About us
Trauma International was founded in 2014 in Anne van den Ouwelant’s mission to spread practical knowledge about trauma in areas affected by war and conflict. Since 2018 Herman Nugteren joined in this mission. He had served as an UNPROFOR soldier during the war in Bosnia & Herzegovina. After that mission, he dedicated himself to assist in psychosocial projects in countries affected by war, like Kosovo, Iraq and Sierra Leone.
Since then, 6 more dedicated professionals joined the team. Together, we provide Training Courses in areas affected by war and conflict around the world. We train local professional and volunteer teachers, social workers, refugee workers, youth workers, nurses, doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, as well as police, firemen, rescue workers, journalists, sports coaches, artist educators, and community leaders.
Together we can, we must
and we will make a difference!
Our services
Trauma-Sensitive Support
In our Training Courses in Trauma-Sensitive Support we offer practical knowledge about trauma to various professionals who work with traumatized children, youngsters and adults. With more practical knowledge about trauma, they can better understand and support their target groups.
Art &
Trauma
When words fail, art can give people a chance to express themselves. Art can open ways to resilience and healing. It can build a bridge between “feeling” and “knowing”, which is crucial in working with traumatized people. In our Training Courses on Art & Trauma, the participants learn how to use art in a stabilizing way with their target groups.
Self
Care
In order to take care of others, we first and foremost need to know how to take care of ourselves. Even more so when the country we work in is in war. Our Training Courses on Selfcare focus on strenghtening your resilience, through psychoeducation and (non-verbal) exercises and techniques. To prevent burnout and secondary traumatization.
Anne van den Ouwelant, MSc
Founder & director of Trauma International & trainer
Psychotrauma therapist, art therapist, cultural anthropologist, TRE provider
As a 13-year-old, Anne van den Ouwelant saw the images of children in war-torn Bosnia & Herzegovina. That’s when she understood how lucky she was to grow up in a peaceful country. And that’s when she decided to contribute to the happiness of children who haven’t been as fortunate. In 2014, she founded Trauma International in order to provide Training in Trauma-Sensitive Support in war and conflict areas. In 2018, Herman Nugteren joined her mission.
Hala Ali
Trainer
Saskia Bok
Trainer
Anne Don
Trainer
Froukje Imthorn
Trainer
Lianne Janssen
Trainer
Denia Pinta
Trainer
Maartje Schel
Trainer
Monique Eenkhoorn
Officemanager
Hester Cnossen
Director
Herman Nugteren
Founder & owner
Cooperation Partner
Trauma International closely cooperates with Trauma Company, founded by Anne van den Ouwelant and Herman Nugteren in 2018. Trauma Company provides Training Courses in Trauma Sensitive Support, Art & Trauma and Selfcare to professionals in The Netherlands. Trauma Company is also involved in the guidance and support of traumatized children, adolescents and adults in the Netherlands together with Trauma Care Company.
When the (alarm) bell rings
This is a practical guide to accompany the trauma-sensitive support training courses offered by Trauma International. In those courses, we use symbols to explain trauma in a clear and visual way: simple objects like a bell, a folder and a phone. In this illustrated guide, Anne van den Ouwelant explains those symbols. This practical explanation proves to be an eye-opener. It is applicable worldwide, suitable for young and old.