“If you carry on and on, you'll lose yourself..”
Your agenda is full, expectations are high, and somewhere along the way you have lost sight of what you actually want.
Academic Companion supports researchers and lecturers who feel carried along by a full agenda and high expectations towards more space, clarity, and ownership.
Three stepts to Space, Clarity & Ownership
Scientifically based methods and a warm personal approach
Tailored to the academic context
You are good at what you do and your work is meaningful. That's not the problem.
But meanwhile, you notice that your agenda is making decisions for you. That the space to pause and reflect on what matters to you is becoming smaller and smaller.
Expectations are high. You want to do well — and perhaps it feels as though it is never quite enough.
You may not recognise yourself in dominant role models. Or you may wonder whether working as a teacher or researcher fits who you are and the life you want to lead.
You know you would like things to be different. But the work matters — so you keep going.
Until it starts to show itself.
In your body. In your mind. In the way you experience your work and life.
You may notice that:
- you are experiencing high workload
- there is tension between work and private life
you carry a great deal of responsibility but experience little autonomy - you struggle with perfectionism or imposter syndrome
- you are unsure about your next step
- you do not recognise yourself in dominant role models
You do not have to figure it out alone.
Many academics try to solve these issues on their own.
But that often makes things heavier. When this continues for too long, it can lead to chronic stress, mental health difficulties, loss of enjoyment in work, and doubt about your career — while the work you do is so important.
Many researchers and lecturers ultimately long for something different.
Not less commitment.
But more space in their mind and schedule.
More energy for both work and private life.
More clarity about what truly matters.
And the possibility to do their work in a way that fits them.
That is why I developed this programme: Space, clarity, and ownership
Space, clarity, and ownership
Through warm, scientifically based support, we first create (mental) space and resilience. From that foundation, we explore how you can shape your work and life in a way that aligns with your ideals, talents, and ambitions.
Because I work in academia myself, I understand its dynamics and context from the inside. You do not have to explain anything — we can begin right away.
So that you no longer have to keep trying to figure it out on your own, but can begin to move forward with more awareness in how you want to shape your work and life.
This programme consists of three steps, tailored to your needs and situation:
- Space: where needed, we first work on restoring (mental) space and resilience.
- Clarity: from that foundation, we explore how you can consciously shape your work and life in a way that aligns with your ideals, talents, and ambitions.
- Ownership: you begin applying this in your daily life and you will experience more space, clarity, and ownership.
The programme includes:
- a free introductory session and intake. We discuss what you are struggling with and whether this programme is a good fit for you. You will always receive my honest advice.
- five individual one-hour sessions spread over several months. We work partly in person (Nijmegen) and partly online, depending on what works for you.
- practical exercises between sessions and room for contact by email when needed.
- concrete steps towards a way of working and living that fits you.
Questions around space, clarity and ownership can arise in every stage of an academic career. I tailor the programme to the phase you are currently in.
€995 (for private individuals, €895 for PhD candidates)
€1200 (when covered by an employer or organisation)
Support is in principle exempt from VAT when it is aimed at reducing stress-related and overload-related complaints and promoting mental health.
When the support focuses exclusively on career or development-related questions, 21% VAT applies.
In many cases, part of the costs can be reimbursed by your employer. I am happy to think along with you about this.
During this introductary conversation, we discuss:
- what you are currently struggling with
- what you would like to change
- whether this programme could help
You will always receive my honest advice.
"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
Who am I?
Who takes care of our academics?
That is the question that keeps returning for me.
I’m Maartje Luijten, psychologist NIP®, coach, and Associate Professor of Wellbeing.
Alongside my practice, I work at Radboud University, where my research and teaching focus on wellbeing and mental health.
Because I work as a researcher and lecturer myself, I understand the dynamics, expectations, and ideals of academia from the inside.
This means that my warm, personal support is not only well-founded in content, but also closely connected to the everyday reality of academic work.
Not sure whether this programme is right for you?
Many researchers and teachers hesitate before asking for support. You may think, for example: