9700 Oudenaarde, easily accessible via Oudenaarde railway station.

ATTENTION: The practice can ONLY be visited AFTER AN APPOINTMENT.

An appointment can be made by email info@sarahverroken.com.