FAQ.

Very soon. Where GPs, psychologists and youth care often have long waiting lists, you can come to me straight away.

My personal number is on the contact page. I’ll answer right away or call you back as soon as possible. An email explaining what’s going on is fine too; I’ll reply to that as soon as possible as well.

Eigen Koers is for parents and young people aged 10 to 20 with mild to moderate problems around crypto gambling, gaming or radical ideas. For example, when these topics cause tension and contact at home has broken down.

My approach needs room for a real conversation. The guidance is not suitable for situations centred on violent or criminal behaviour. In those situations, contact your GP or the local youth team to find suitable, possibly specialist support. In case of immediate danger, call 112.

During the no-obligation introductory meeting we explore whether my approach fits your situation.

I’m a fully qualified philosophy teacher and have worked with young people as a teacher. I studied philosophy at the University of Amsterdam, earned a research master’s in philosophy at the University of Buckingham and completed my master’s in teaching at the UvA in 2026. In my thesis I developed lessons on examining claims, pseudoscience and conspiracy narratives.

I have also been politically active as a committee member in the municipality of Amsterdam. I have also gamed at a high level: not professionally, but just below that, comparable to a first-team amateur level.

I use that combination of education, philosophy and public experience to get parent and child talking again. I’m not a psychologist and I don’t make diagnoses.

Other care workers mainly look at the effects of behaviour and at stopping or changing it. I look at the details, because they say something about your child. Which game your child plays says something about their needs and ambitions. Which crypto they buy says something about their investment mindset. Behind radical ideas lie certain principles.

I take those ideas and needs seriously. With demonstrable expertise in each of these areas, I make clear to you what your child thinks and needs.

No. This is a defined mediation programme in which I help you reconnect and find a shared language. I help you better understand your child’s world and motivation, and I help your child better understand your concerns.

We work towards conversations and agreements that let you move forward together. I don’t take over parenting, day-to-day care or the full organisation of support.

I can help you talk about what attracts your child to it, what consequences you see and what boundaries are needed. For example, we discuss openness about money, risks and responsibility.

The guidance focuses on understanding and communication. I don’t give investment advice and I don’t resolve debts. I help specifically with crypto gambling, not with gambling problems in general.

More about crypto gambling ↗

The number of hours doesn’t tell the whole story. I look at how gaming affects school, sleep, agreements and contact at home. At the same time I explore what gaming gives your child: for example friendship, challenge, skills and pride.

The aim is to make both perspectives open for discussion and find workable agreements together. I don’t diagnose and I don’t offer addiction treatment.

More about gaming ↗

Sometimes a child says something to provoke a reaction, as you can read in my article in Het Parool. The skill is to see why they are saying it. If you overreact, that may be exactly the goal, and then you are being played. Having no boundaries isn’t the idea either.

Sometimes the thoughts are sincere. Your child is exploring ideas that may not be mainstream or may not fit this time. Are they wrong, then? Maybe. They don’t fit every context. Depending on the intentions and the thinking behind the statements, I look at whether they can be steered better or should be interpreted differently.

More about extremism and online ideas ↗

You can also come to me without your child. We then start with your concerns, what you see happening at home and how you can open the conversation.

A conversation with your child requires their willingness. Together we look at how you can invite your child without putting on pressure.

We start with a free phone call. In it you explain the situation and we see whether my approach is a good fit. After that I look into your situation and prepare the first paid conversation.

The programme then consists of three parts: a conversation with the parent, a conversation with the child and a joint conversation.

Extra conversations are possible, but I don’t believe in endless counselling. The goal is for you and your child to keep talking with each other, not for your child to be sent to endless conversations with strangers.

Approach & fees ↗

The introductory meeting is free and without obligation. The full programme of three conversations costs €375.

You can stop at any time. If you’re not satisfied, you get the full amount paid back.

Only the first contact is by phone. All conversations after that take place in person, preferably at Hotel Zoku Amsterdam, Weesperstraat 105, 1018 VN Amsterdam, on the sixth floor.

If there is no other way, I come to your home. I don’t offer online conversations.

Contact and location details ↗

In principle you pay for the guidance yourself. Depending on your situation, you can find out whether the municipality or school can contribute.

Reimbursement for Eigen Koers is not guaranteed. Before starting, get written confirmation that the funding applies to Eigen Koers, the agreed guidance, the period and the amount. Without confirmation, assume you will pay the full amount yourself.