About me
Karolien Koolhof
My name is Karolien Koolhof (1986). I live in Breda, the Netherlands, with my husband and our son. Since 2019 I have worked as a coach with people for whom what makes them different (introversion, giftedness, neurodivergence) has long felt like a burden, while it can be exactly their strength.
By now I combine that coaching work with psychology. After my bachelor's degree in psychology I am currently doing a master's in Clinical Psychology in Rotterdam, and I also guide neurodivergent adults who have got stuck in surviving and are ready to flourish again.
From journalist to coach
As a child I wanted to be a writer, but I started my career as a journalist. In that role I was always looking for the story behind the person, and I learned how to ask the right questions.
I also ran into my introverted side. I often got questions about it, which made me doubt myself. It was the start of a search for myself, which in 2019 led to my own practice as a coach and trainer. It was also the moment I learned that I am gifted.
Understanding how people work and having an understanding of (neuro)diversity are focal points for me. They are the reason I eventually chose this profession.
How I work
My approach is a mix of scientific insights and practical exercises. Depth and the story behind the person are still important parts of my work. So no spiritual vagueness with me, but no-nonsense guidance that really leads somewhere.
Through my psychology studies and my training in body-oriented therapy and ACT, I work not only with what you think, but also with what happens in your body. That way we really tackle things at the source.
I like to step outside my comfort zone myself, for example with improvisational theatre or a half marathon. Doing things that are actually a bit scary teaches me a lot about myself.
Books
Introvert Leiderschap (Introverted Leadership)
On looking differently at leadership, introversion and diversity. Written on the basis of my own research among 400 introverted leaders worldwide. Now in its third edition and translated into English.
View the book (Dutch)
Een Tikkeltje Anders Is Eigenlijk Heel Normaal
Understand the brain, use the difference. Together with Marije Pietersma and other authors I wrote this book (in Dutch) about brains that work just a bit differently, and why that is more common than we tend to think.
View the book (Dutch)Education and certificates
- Master's in Clinical Psychology Erasmus University Rotterdam · 2026 – present
- Bachelor's in Psychology Open University of the Netherlands · 2023 – 2026
- Training in body-oriented therapy and ACT
- Social psychology Open University of the Netherlands · 2022 – 2023
- Developmental psychology Open University of the Netherlands · 2021 – 2022
- Progress-focused coaching Centrum voor Progressiegericht Werken · 2020 – 2021
- Coach training ICM · 2019 – 2020
- Master of Business Administration Berlin School of Creative Leadership · 2018 – 2020
- Master's in Journalism and New Media Leiden University · 2008 – 2010
- Bachelor's in French Leiden University · 2004 – 2008
- Noloc Registered Career Professional Noloc · 2022
- TMA Practitioner TMA · 2022
Shall we meet?
Book a free call, and together we look at what fits what you need.