Culturally Attuned Therapist for Diverse Communities

Welcome!

Hi, I’m Drs. Amélie van den Brink. I have a diverse background with connections to Africa, North America, and Europe. I’m a Registered Art Psychotherapist (ATR) and a researcher (with a focus on African studies). I work with children, young adults, and families to tackle challenges like ADHD and trauma. I use a mix of traditional and creative methods to help understand and address emotional and behavioral issues.

Before I started focusing on ADHD and trauma-related challenges, I spent 14 years working with adults, families, and children around the world dealing with:

severe psychological disorders (Schizophrenia, Bipolar, PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder/Depression)
special needs (ADHD, Autism, PDD-NOS)
and other challenges (divorce, expatriatism/(im)migration, & mixed ethnicity).

I have worked across various settings, including in psychiatry, education, summer camps, day treatment clinics, humanitarian disaster zones, and now private practice. These experiences have shown me the profound and life-changing potential of integrated therapies.

I've had the unique privilege of working with diverse cultural communities, including African, Asian, European, and mixed/third-culture (also known as 'TCK') families.

Training wise-I hold a BA in Psychology/Art Therapy (graduated magna cum laude) from the College of Santa Fe (in the US), an MA in Art Therapy (graduated cum laude) from New York University (also in the US), and several certifications in Play Therapy, Emotional Freedom Tapping Techniques, Internal Family Systems Therapy from various training institutions (based in the US).

My approach to therapy is holistic, humanistic, and psychodynamic in nature, tailored to meet each client's unique temperament, cultural background, and life circumstances. I'm passionate about empowering my clients to better understand their emotions, fostering their self-confidence, and enhancing self-awareness that lasts far beyond the therapy room.

Additionally, I work closely with parents and mental health professionals/allies, providing them with tools and insights to support their own growth and that of the child(ren) they work with. Together, I aim to create a nurturing environment that encourages healthy solutions and resilience.

(On rare occasions I take elderly clients, depending on the issue. Kindly inquire further to see if I can help using the Contact Form .)

Before I end, I would like to add that I am deeply passionate about promoting preventative mental health care. To support this, I host free weekly and monthly sessions and workshops focused on mental well-being via my Facebook page and website. These include breathwork, "Arting with Anger," and Creative ADHD-Trauma Awareness. The Creative ADHD-Trauma Awareness workshop is limited to just 5 participants per session to ensure a more personalized and safe experience, and spots are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. No prior experience is needed to join any of the events—everyone is welcome! If you're interested, you can explore the full schedule and detailed descriptions of these events and workshops here . To reserve your spot, please fill out the Contact Form.

If you have any questions about any of my services, kindly send me an email- I will do my best to respond within 48 hours.

I'm excited to connect with you and explore how we can work together to support you (or your loved one) on the path to healing, growth, and emotional well-being!