Student Coach
Siggie’s coaches are part of Vitalmindz, which employs several psychologists with a variety of backgrounds. Our Siggie coaches are scientifically trained, familiar with the target group and all work with Siggie’s specific approach based on positive psychology. Every Siggie coach values our effective approach for students. And of course everyone makes a personal difference in their own way. Two of our coaches – Dominique and Joost – introduce themselves and are happy to share how they approach their role:
Joost
Coach
Hi, my name is Joost. After I graduated as psychologist at the university, I became involved in the development and start of Siggie in 2020. I believe it is crucial that mental support is available for students during their time as a student. I know all about how great life as a student can be, but at the same time it’s also a very complicated phase of life. It doesn’t matter if your request for help is small or if you need help with bigger challenges, asking for help is always ok. That’s why me and my colleagues are there for you!
What can you expect from me?
Authenticity, equality, confrontational, empathy and acceptance.
Authenticity, equality, confrontational, empathy and acceptance.
Connection with people, walks in nature, animals, traveling, reading, music, sports, my work and a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a good glass of wine
Zoë
Coach
Hi, my name is Zoë. I live with my partner, and I enjoy going for walks in the area and discovering new restaurants. Outside of work, I love staying active and exploring new sports that challenge me.
I gain a lot of energy from working with people, having meaningful conversations, and uncovering valuable insights. I understand that during your studies, many challenges can come your way, whether they are related to your studies or external factors. My goal is to work together to understand what’s going on and explore what you need to move forward.
I am empathic and value a personal, equal approach. My goal is to help you in making your study experience more enjoyable and manageable.
In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing games, reading, and being with friends. I also love traveling and discovering new places. In my work, I find joy in seeing students achieve success and in contributing to someone’s personal growth.
Britt
Coach
Hi! I’m Britt. I live on the Veluwe together with my boyfriend and our cat Pip, where I like to enjoy the beautiful nature around me. In my free time, I love cooking and baking, and I enjoy being creative in the broadest sense of the word: from painting to tackling new DIY projects at home. Oh, and I play the saxophone in a fanfare orchestra!
Authentic, honest, accepting, and engaged.
I’m an animal lover, I enjoy good food, music, and art, and I love spending time with the people around me!
Danne
Coach
When I look back on my time as a student, I see it as one of the best, but hectic periods of my life (cliché, I know). In retrospect, I sometimes made things quite difficult for myself and had to overcome some challenges that I had caused myself. Along the way, I learned many important lessons and I am still learning. One of the things I enjoy most is encouraging others to overcome their own challenges. I know from personal experience how useful it can be to talk to someone who listens without judgement to determine your next step.
Open, empathetic, analytical, personal, honest.
Music, sports, lots of hobbies, sun, laughter, nature, feeling connected to other people.
Marije
Coach
Hi, my name is Marije Kuiper and I’m a psychologist with Siggie.
I finished my bachelor’s in psychology in 2018 and started a master in sport and performance psychology the year after. Over the years, I have been working as a psychologist and thoroughly enjoy helping people move forward with the challenges they face. I’ve personally noticed that during student life, so much happens both around you and within yourself. Because of this, I understand how valuable it can be to have someone to talk to every now and then and discuss the issues you’re facing
Genuine interest in your story, new insights, and working together to find ways that help you move forward.
Sport and exercise, discovering new places, cozy coffee spots, good food, people that make me laugh!
Max
Coach
After struggling with challenging thoughts and feelings during my student years, I made it my goal to learn how to cope with them in a healthy way. With help, I learned to accept, focus on what I value, and, most importantly, enjoy what I do have. These topics have fascinated me to this day, and I’ve had the privilege of making them the focus of my work.
As a psychologist, I value giving others respect and space. I am also naturally curious and enjoy working flexibly from different perspectives.
I am happy when I experience a deep and compelling story (in a book, TV show/movie or videogame). I also enjoy watching a football match or attending a concert with friends, but most of all, I cherish spending time with my girlfriend and our little daughter.
Aisyah
Coach
During my time as a student, I experienced how challenging it can be to find a balance between studying, social life, and becoming independent. In my first two years, I often prioritized my social life, which led to me having to retake almost all my exams. These were tough times where I had to learn how to deal with stress and take responsibility. Graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges, such as feelings of loneliness and difficulty asking for help. By talking to someone, I learned to develop the right skills and regain control over my balance and well-being.
These experiences taught me how important it is for students to have someone who listens to them, cares for them, and provides guidance when needed.
Empathetic, goal oriented, a safe and open atmosphere.
Walks, sunshine, going out for dinner, matcha, and little moments of joy.
Josine
Coach
As an angry, stubborn teenager, with no insight in my own talents and skills and no plans for the future, I left school as fast as I could. I became a mom in my early twenties and fascinated as I was with the development of my two kids, I went back to school to study psychology. I like to see myself as a master of figuring-it-out-along-the way. Going against the grain, I turned out to be successful in my own way. In my profession, that’s what I like to teach people: that the experience of stress comes from the picture in your head about how things are supposed to be. Once you let go of that picture and start doing what works well for you, that’s how you become your authentic self.
Empathetic, vibrant, personal, puzzle solving, inspiring.
Going on adventures and doing fun stuff, music, reading, art, good food, my dog, nature, meaningful interactions.