What is brain-body therapy?

With over two decades of experience, at Counseling Amsterdam we believe that mental and physical health go together. We combine our expertises in traditional psychotherapy with psychomotor therapy and neuroscience, offering a pathway to deeper emotional healing and improved physical and mental resilience.

Our practice is dedicated to helping clients heal through a comprehensive approach that nurtures both the brain and the body. We offer a fresh perspective on mental health in a warm and supportive environment, where one can work towards personal goals and growth.

Is this a yoga retreat?

No, this is not a yoga retreat. Instead, it is a therapeutic retreat designed for individuals struggling with mental health who are seeking a holistic approach to their well-being.

Our program focuses on both the mental and physical dimensions of wellness, addressing not only the cognitive aspects of mental health but also how stress and pain are experienced in the body. Incorporating breathing exercises and body awareness techniques, this comprehensive approach helps participants cultivate mindfulness and resilience, empowering them to thrive amidst life’s challenges.

Do I have to be fit to participate?

We adapt our activities to your level of fitness. We offer special surfing sessions, walks in nature and indoor physical activities that range from boxing to breathing exercises. You can do things at your own pace.

What do I need to bring?

We advise you to bring comfortable clothing: good walking/sports shoes, a light jacket, sweaters and swim wear. In the beginning of June the weather in Portugal can be very warm already, but bear in mind that the proximity with the ocean can always bring mist or chilly mornings/evenings. We also advise you to bring insect repellent and sun screen! The farm is only 10 minutes drive away from Ericeira, where you can find any goodies that you might have forgotten.

I am in doubt, can I book a free call?

We would love to hear from you, please book a free intro call with one of us via this link.

What is your cancellation policy?

• Before purchasing a retreat, we kindly ask you to thoroughly read and understand our cancellation policy. We know that sometimes things comes up, and unexpected events happen that can keep you from going on a trip you’ve planned. If you’re totally sure you aren’t able to make it to the retreat, the best thing you can do is cancel.

• Counseling Amsterdam is not responsible for your expenses incurred in preparation for any cancelled retreat, such as airline tickets, loss of work, and/or other costs associated with preparing for your trip.

  In case you need to cancel, the following refund policies apply:
  - 100% refund for cancellation 30+ days before the start date.
  - 50% refund for cancellation 15-29 days before the start date.
  - 0% refund for cancellation 0-14 days before the start date.

  To cancel your retreat:
  Email us: inquiries@counselingamsterdam.nl

General Terms and Conditions

1. Confidentiality

All conversations are confidential and fall under the professional code of conduct of the Dutch Institute of Psychologists (NIP).

Exceptions to confidentiality apply when:

• there is (imminent) danger to yourself or others;

• there is a suspicion of child abuse or neglect;

• you are no longer able to care for yourself adequately;

• a court order requires access to client records.

2. Liability & Medical Care

Clients are required to have a general practitioner (GP) and be accessible for medical care.

Counseling Amsterdam does not provide crisis care. In the event of acute psychological distress, clients must immediately contact their GP, out-of-hours medical service, or emergency/crisis services.

If the client uses medication, coordination with the prescribing physician remains the responsibility of the client.

3. Sessions & Cancellation

Individual sessions last 50 minutes, unless otherwise agreed.

Appointments cancelled less than 24 hours in advance will be charged in full.

Unused sessions within the agreed program period will expire.

4. Payment & Obligations

Payment confirms participation in the program and is non-refundable.

In the case of installment payments, the first installment must be paid prior to the start of the program.

The payment obligation remains in force even if the program is terminated early.

In the event of non-payment, Counseling Amsterdam reserves the right to suspend the program until outstanding payments are settled.

5. Invoicing & Collection

Invoices must be paid within 14 days.

If a discounted rate has been agreed, the full payment must be made within 14 days.

In the event of late payment, interest of 1.5% per month may be charged.

After three payment reminders, the claim may be transferred to a collection agency, and any additional costs incurred will be borne by the client.

General Terms and Conditions – Counseling Amsterdam

1. General

These general terms and conditions apply to all services and programs offered by Counseling Amsterdam, whether individual or group-based, in-person or online.

By participating in a session or program, the client agrees to these terms and conditions.

2. Confidentiality & Privacy

All conversations and personal data are treated confidentially, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including the Dutch Medical Treatment Contracts Act (WGBO) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), as well as professional standards within mental healthcare.

Exceptions to confidentiality apply only if:

• there is (imminent) danger to yourself or others;

• there is a legal obligation to report (such as suspected abuse or neglect);

• you are no longer able to care for yourself;

• a court order requires access to the client file.

Client records are stored securely and accessed only by involved professionals. Retention periods comply with statutory requirements.

3. Nature of Services

Counseling Amsterdam provides counseling, coaching, and guidance focused on personal development, mental and physical resilience, and behavioral change.

The services:

• do not replace medical, psychiatric, or psychotherapeutic treatment;

• do not include crisis care.

In the event of acute psychological distress, the client must contact their GP, out-of-hours medical service, or crisis services.

If the client is under medical treatment or uses medication, the client remains responsible for coordination with their treating physician.

4. Liability

Counseling Amsterdam performs its services to the best of its knowledge and ability.

Counseling Amsterdam is not liable for:

• indirect or consequential damages;

• damages resulting from decisions or actions taken by the client following sessions;

• damages resulting from failure to follow advice to seek medical or other professional help.

Any liability is limited at all times to the amount paid out by the applicable professional liability insurance.

5. Sessions, Programs & Cancellation

Individual sessions last 50 minutes, unless otherwise agreed.

Appointments may be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before the session.

Cancellations within 24 hours or failure to attend will be charged unless there is demonstrable force majeure.

For programs:

• sessions must be used within the agreed program period;

• unused sessions will generally expire after this period.

In exceptional cases (such as illness or serious circumstances), deviations from this policy may be agreed upon in consultation.

6. Payment

Payment confirms participation in a session or program.

For programs:

• payment is required in advance, unless otherwise agreed;

• in the case of installment payments, the first installment must be paid before the program starts.

Refunds are generally not possible.

In exceptional circumstances, Counseling Amsterdam may decide to apply partial refunds or temporary suspension of obligations.

If a program is terminated early, payment remains due for services already provided.

7. Invoicing & Collection

Invoices must be paid within 14 days of the invoice date.

If a discount is applied, the full amount must be paid within 14 days.

In case of late payment, statutory interest may be charged.

After repeated payment reminders and written notice, the claim may be transferred to a collection agency. Any additional costs will be charged to the client.

8. Complaints

If the client is dissatisfied with the services provided, they are encouraged to discuss this with Counseling Amsterdam as soon as possible.

If this does not lead to a resolution, the client may use an independent complaints procedure.

9. Applicable Law

These terms and conditions and all agreements with Counseling Amsterdam are governed by Dutch law.

10. Amendments

Counseling Amsterdam reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions.

The most recent version is always available via the website or upon request.

11. Force Majeure and Geopolitical Circumstances

1. Counseling Amsterdam shall not be liable for failure to perform, delayed performance, or incomplete performance of a retreat, training, or program if this is the result of force majeure.

2. Force majeure refers to any circumstance beyond the reasonable control of Counseling Amsterdam that temporarily or permanently prevents the fulfillment of the agreement. This includes, but is not limited to:

• war, threat of war, or armed conflict;

• terrorist threats or geopolitical tensions;

• travel restrictions or government travel advisories;

• sanctions, airspace closures, or transportation restrictions;

• pandemics or epidemics;

• natural disasters;

• government measures or emergency regulations;

• strikes or disruptions in transport or infrastructure.

3. In the event of force majeure, Counseling Amsterdam has the right to:

• reschedule the retreat or program to a later date, or

• adjust the format or structure of the program.

4. If the program is rescheduled, the original payment remains valid for the new date, and the participant will retain the right to attend the rescheduled program.

5. If the retreat or program cannot be carried out permanently, Counseling Amsterdam may decide to cancel the program. In such cases, Counseling Amsterdam may, at its discretion:

• offer a partial refund of costs not yet incurred, or

• provide a credit for participation in a future retreat or program.

6. Counseling Amsterdam is not liable for additional participant costs, including but not limited to travel or accommodation expenses.

12. Retreats, Events and Group Programs

1. Retreats, trainings and group programs are organized on pre-determined dates and locations.

2. By registering and making payment, the participant confirms their participation in the program.

3. Because retreats and group programs involve advance costs (such as accommodation, venue rental, organization, and preparation), payments are generally non-refundable.

4. If a participant cannot attend, they may transfer their place to another participant, provided this is communicated in advance to Counseling Amsterdam.

5. Counseling Amsterdam reserves the right to make minor changes to the program, location, or schedule if necessary for the proper execution of the retreat.

13. Cancellation by the Organizer

1. Counseling Amsterdam reserves the right to cancel a retreat or group program in the event of:

• insufficient number of participants;

• illness of the facilitator;

• force majeure as described in Article 11;

• circumstances that make safe or responsible execution impossible.

2. In the event of cancellation by Counseling Amsterdam, participants will be entitled to:

• participation on a rescheduled date, or

• a credit for a future retreat or program.

3. Counseling Amsterdam is not liable for additional participant expenses, including but not limited to:

• travel costs;

• flight tickets;

• accommodation outside the retreat program;

• insurance costs.