Hi! I’m Steve Savels,
I’m a psychologist
and a coach
It was 2008. I was working as an expat in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, living in a spacious apartment on the 7th floor, with a stunning view on the Congo river on one side, overlooking downtown Kinshasa on the other. In my job, I was respected by local civil servants as an international expert on Human Resources. I was earning more than ever before, had a driver and a fulltime cleaner at my disposal. On evenings and weekends, I dove into the bustling nightlife of Kinshasa with my expat friends.
Yet, I was desperate. I had thought that this expat adventure would give new meaning to my life, but I never felt so stuck and lonely. Really, it had been a flight. Away from a dysfunctional relationship, a career that no longer interested me.
Under the African sun, I started realising that I couldn’t run away from myself. Although I kept trying, by working hard and partying harder.
When the project that I was working for was cancelled, I found myself abruptly back in dark and rainy Brussels in January 2009. It was at this low point that I decided to get help. My coach confronted me with the things I’d rather not see about myself – in a friendly but decisive way – and gradually a whole new direction started to unfold.
I would leave my secure job and become self-employed, doing what I find truly meaningful: accompanying people on their journey of growth and self-development.
Has this been a “happy ever after” story? Not at all. Just like for everyone, my life knows ups and downs. But having the right tools and a clear goal has helped me to stay true to my course.
Why do I do what I do?
About me
I have been coaching and supporting people for more than 20 years. First from an HR-role, and as of 2010 as a self-employed psychologist, coach and mindfulness trainer. I have worked as an expat in Africa myself, and have been working with expats for years in my HR career, and in my practice as a psychologist.
I myself am very curious and passionate about how the human mind works. My own personal development, both on an intellectual and broader human level is very important to me. I’m constantly keeping myself up-to-date about the developments in my field (psychology, mindfulness, coaching, …). I also find inspiration in more philosophical literature, history, art and culture.
I love spending time in nature. And I like the good life: travelling, gastronomy, wine, listening to classical music and jazz, … Thanks to a great coach, I transformed from a couch potato into a physically active person; I go hiking and work out at the gym very regularly.
Facts & Figures
Belgian, born in 1975
Masters Degree in Psychology (University of Ghent, 1998)
Postgraduate Studies in Functional Contextual Psychotherapy (Allegre & Vives Hogeschool, 2021-2025)
Visa as Clinical Psychologist nr. 287964 by the Belgian Federal Ministry of Health
Registered with the Belgian Commission of Psychologists under number 751109764
Certified professional coach by Coaching & Co (now: ‘Het Ontwikkelingsinstituut’)
Certified mindfulness trainer (I AM – Institute for Attention and Mindfulness)
Trained in ACT – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy at ACT Academie / Allegre
Mindfulness studies and trainings with amongst others Christopher Germer (Harvard Medical School), John Peacock (Oxford Mindfulness Centre), Christine Brähler (University of Glasgow), Kristin Neff (University of Texas), Christina Feldman (Oxford Gaia House)
Member of the Flemish Association for Clinical Psychologists (VVKP) and the Psychedelic Society of Belgium
Co-Founder and Trainer at Brussels Mindfulness