Welkom at Holistic Swan!

I am Olav, a mindfulness trainer, body-oriented therapist, and psychologist. My work focuses on the body—because I believe that in our society, we already live too much in our heads. The body does not lie; it carries our history and our wisdom. By reconnecting with the body, we open the door to recovery, connection, and wholeness.

What touches and inspires me time and again is the enormous resilience of people. Even after traumatic events or prolonged pain, I see how the body and mind find ways to adapt and recover. That strength, often hidden beneath layers of protection, is exactly what I will seek to uncover together with you.

I work primarily in a body-oriented way, and my style of working is mainly based on Somatic Experiencing, NARM, mindfulness, polyvagal theory, and holistic massage therapy.

But above all, I work from person to person.

I love to really meet you. To slow down together, to feel, to become still—in a space where everything is allowed to be. Gentle, safe, and connected. No rush, no judgment. Just your experience, your pace, your path.

Do you recognize this?

  • “I suffer from a ‘monkey mind’, my thoughts are all over the place!”
  • “I find it difficult to really feel what I am experiencing…”
  • “Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by a jumble of emotions and thoughts”
  • “I find it extremely difficult to focus my attention”
  • “I would like to learn to develop more insight into myself”

Then mindfulness might be something for you!

Mindfulness is being fully aware of the present moment. And doing so with an open, accepting, non-judgmental attitude.

We all know the feeling of doing something while your mind is elsewhere, as if you are on autopilot so you don’t have to pay attention. These automatic patterns can be useful, but they often prevent us from being completely present in the here and now, causing us to miss information, signals, and observations. You miss out on life itself, as it were! Mindfulness is a good way to learn how to deal with stress. You learn to listen to your body, distance yourself from your thoughts, and control your emotions.

The method is based on positive psychology, in which we look at possibilities instead of limitations, and kindness and gentleness towards yourself and others is also an important component of mindfulness. Mindfulness is not woolly, but a scientifically proven effective method. This makes it accessible to everyone.

What does mindfulness bring you?

  • You experience more peace and relaxation in your daily hustle and bustle.
  • You recognize your automatic patterns and stress signals.
  • You deal better with stress and stressful situations.
  • You can concentrate better and act more effectively and purposefully.
  • You have more energy.
  • You enjoy your work and life more.
  • You develop a gentle, friendly, and more accepting attitude toward yourself.

Would you like to learn how to apply mindfulness in your own life?

  • 8-week group training (live or online)

    • In a small group, you will learn how to apply mindfulness techniques in your own life. The sessions last approximately 2.5 hours and are conducted in Dutch. In addition to the weekly sessions, you will receive homework to work on daily. You will receive a workbook and access to audio files to help you perform the meditations and exercises.
  • 8-week individual training (live or online)

    • If you prefer to complete this training individually, this format may be more suitable for you. In eight sessions, you will learn how to apply mindfulness techniques in your own life. The sessions last approximately 75 minutes each and are given in Dutch. In addition to the weekly sessions, you will receive homework to work on every day. You will receive a workbook and access to audio files to help you perform the meditations and exercises.
  • Individual customized program

    • Perhaps you don’t need the (entire) MBSR training. In consultation with you, we can put together a customized program (either live, online, or a combination of both).
  • Mindfulness @ Work (in company)

    • If you would like to organize in-company training for employees, please contact us to discuss the options.

Reimbursement for mindfulness training by health insurance

Some health insurers offer supplementary insurance that covers (part of) the costs of mindfulness training. The amounts reimbursed depend on the insurer and the supplementary package chosen.

Reimbursement is usually provided for an 8-week MBSR or MBCT training course if burnout symptoms are indicated. Some insurers require a referral from a doctor or general practitioner, but not all insurers impose this requirement. You should therefore always check with your own health insurer whether the training course is (partially) reimbursed and under what conditions reimbursement is possible.

I am affiliated with the Association of Mindfulness-based Trainers Netherlands as a category 1 trainer. (VMBN).

You can check with your health insurer or at this page

Want to register or have questions?

Please contact us, we would be happy to tell you more about mindfulness and the possibilities for you!

Yes I am interested in mindfulness training!

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  • Domselaerstraat 92, Amsterdam
  • 06 -28 175 285