About Essence Institute

Working in the Mental Health field for over 18 years. Initially as psychologist and later as director.
Active meditator (modern day Dzogchen approach).
Experienced in The Work of Byron Katie, NLP and Coaching.
As a facilitator his style is open, direct and lighthearted. Focuses on reconnecting with that which is already whole.
Derk is married and father of 3 sons and one daughter.

Working in the Mental Health field for over 40 years
Author of the book “Circle of Awareness”
He is an experienced trainer of psychotherapy, author of peer-reviewed articles on psychotherapy, awareness, intimacy, and mindfulness
As a trainer, he helps participants to experience the healing power of awareness.
His style as a trainer is playful and compassionate, creating a safe space for exploring all kind of issues.
Willem is married and father of two sons.

Working as a therapist/coach/trainer with a background as psychiatric nurse with over 17 years of experience in complex Mental Healthcare. She started her own practise to support people in discovering and remembering their deepest, natural, primordial ground of being.
Experienced in Mindfulness, Non-duality, Voice Dialogue, Meditation & Breathwork.
Her style as facilitator is open with lightness, direct, grounded, warm and involved.

More than 7 years of experience in guiding people with plant medicines, body de-armouring, transformational breathwork and yoga.
She combines her gained skills from her background in hospitality management and Human Resource now in her own practice, where she supports people on their inner journey.
To delve deeper into the relationship between body, mind and trauma, she is studying Body-Integrated Psychotherapy.
As a facilitator people experience her as playful , humorous, dedicated, powerful, warm and she has an eye for details.

PhD in Medical Psychology, trained as behavioral therapist, including embodiement based, psychodynamic and transpersonal approaches. Certified in Integrational Focused Psychotherapy (IFP), currently in training for "psychedelic augmented Psychotherapy" with the Mind Foundation.
For 25 years experience in different therapeutic setups and in science; currently running her licensed practice in South-Germany.
As a fasciliator she is playful, caring and welcoming. She has a lifelong spiritual approach to life, which is down-to-earth and pragmatic.

Passionate about water (technology), nature and human development
Holds a MSc in biology and a PhD in water technology
Works on community water, education & empowerment projects in developing countries
Experienced mountain tourleader, windsurfer and freelance consultant
Trainer/coach in the fields of (self)leadership, emotional healing & conscious growth
As a facilitator he is curious, playful and fully present with whatever comes up

Worked for 19 years in mental healthcare with people with complicated disorders. She started her own business.
She is experienced in Emotional Bodywork, Yin/Hatha Yoga, Breathwork, NLP, shamanic traditions and integrated it in her own way.
Her style of working & being with people is grounded, warm, with humor, open and playful.
She loves holding a safe space where people can be vulnerable, where they can fully sink into a profound healing process.
She is a mother of a 31 year old daughter.

She is involved in several projects also giving 1-on-1/group sessions for body & mind awareness and healing.
She has a Bachelor in English Language and Literature, and until recently worked in Human Resources.
Passionate about travel, writing, Latin dance, human-animal connection and herbal medicine.
As a facilitator she is playful, open and compassionate, and makes you feel welcome and at ease.
Grateful for the joy of discovering, learning and healing together, seeing the beauty in sharing and connecting with others.

Priscilla has a bachelor of Business Administration and has been working in various (international) organizations as a personal / executive assistant
She studied naturopathic medicine and is a certified Pranic healer – Teaches Kundalini-, Yin- and Restorative Yoga and meditation since 2013 and facilitates Transformational Breath Work sessions
She holds a safe and caring space with an open heart during deep processes, where trust in the wisdom of the body and soul are regained

Trained physiotherapist, educationalist and guidance counselor with over 20 years of experience in mental health care.
Worked with complex target groups in forensic addiction care.
Personal development experience: psychedelics, meditation, cold training, forgiveness work (course in miracles).
He creates an open and calm space by being present and grounded. He is involved, playful and has a sense of humor.

a pioneer in personal growth experience