about me
FOCUS ON LIFESTYLE
I’m Simon Markx, your prospective coach. I live in the beautiful Jordaan neighbourhood of Amsterdam, where I was born and raised. I’m forty-two years old.
Let’s get straight to the point, typical Dutch style! The reason you’re here, after all, is to learn about my coaching style and expertise, and see if I am the right coach for you. My approach to coaching is to serve you by leading you. I empower others to determine, together, the necessary steps to take in order to be their best possible selves. I have a teleological outlook on life; as a coach therefore I am focused on your objectives and personal potential. This is what drives me. Additionally, I have a great sense of humour, which I believe is just as important as the ability to be serious when necessary. I want you to feel comfortable with me, to be open and share freely, and together we can create a journey that enables you to achieve the best possible goals. It almost goes without saying here, but English speakers are naturally more than welcome in my practice.
After I finished my studies, (at the renowned Hogeschool van Amsterdam), I took a sabbatical for a year, wherein I travelled extensively around the world to broaden my horizons. I visited many countries in South-East Asia as well as Australia and New Zealand. Naturally my personal vision was fundamentally changed; I was incredibly inspired and felt charged with positive energy. Ever since, I have carried these experiences with me and as a result I consider myself a world citizen of sorts. Some noteworthy experiences in my broad career include more than twelve years of counseling, on both the individual level and in group settings, of patients at the Mentrum and Arkin psychiatric institutions here in Amsterdam. I also spent five years as a counselor to athletes at PR Sportmanagement. Outside the realms of psychology, I had previous jobs in direction and production within the commercial sector. As far as my qualifications go, I have two degrees from the Dutch Academy of Psychotherapy in Amsterdam: ‘Beroepscoach practitioner’ (professional coach practitioner) and ‘Jongerencoach practitioner’ (youth coach practitioner). These degrees and the institution are officially recognised and accredited by NOBCO, the Dutch association for professional coaches. Furthermore, I have numerous coaching certifications from Rino & Arkin, including Millennial coaching and Queer coaching, which I am particularly proud of (both also accredited by NOBCO). Last but certainly not least, my other interests; I’m very passionate about sport – I enjoy being active and healthy myself, but I’m also naturally a dedicated Ajax supporter. I consider myself a very cultural person; I’m an avid cinephile first and foremost, but I also frequent the theatres and opera here in Amsterdam. Additionally, there is of course no shortage of museums in the city and I regularly visit my favourites to take in the art and history; indeed, you will see in my office that I’m a big art lover and quite widely read.
These are the core tenets of life coaching.
Life coaching is increasingly recognised as a powerful and effective tool for the discovery and development of our personal capabilities. As we move through the stages of our life, we are faced with many choices that will determine the further course that our journey takes us, and the inevitable pressures that these decisions can make us feel. A coach can help us find the confidence to make these important decisions, and provide the clarity to proceed calmly onwards. We can then face our lives with renewed strength and control, thanks to the tools from our coach.
Balance
To honour your emotions for what they are, while also being able to keep things in perspective. Everything you feel is valid, and should be felt. However, some reactions, when left unchecked, can run wild and before we know it, our pessimism can spiral out of control and we find ourselves pushed too far towards the negative end of the spectrum, to the extent that we end up feeling stuck, defeated and burned out. Going through bad times is inevitable — but hopelessness doesn’t have to be.
Acceptance
To make a personal agreement to appreciate, validate and support yourself entirely — despite any flaws or past regrets, you come to accept yourself completely and thoroughly as you are, right now, in this moment. This does not mean personal stagnation but if anything inspires more active change. You do not need to be in a negative space in order to change things about yourself and your life; I believe we can manifest change far more effectively if it is born from a place of positivity, self-love and acceptance. You are good enough.
