Meet Your Facilitator

🎨🌍 Welcome, Bonjour!

I'm thrilled to have you here!

I'm Drs. van den Brink, the founder of Emotional Intelligence International, also known as EII, and a passionate Art Psychotherapist and holistic methods aspirant. While I hail from a mixed Burkinabé-Dutch background, my heart and soul belongs to the world—I've lived and worked across Europe, Africa, and North America.

As a clinician and Art Psychotherapist, I've had the privilege of working globally- from psychiatric clinics to schools, day treatment centers, and even post-disaster humanitarian efforts. Now, I'm excited to expand my focus to include building and enhancing Emotional Intelligence (EQ or EI) skills in children, families, and teachers.

In addition to providing therapy for (Expat) children and young adults facing challenges with ADHD, trauma and/or mixed ethnicity challenges, I offer creatively designed and scientifically researched EI/EQ workshops tailored to my clients' emotional needs. Specializing in area of anger management for ADHD and traumatized children, as well as workshops specifically for mothers, I strive to provide a supportive and enriching experience.

I work fluently in both English and French, and I'm available for sessions both online and in person in The Netherlands. Feel free to explore my current workshops and services, and don't hesitate to reach out via email or phone if you have any questions.

I'm excited about the possibility of collaborating with you!

Warm regards, Drs. van den Brink-El Makkaoui

🎓 Educational Background:

  • BA (magna cum laude) in Psychology/Art Therapy, College of Santa Fe (2009)
  • MA (cum laude) in Art Therapy, New York University (2013)
  • MA in African Studies (Research Track), Leiden University (2018)

📋Memberships

  • Emotional Intelligence Society

🌍 My Global Travels (in no particular order):

  • USA: Washington, D.C., New Mexico (Santa Fe), New York (New York)
  • West Africa: Burkina Faso (Koudougou), Sierra Leone (Freetown, Port Loko, Hastings)
  • Western Europe: France (Paris), The Netherlands (Oegstgeest, The Hague, Arnhem, Rheden)
  • East Asia: The Philippines (Manila, Can-avid)