From a young age, I was surrounded by a culture which celebrates life through dance. I found great joy in performing traditional folklore at school, which fostered a sense of expression through movement and body awareness. This inspired me many years later to embark on a long, arduous journey of becoming a professional dancer.

 

Throughout my dance training and career, I developed a fondness for giving and receiving massages and various typeses of bodywork treatments from peers and professionals. Our bodies needed much care from such long days of hard training. 

After obtaining my Bachelor's in Contemporary Dance and some years of working as a professional dancer, I became increasingly drawn to body-centred therapies.

 

In 2012, I started my career as a massage and Shiatsu therapist. Building on the knowledge I had gained from my four-year Shiatsu education in Amsterdam, along with my experience from all those years of dance and additional traditional massage courses.

 

Later, while in a challenging chapter of life, I was introduced to Craniosacral Biodynamics in addition to cognitive therapy. 

This practice complemented my mental and emotional work wonderfully, as I was able to let my body process and integrate the topics I discussed with my therapist. It felt like a whole new world had opened up, and I knew immediately that that was something I wanted to learn one day. 

 

On December 29th, 2015, my partner and I first crossed paths in Barcelona. That day marked the birth of a new chapter in our lives. It also ignited the sparkle which envisioned our joint venture. He, a psychiatrist, was the perfect match for working together. 

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In 2017 I relocated to Zurich and teamed up with a few therapists from different modalities; we formed 'New Leaves Community Practice'. Specialized in mental health and providing support at a psychological and physical level.

 

I have been fortunate enough to partake in craniosacral studies since then, beginning in Hamburg and later in Switzerland. I was able to finish my studies at the International Institute for Craniosacral Balancing in 2022. Also, being recognized and approved by the Swiss health insurance system.

 

In the past five years, we have had the privilege to work with a significant number of clients and have seen them evolve. This has been an amazing experience for us as therapists, in which we have grown and continue to learn. We are thankful to have had the chance to offer our help and observe the improvements in our clients' lives. Moreover, the combination of psychotherapy and body therapy has been remarkable, providing deep and lasting effects for those we have worked with and continue to do so.

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As of February 2023, Stefan and I continue our journey together elsewhere and have created 'Holistic Practice'. 

 

I look forward to new opportunities and would be delighted if you could come and visit us. If you have any inquiries, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. 

 

Warmly

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Orestes Leon Hellewegen