Without behavioural change, insight is worthless
Anthony was born in South Africa and lived there until he was 25. He often flew with his Dutch mother to visit her family in Bilthoven. He met his (Danish) wife over thirty years ago. He married her in England, where he was studying on a Rotary Foundation scholarship so that he could avoid the national service requirement under the apartheid regime in South Africa. He graduated as a doctor in clinical psychology and had a son and two daughters.
Medical and clinical psychologist
After his studies, Anthony went to work as a psychologist in the healthcare sector. Anthony: “I worked for hospitals a great deal. There, among other things, I counselled chronically ill people on dealing with their illness. In addition, I gave support to management and lectures to physicians, surgeons and business personnel on adaptability, emotional intelligence and development of personal resilience. Primarily to reduce the impact on their mental state, because of the emotionally charged work they do.
Furthermore, as an Occupational Health Psychologist, I often spoke with a variety of clients outside the care sector. With lawyers, teachers, and train drivers among others, but also with CEOs and board members of large organisations who, for example, were no longer able to practise their occupation due to illness.”
Prinsenhoeve estate
When his Dutch aunt died, Anthony inherited the Prinsenhoeve estate in Den Dolder. “Here, I am at home,” says Anthony. “For a while, I did little with the estate, until I got the feeling that I was due for a change. I worked very hard for years to make other people happy, but what really made me happy?
I decided to renovate Prinsenhoeve and relocate to the Netherlands. To work less, enjoy life more and pass on my knowledge to others.”
Retreats
“I’m going to give one-on-one retreats here. No longer as a medical psychologist, but as an executive coach. I want to help people who want to get more out of life. Who want to develop and improve, so that they become a happier person. That gives me energy too. Especially in these beautiful wooded surroundings.
I like to give someone insights that he then does something with. Because without behavioural change, insight is worthless.”
Molazzana
Five years ago, the villa of a family in Italy, where Anthony had gone on holiday with his family for years, had to be sold. Anthony decided to buy it.
“When I showed Ruitenburg advisor Erik van der Kooi photos of the holiday house (which then was still in an enormously dilapidated state), I saw that he had his doubts. Nonetheless, he always enthusiastically advised me on the financial aspect of the renovation, on the tax system as a resident of different countries, and on matters dealing with mortgages and pension. In addition, he connected me with a local advisor in Italy who ensured that I did everything properly there too. This month, the renovation of the house in Molazzana is finally finished, after five years. It has turned out beautifully!
We rent this villa in North Tuscany as a holiday house and I’m going to give retreats there too. A retreat can be combined with cooking workshops from a talented English-speaking lady who lives in the neighbourhood; you can do yoga, go hiking in the mountains, or ski in the nearby Abetone area."
Movement
“Mindfulness and movement belong together and you can, if you want, combine them during my retreats. With a personal trainer, if desired. In contrast to the Netherlands, in Italy you can stay in the house not only by yourself, but with a group up to eight people.
The holiday house or the retreats cannot be booked on a website or from a travel guide. Interested parties can always contact me personally via