Always wanted to know who works at our treatment center? Meet our psychologist trainee gz psychologist and internship coordinator.
About me
Introducing
My name is Yaël Smeets, born in 1992 and living near Valkenburg. I am currently training to become a gz-psychologist at U-center. My current work consists of cognitive behavioral therapy, schema therapy and trauma treatment (including EMDR).
In addition, I give weekly group treatment according to MBT way; something I get a lot of satisfaction from every time. I have also been an internship coordinator for a year now. This means that I also play an important role in the recruitment and supervision of trainees.
Why do you work at U-center?
Ever since I was a child I knew I wanted to work with people as much as possible. Now I can also help people in my work, which for me is a golden combination. I came to work at U-center because of the unique treatment location, the great diversity of people coming for treatment and the many different therapies on offer, which you can train in as a therapist. Working in an intensive team environment also appealed to me greatly, so that you can also share painful experiences, thoughts or feelings with each other. In addition, humor is indispensable to me, where in my team, besides the heaviness that the work can bring, there is also plenty of room for distraction.
What does a workday at U-center look like?
My workday usually begins at 8 a.m. with a cup of tea (which, for some reason, I only drink at work, by the way) and going over my clients' reports. I update my mail and administration or have consultations with colleagues until appointments with my clients begin at 8:30. This can be individual treatment, intake for the new clients or group therapy. After an intensive day at work, there is nothing I like better than to work out in our gym. I put on some nice music (usually very loud) or exercise with other colleagues. The ultimate switch off!
The fun things and challenges
What energizes me? Noticing that I can contribute something in people's recovery. Getting back that someone feels safe with you and therefore can open up, allowing even the painful issues to be addressed. The most important thing in my contact with clients is authenticity, which I also strive for as a practitioner.
What will always be difficult is the helplessness and frustration you may feel when recovery does not go as forward as both you and the client would like. But I also see that as human and that too is something that in my view can be discussed openly. Because therapists also have feelings and, of course, don't always have to put that away.
Working in our treatment center
In my opinion, U-center is an ideal employer if you like challenges, dare to develop yourself and value intensive contact with both colleagues and clients. If that makes you happy, I'd say apply!