the bothy
Jane McDonald-Patijn
practice for body-oriented psychosocial therapy
welcome!
great you've
found me!
the bothy
In the rugged Scottish wilderness, a bothy is a humble refuge - a shelter that shields weary travelers from unpredictable storms. It is a place to rest, regroup, and gather strength before setting out once more. Inspired by this evocative imagery, The Bothy offers a tranquil and respectful space to reconnect with yourself. A place to reflect on your past, to ground in the present, and to thoughtfully consider the path that lies ahead.
This work is for anyone drawn to deeper self-exploration and embodied awareness. An integrative, somatic approach offers a safe space to be seen, heard, and held as a whole person. It can gently support navigation of mood or anxiety challenges, grief, identity, relationship or self-worth issues, or broader existential questions.
my approach - body & mind
My approach to therapy is eclectic and firmly rooted in the present moment, with a strong emphasis on the relational dynamics that emerge between us. The therapeutic relationship offers a powerful catalyst for growth—a space where being truly seen and met by another allows for deeper self-understanding and increased compassion. Within this safe and supportive environment, what was once hidden can gently come to light, opening the door to new insights, strengthened self-trust, and a gradual reconnection with your inner wisdom.
Sessions engage both body and mind through verbal dialogue and non-verbal exploration. We attend to what your body communicates, through posture, movement, tension, sensation and breath, while noticing thoughts and feelings. You’ll explore varied movement qualities and efforts, gradually cultivating a richer sense of embodiment and expanding your range of responses. Gentle inquiry and somatic awareness reveal patterns of activation and shutdown, supporting release, expression, and spaciousness. This work encourages adaptability, resilience, and freedom in how body and mind meet experience.
Therapy is a commitment, one that calls for consistent effort and a willingness to engage with material that can sometimes feel uncomfortable. Change isn’t always immediate; often, it feels harder before it gets easier. Our work together won’t be a quick fix but rather a gradual, subtle shift that unfolds almost imperceptibly over time. My role is to help you uncover a new attitude toward yourself, one that fosters greater peace, acceptance, and flexibility.
The goal isn’t to eliminate pain but to build your capacity to endure it and grow stronger through it.
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there."
Rumi
about me
I’m Jane, a 47‑year‑old Scottish woman, married, and the mother of one son. For more than twenty years, I’ve called the Netherlands home. When I'm not working I enjoy reading, walking, yoga & meditation, dance & theatre, guitar - and always at least one good nap a day!
I bring honesty, warmth, and a grounded presence to our work. I’m direct, but always with compassion, and I believe in meeting people exactly where they are, without judgment.
I’m transparent about what I can and can’t offer, and I’ll never pretend to have all the answers. In fact, I already know that I don’t have your answers, but I will walk alongside you as you find them for yourself.
I’m a flawed human being too, with my own struggles and imperfections. I see this as part of being perfectly imperfect, and I hold space for you with the same acceptance. I also believe that humour carries its own quiet wisdom. It softens pain, offers perspective, and reminds us, gently, that even in the darkest moments, lightness is still possible. Sometimes, a shared laugh can create openings that words alone cannot.
Therapy with me is real, down-to-earth, and rooted in genuine human connection. You are welcome, and good enough, exactly as you are.
Alongside my formal training as a Dance & Movement Psychotherapist and as a GGZ-agoog (mental health practitioner), I am also qualified in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and hold a 200-hour Yoga teaching certification. I weave these modalities together to nurture both mind, body and spirit throughout the healing journey.
I am committed to ongoing intervision, supervision, professional development, and personal therapy to uphold the highest standards of integrity and care in my practice. I am a member of the NVDBT (Netherlands Association for Dance & Movement Therapy) and professionally registered with the Quality Register for Arts Therapies (Register Vaktherapie) and with Registerplein as a GGZ-agoog.
I have over 17 years of experience working as a therapist, the last 9 within the Specialised Geestelijk Gezondheid Zorg, the SGGZ [specialised mental health care].
* We can conduct our sessions in English or in Dutch—though fair warning: my linguistic imperfections are many. I find I’m a more effective therapist when conducting sessions in English.
booking & prices
I offer therapy sessions on Tuesdays, with appointments available between 8:30 AM and 8:00 PM.
You can book individual sessions or choose a discounted package if you’d like more regular support.
I do not currently work with any insurance companies. This means there is no need for a referral. We can arrange appointments directly between ourselves and your information will not be shared with any third parties.
Each session lasts +/- 60 minutes.
Under the Dutch Small Business Scheme (KOR), VAT (btw) is not charged.
Individual session
€100
3 sessions
€285
5 sessions
€450
10 sessions
€875
contact
Does this resonate with you? Please get in touch by filling in your details below.
You can also send me an e-mail at thebothynl@gmail.com.
I will get in touch with you as soon as is possible.
