Nina Beijer
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What is Humanist Chaplaincy?
I am a humanist counselor and spiritual caregiver, guiding clients through spiritual, ethical, and existential questions.
Life’s significant moments – whether it’s the loss of a loved one, experiencing trauma or systemic oppression, or a new chapter such as a birth, a new relationship, or a challenging adventure – can often prompt existential questions: How do I move forward? What truly matters to me? Who do I want to become?
In my work, I’ve witnessed firsthand how powerful it is for individuals to have a space where these questions can be explored. I’ve worked with many people facing grief and trauma, and I’ve seen how creating a compassionate, safe space can lead to remarkable transformations. It’s a privilege to walk alongside others during times of uncertainty, helping them rediscover meaning and clarity when life feels chaotic.
As a humanist chaplain, my role is to support you as you explore and address these questions. My approach is rooted in creating an empathetic environment where you can confront life’s challenges and activate your capacity for meaning-making, self-direction, and personal growth. Together, we’ll work to clarify your values, your identity, and your sense of purpose.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in the belief that our personal experiences are deeply shaped by our inherent vulnerability, broader social and cultural dynamics. Humanist counseling can offer a space to explore how these forces impact our way of being. By fostering an environment of inclusivity and mutual respect, I aim to help clients to find ways to relate to these existential experiences and questions that ask for deeper ways of finding meaning.
Together, we work towards reorienting, finding new ways to building existential resilience and reimagining narratives that empower both the individual and their place in the world.
One-on-one counselling
Counseling sessions (50 minutes) are priced at €70.
Rituals
Ritual creation tailored to your needs – Price available upon request.
Collaborations
I am open to work together on projects that have an impact.
About me
I’m Nina, a Berlin-based humanist counselor originally from Amsterdam. After many years in a long-distance relationship, I decided to embark on a new adventure with my partner in Berlin. Having made such a transition myself, I understand what it’s like to feel uprooted and to search for a sense of belonging. This experience has deepened my belief in the importance of connection and community, which I bring into my work as a counselor.
During my psychology studies, I realized that some of my deeper questions remained unanswered. While I learned to analyze human behavior, I continued searching for ways to explore the existential questions I had about life. Questions like: How do we navigate grief, migration, illness, or the meaning of friendship? How do we relate to societal issues, such as not fitting into the normative ideas of society based on sexuality, gender, culture, or religion?
When I discovered the profession of humanist chaplaincy, I felt deeply inspired and passionate about finding a way to provide counseling to explore the deeper spiritual, ethical, and meaning-making-questions we get confronted with.
My professional experience includes, but is not limited to, working with themes such as grief, trauma, sexual violence, and consent. My aim is to make people feel seen, safe, and empowered.
Experiences
- September 2021 – June 2023
University of Humanistic studies – Master – Utrecht
Graduated as a Humanist chaplain with a master of arts in Humanistic studies. Graduated with specializations in humanist ritualizing, postcolonial studies, gender studies, human rights, identity formation, marginalization processes, mediation, and social/transitional justice. - September 2018 – 2021
University of Humanistic studies – Bachelor – Utrecht - September 2016 – June 2017
University- Applied Psychology – Hogeschool van Amsterdam – Amsterdam - November 2022 – June 2023
Humanist counsellor at the Worldhouse
I’ve worked as a humanist counselor at the Worldhouse, a center that provides help to undocumented people. There, I’ve assisted individuals with spiritual and ethical life-questions on various topics such as migration, sense of belonging, queerness, religion, and more.
During my previous work, I dedicated myself to conducting culturally sensitive dialogues, trauma-informed counseling, and intersectional counseling for queer individuals with questions about identity, sexuality, and gender. My work included culturally responsive support for queer and trans people. - July 2021 – November 2022
Project assistant in about sexual consent. - September 2020 – August 2021
Humanist counselor for the municipality of Amsterdam survivors of sexual violence.
