My name is Belia van der Laan, coach personal development and psychologist. With dual master’s degrees in clinical & health psychology from Leiden University and communication science from the University of Amsterdam, I bring over two decades of experience to the table.
Since 1996, I’ve been actively involved in coaching and training, specializing in management coaching. My expertise spans various sectors, offering tailored services in:
- management coaching expats Netherlands
- individual coaching personal effectiveness and professional competencies
- coaching in work-related stress, burnout prevention and regaining job satisfaction
- coaching supervision
(see my CV on LinkedIn)
Perspective and approach
I view human behavior through a psychological lens, acknowledging that rationality doesn’t always govern our actions. By gaining insights into the psychological motivations driving behavior (both our own and those of others), paired with the right skills, people can enhance their effectiveness in working with others. My mission is to support you in this journey.
Personal development coaching
Personal development coaching is designed to elevate your professional skills, improve performance and help you reach your career goals and/or boost your job satisfaction.
Coach’s profile
As a coach and psychologist, I’ve honed my skills in guiding individuals through professional and leadership development for over two decades. My approach is personal, crafting tailor-made programs to meet your unique needs. I bring empathy, commitment, analytical prowess, curiosity, and intuition, aiming to delve to the core of each issue with a balance of depth, lightness, and humor.
I like to work from an appreciative perspective: not only looking at a shortcoming or lack, but instead at what is there. I am also pragmatic and not too new-agey. For me the question is always: how could you apply this in your daily work?
Belia is an outstanding professional. Her approach during the sessions is warm and welcoming. I was able to overcome several problems with communication and self confidence with her support and technical expertise.
The results of the entire process were incredibly positive, both on professional and personal levels. The exercises she taught me were incorporated into my daily life, which helped me to land a promotion and to be more aware of my thoughts.
The main reason why I would recommend Belia as a coach is that she is truly committed to help you succeed.
Luciana Mendonça – Software Engineer Castor
Also useful to know: what I am not
I refrain from the one-size-fits-all mentality of a management guru – I don’t believe that I can know exactly what is good for you and lead you to ‘more success in 5 standard steps’. One-size-fits-all does not work and I believe that there is only one person who ultimately determines what is good for you and that is you.
I believe
- in collaborative, tailor-made personal development coaching
- in personal responsibility and taking the driver’s seat (in other words, personal leadership) because if you are not at the steering wheel yourself, who is?
- that we cannot change the way life works: all kinds of things happen that we could not foresee and that we would not have chosen – so we must learn to deal with them
- that self-knowledge is the start of all development
I really enjoyed the exercises Belia gave me. They were mostly simple but with a big effect Something you would do in your daily life but completely challenges and changes the way you look at things. I found them quite challenging as well, but very beneficial for my personal development.
If you want to get to know and reflect on yourself & your career and you’re willing to put work into it, I can highly recommend this coaching. It’s oftentimes a change of view that really pushes you forward.
Manfred Linzner-Scherf, CTO FunnelFox
Belia’s coaching gave me many new insights and it became clear to me what I had to work on. This, in combination with practical exercises has helped me enormously to improve my private and business relationships.
This has given me much more pleasure in my work and private life. And I am not only more successful in both areas, but also happier. Belia has a lot of life and coaching experience, is committed and personal. She coaches with a lot of passion and attention.
Annette Kors, Webshop manager, Amnesty International, Amsterdam
Beyond coaching
On a personal note, I’ve been happily partnered with Timothy since 1998, and together we have two adult children and a dog. My interests include sports, hiking, reading, and engaging in meaningful conversations.
My path to coaching wasn’t immediate; it took exploration and different experiences before discovering my true passion in 1996. A three-year trip around the world in 1993 provided lasting inspiration, shaping my worldview.
Growth and development
As I guide others in their development, I too remain committed to my own professional and personal growth. I’ve pursued various courses and earned certificates, ensuring I stay abreast of the latest in the ever-evolving field of coaching.
- E-Coaching (level III)
- Solution-oriented Coaching
- Positive Psychology
- Systemic Work in Organizations
- MBTI-certification
- DISC-certification
- Transactional Analysis
- Rational Emotive Therapy (RET)
- Team building
- Mindfulness trainer
- Nobco Supervision training for individual and group supervision (runs from 2022 to 2024)
I also continuously work on my professional development through supervision and peer supervision.
Collaboration with Unloq
Since 2018 I have been affiliated with Unloq, a global community of professionals, as an Associate Senior coach/trainer. I train online coaches and provide online leadership coaching for executives and managers of large, international organizations.
Cerficiation
I am affiliated with the Dutch Association of Professional Coaches (NOBCO) and the European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC) and I am a Certified E-coach Level III:
