Hello, I'm Rivers. This chosen name was inspired by Dr W.H.R. Rivers, an English anthropologist, ethnologist, neurologist and psychiatrist who during World War I treated young officers suffering from  "shell shock", as PTSD was then called.

His method impresses by the many moments of silence that allowed Dr Rivers' patients to get to the core of their experiences.

By allowing silence, he enabled their internal dialogue to unfold.

I hope to be able to apply some of his brilliance to help people heal today.

Besides holding a certificate in Grief Counselling (PXL Hasselt 2025, forthcoming) and degrees in Religion (KULeuven 1995), English & Dutch (VUBrussel 2008) and Pragmatic Linguistics (UAntwerpen 2010), I have profound humanitarian experience. As an educator, instructor, counsellor and manager, my main drive has always been to connect with people, learn from them, and flourish together. This helps me live a meaningful life.

I can sit in silence with a person experiencing loss or defeat. I can coach another toward a deeper understanding of their emotions and options. I can support a group to communicate non-violently and overcome conflict.

Such situations, challenging as they may be, can reconnect us through our common humanity

- that mysterious but so very real foundation of happiness.

You can call on me to help you get through grief and conflict, especially regarding

• life in the world: discrimination, societal and workplace dynamics, job loss;
• life at home: family dynamics, parenthood, sexual and gender identity, intimate relationships, abuse;
• life itself: existence, meaning, faith.

Looking forward to meeting you,

Rivers

(also known by my given name Sigrid)