Hello, I’m Colette.
I’m an art therapist (M.A.), originally from the Netherlands and raised in Germany. My life and work have taken me across several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, Portugal and Spain. Living between different cultures has shaped my interest in identity, belonging, personal stories and the many ways we find our place in the world.
My professional background combines expressive arts therapy with clinical experience in psychiatry, psychotherapy and psychosomatics. Over the years, I have continued to develop my knowledge through further training in narrative approaches, systemic thinking, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and meaning-centred approaches.
My professional background
Working as an art therapist has given me a particular interest in the relationship between creativity, psychological processes and mental wellbeing.
Creative activities can offer much more than an opportunity to make something. Engaging with colours, images, materials, movement or words can help us express experiences, explore thoughts and emotions, develop new perspectives and reconnect with our own resources. The process of creating can also provide moments of focus, enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment.
I am particularly interested in the social dimension of creativity. Making things together, sharing ideas and engaging in creative experiences can create opportunities for connection, exchange and belonging. These experiences can be valuable for our mental wellbeing, particularly during periods of change or when we are navigating unfamiliar environments.
My clinical experience has taught me to appreciate the complexity of human experiences and the different ways people make sense of their lives. I bring this understanding into my work beyond clinical settings, combining professional knowledge with creative practice and thoughtful reflection.
What inspires my work
I am drawn to questions around meaning, identity, personal development and our relationship with the world around us.
The work of Viktor Frankl has influenced my understanding of meaning and the importance of finding purpose in our experiences. Hartmut Rosa’s concept of resonance has also shaped my thinking about connection: those moments when we feel genuinely touched by something, when we engage with the world and experience a sense of being connected to it.
These ideas resonate with my understanding of creativity as a meaningful human activity – something that can bring us closer to ourselves, to other people and to our surroundings.
Beyond my professional work
Having lived in different countries, I feel particularly connected to international communities and people whose lives are shaped by different cultural experiences. I enjoy exploring places, spending time in nature, discovering different forms of artistic expression and finding inspiration in everyday encounters.
My international experiences also influence the way I approach community and connection: I know how valuable it can be to find people with whom you can share experiences, exchange perspectives and develop a sense of belonging.
Explore Your Life Story & The Yellow House
I founded Explore Your Life Story to bring together my professional interests in creativity, reflection, meaning and human connection.
Through individual mentoring, creative gatherings, educational programmes and reflective resources, I create opportunities for people to engage with their experiences, explore their creative potential and develop their personal resources.
Alongside my online work, I am developing The Yellow House, a creative gathering space in Asturias, northern Spain. From spring 2027, it will provide a setting for in-person creative workshops and gatherings, bringing together art, nature and opportunities for meaningful exchange.
Whether online or in person, my work is guided by the same interest: exploring how creativity and reflection can enrich our lives and how meaningful connections contribute to our sense of wellbeing.