My name is Belia van der Laan, personal development coach and psychologist. I have master’s degrees in communication science (University of Amsterdam) and clinical & health psychology (Leiden University).
Since 1996, I have been working as a (management) coach and trainer (see my CV on LinkedIn). Since 2017 I have focused entirely on personal coaching, which is reflected in what I have to offer you:
- management coaching
- management coaching expats Netherlands
- individual coaching personal effectiveness
- coaching in work-related stress, burnout prevention and regaining job satisfaction
Psychological perspective
Because I am a psychologist I look at organizations and all rapid changes in society from a psychological perspective:
- How do you as an individual relate to all these changes and what do you need?
- Who are you and what suits you?
- What moves you and motivates you?
- What effect do you have on others, and vice versa?
- How do you view yourself and others?
- What are your goals and how do you want to achieve them?
I believe that people want to work with a coach because they desire different results from those that they are getting now.
People can grow and change, although I know that this is not always easy. People I coach have often tried out many different things and received lots of advice from those around them: “If you would only….” If it were that easy they would have already done it, is my guess!
All change starts with self-knowledge. Based on this we can work on your personal development and professional growth. A journey in which insight and action go hand in hand.
“What is your coaching style?”
That is a question that my clients could answer best. The words they often use, are: engaged and personal; analytical, curious and intuitive; a quick thinker who listens carefully and always looks for the core issues.
I like to work from an Appreciative Perspective: not just looking at a shortcoming or lack, but at what is already there. What are strengths we could build on? I am also pragmatic and anything but flakey. For me, the question is always: how can we 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
How can I get myself and others to thrive?
These are the central questions in which I, as a coach, guide people in their professional development.
Self-knowledge and the ability to direct, lead and manage yourself make you stronger. Empathy and the ability to interact effectively with others and influence them in a positive way, make you and those around you stronger.
Wanting yourself and others to thrive often means that you not only want to gain insight but you also want to develop soft skills. Because with well-developed soft skills you will be more confident and you could handle (unexpected) changes much better. And I do not think that is soft, at all!
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
What you can expect from me
As a management coach I have many different roles:
- to monitor the coaching process (for me coaching is a process on the way to a result)
- psychologist (we dig a little deeper)
- analytical and sharp searcher for the core issue
- your fan who encourages you when your first successes start to happen
- your support when things are difficult
- to ensure knowledge transfer
In all those roles I make use of my knowledge and experience as a psychologist, coach and trainer. Because in the past decades I have guided many people in all kinds of organizations.
Some personal things
I am married and have two children. I like sports, walking, reading, good conversation and traveling. Years ago I made a trip around the world that lasted almost 3 years, which still provides me with inspiration.
My work enables me to use both my soft side and my business side: I am a personal development coach and a psychologist who works in the corporate world. My pragmatic and result-oriented approach is complemented by being empathetic and seeking connection.
I, myself, know what it is like to have to change because you get stuck. Or to want to change, because you desire something. I have initiated a number of changes in my life, but I also had to learn to deal with changes that happened to me. So I know how hard it is sometimes.
I have always focused on the professional development of people. I find my own growth and development just as important. That is why I sought support from a coach at times and after graduating I received additional training, including:
- E-Coaching
- Solution-oriented Coaching
- Positive Psychology
- Systemic Working in Organizations
- MBTI
- Transactional Analysis
- Rational Emotive Therapy (RET)
- Team building
- Mindfulness trainer
In work and in my private life I always look for growth, challenge, pleasure and meaning. I believe in connection, entrepreneurship and sincerity and have been an entrepreneur since 2003.
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 II:
