Internationally recognised and evidence based form of psychological treatment that combines psychology/psychotherapy with the creative process of art making to allow clients to express feelings that are often difficult to express in words.  It is suited for anyone--men, women, children--and all ages  with psycho-social problems and / or psychiatric disorders. 

The aim of art psychotherapy is to bring about change, development, stabilization and / or acceptance. There is a concrete work process and end result, in which the client gains insight during every session.  

Prior art skills is not required!! 

Art therapy can help children in many ways, including the following: 

-developing problem solving skills

-identifying negative and positive emotions 

-working on mutual sharing and cooperation

-accepting other's view points

-increasing attention span and frustration levels 

-integrating language with creative expression

-facilitating play and being spontaneous 

-developing a healthy self-image based on feelings of competency and adequacy 

Art therapy can be used with children as young as 2 years old depending on problem and treatment goal. 

Hello there! 

My name is Amélie van den Brink. I am the Founder of Child Behavioral Health Network and also the art psychotherapist offering the art therapy service. I hope that through this section you can get a sense of who I am and my clinical work. So here we go :) 

My background & education

I am a global citizen, with roots in Burkina Faso (West Africa) and The Netherlands. 

I hold a BA in Psychology/Art Therapy (Magna Cum Laude) from College of Santa Fe (New Mexico, USA) and an MA in Art Therapy (Cum Laude) from New York University (New York, USA). I am registered with the American Art Therapy Association (#0015) and the Dutch Federatie Vaktherapeutische Beroepen (NVBT/FVB/Vak therapie #109815).  I also hold an advanced certificate in treating children and adolescents with trauma through play. 

Who I Treat

I can treat anyone but I specialise in treating children on two different tracks: children on the autism spectrum (i.e. Aspergers, PDD-NOS) and children suffering from trauma related disorders (ie. depression, bipolar and anxiety). In my trauma work, I focus on attachment issues and use play and Emotional Freedom Tapping (EFT) therapy; EFT is an evidence based approach to trauma treatment. 

Where I have worked

I have worked with children in various clinical and non-clinical settings in the US, West Europe and East Asia, including in psychiatric institutions, summer camps and schools/ day treatment centres. Currently, I am practicing in The Hague, The Netherlands, but also serving surrounding areas: Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Haarlem, Delft, Voorburg, Leiderdorp, Oegstgeest & Voorschoten.   

Approach to therapy

My approach to treatment is psychoanalytically based but also holistic in nature. What I mean by this is that while psychoanalysis can provide meaningful insights into a child's internal challenges, it is only one layer of  the child's greater being. Thus, I am interested in treating the whole system of the child as a whole person, including taking into account his/her pscyho-social factors.

I work with a wide range of art medias ranging from painting, collage to clay and 3D sculpture. 

Treatment planning

My treatment plans can be short (between 2 to 4 months) or  long term (6 months+) depending on the child's needs .

Fees*

• Consultation: 15 minute free phone consultation, or 50 euros 1 hour physical consultation. 
• Intake & Assessment: 80 euros
• Individual Session: 70 euros/40-60 minutes, depending on child's needs.
• Parent-Child Session: 80 euros/55 minutes.
• Sibling Session: 140 euros/55 minutes
• Group Session (3-5 children): 60euros/child/55 minutes
  

* Prices may increase depending on the severity of the case. I use a sliding scale for families under certain difficult circumstances and emergencies, where the child may be in immediate need of mental health care but the family has financial difficulties. Eligibility for the sliding scale is assessed on a case by case basis.

Confidentiality 

Contents of all Art Therapy sessions are considered to be confidential and protected by therapist-client regulating laws, except when the child is considered to be a danger to him/herself or to others. 

Cancelations 

Prior 48 hour notification is required before every session; otherwise, full payment of session will be charged. 

7 year old with Aspergers: I never knew anything about art therapy. When my mom told me about it after finding Amelie on the internet, I thought it was cool! After going to Amelie I love it! I love making art with Amélie! She helps me to tell my feelings and problems at home and in school and how to solve them. I wish I could come everyday! 

Parent of a 4 year old diagnosed as 'twice gifted' My child who was diagnosed as 'twice gifted' worked with Amélie for a year in 2016. I cannot speak highly enough about her approach to my child's challenges. My child has improved in a lot of ways I could not imagine! For example, his tantrums have subsided tremendously. Before he use to throw and break things. Now, he uses art based techniques that help him to quickly calm down as well as being able to express himself once he is calm.  Amélie really opened up his world to art and self-expression!! I have been very impressed with her practice, most especially appreciate the weekend availabilities. Thank you Amélie!

12 year old suffering from depression: Amélie and her practice is wonderful!!!! I have been to many therapists and have never felt so comfortable! My experience has been great!! She is very experienced and knowledgeable. More importantly, she truly cares deeply for her clients and that is clear in any interaction with her. I would highly recommend Amélie and her practice. 

Q: Does my child need to be able to draw to get help? 

A: Absolutely not. No prior art making experience or skills is needed. 

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Q: Will you interpret my child's artwork?

A: No. The art making process is at the core of the therapy. All sorts of feelings will be expressed in whatever your child creates. That includes conversations, relationships, sculptures, to name a few. These offerings become a part of the conversation that s/he and I create together to help him/her develop and resolve the problem(s).

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Q: Do you do home visits? 

A: Yes, I can do home visits; however transport costs may be charged depending on the distance of travel.  

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Q: Will my health insurance pay for the sessions/service?

A: It depends on the type of insurance you have and whether it covers 'alternative therapies'.  Please check with your municipality ('Gemeente') and/or your PGB to see how you can afford the treatment prior to a consultation. 

I am registered in the Dutch Health Care Provider registry/AGBCode, Here are my details: practice AGBCode: 90066261;  Art therapy service AGBCode: 90107047. 

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Q: What language do you use in your sessions? 

A:  My sessions can be conducted in English or in French. 

Q: How will I be involved as a parent?

A: You can bring questions and feedback to me on a weekly basis by filling out a parent report form. I also meet with parents after every 3-4 art therapy sessions to update you on your child(ren)'s progress, review goals, and offer ideas for how you can continue to work with your child(ren) at home. 

Q: How do I tell my child(ren) about going to therapy?

A: You can tell your child(ren) the following: "Because things have not been going so well at home (or school, or whatever setting is causing a problem), we thought you might like to have some special art therapy time with a child therapist named Amelie. She has a lot of different art materials and toys that you can play with. Amelie will never make you do anything you don't want to do, and you will be able to choose when you want to say something. Your time with Amelie will usually happen at the same time each week. Sometimes Amelie will have to talk to your parents about how you are doing."

Q: Can I attend therapy with my child during his/her session?

A:  Unfortunately no. In most cases, you will need to wait in the waiting area during the session. 

Q: What should I do after my child's therapy session?

A: You can give your child(ren) permission to tell you as little or as much as they would like about the session. Some sessions may be emotionally difficult for your child(ren) to process and there could be an increased difficulty in behaviours before or after a session. This is normal.  But if it concerns you, please let me know via an email.