As an academic, you dedicate yourself every day to students, reliable knowledge and society. Often under high pressure.
But how are you actually doing?
Many researchers and lecturers undertake this work out of a sense of commitment and idealism.
They are used to pushing through and figuring things out on their own. At the same time, the space to pause and reflect on what truly matters can easily slip from view.
You do not have to figure it out alone.
From feeling carried along to space, clarity, and ownership.
We go through a personal, scientifically based programme that helps reduce stress and build resilience. This results in a way of working and living that fits with who you are.
Scientifically based methods
Attention for mental wellbeing
Almost 20 years’ experience as a researcher and lecturer
Who I work with
For academics
Personal support for researchers and lecturers who feel carried along by a full agenda and high expectations.
For organisations
Training programmes, workshops, and talks for universities, universities of applied sciences, UMCs, and other academic institutions on mental wellbeing, resilience, and agency in the academic context.
About
Why Academic Companion?
I work in academia myself. I know the pressure of teaching and publishing, the culture, the unspoken rules, and the idealism that keeps you going. You do not have to explain how it works — we can go straight to the heart of it.
I’m Maartje Luijten, psychologist NIP®, coach, and Associate Professor of Wellbeing at Radboud University.
In my own academic career, I have experienced how meaningful this work can be. At the same time, I know its more difficult side. Constantly pushing through led to multiple herniated discs, and when I became a mother, I realised how deeply my identity had become entwined with my work.
Those experiences brought me to a question that strongly drives me:
Who takes care of our academics?
With Academic Companion, I support researchers and teaching professionals who feel carried along by workload and expectations. Together, we work towards more space, clarity, and ownership in work and life.
"Maartje Luijten is a wonderful person, and a fantastic psychologist specialising in ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). She has given me clear insights into my own values and standards, thereby helping me to set goals for the near future. Thank you so much, Maartje!"
- Marjolijn van Weerdenburg, Assistant professor
"I noticed that I didn’t always feel happy during my PhD. I really wanted to find out exactly why that was and what I could possibly change to feel better about myself. I felt truly heard and seen. She took plenty of time for me, and at the same time, every session felt structured, with a clear beginning (setting objectives) and a clear end (reflection).
I also received practical tools to help me develop more self-compassion, particularly at times when I’m struggling."
- Juliette van Acker, PhD candidate
"I got in touch with Maartje when I was in my second year as a postdoc when the end of my contract was approaching. I was struggling with imposter syndrome and felt insecure about my value at work, which made me wonder whether I belonged in academia or whether perhaps it wasn’t the right place for me anymore.
In my current job, I feel very much valued, enjoy working with colleagues, carry out practical tasks, have new learning goals and a good work-life balance."
- Ingrid Alexandra-Szilagyi, Postdoc