Meet the team
Djai Baaten, MSc.
Founder of Ripple Surf Therapy
Djai is a seasoned psychologist with advanced degrees in clinical psychology and clinical neuropsychology, enriched by postgraduate certifications in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Schema Therapy, and an ISA level 1 surf instructor certification.
His extensive experience in the traditional mental health sector, particularly in addiction care, revealed the limitations of standard therapeutic approaches, motivating him to seek innovative solutions. Founding Ripple Surf Therapy, Djai synthesized his professional skills with his passions for surfing, yoga, and mindfulness, developing a pioneering program designed to offer a holistic path to well-being and self-discovery. This approach is aimed at helping individuals navigate through life's challenges by empowering them to regain control over their lives.
Beyond his professional achievements, Djai is known for his positive outlook on life, always seeking the right balance between adult responsibilities and a childlike sense of curiosity and playfulness. This philosophy is at the heart of Ripple Surf Therapy, and you’ll often find him smiling and laughing amidst the serious stuff that is part of the program as well.
Josephine Jankowski, MSc
Psychologist at Ripple Surf Therapy
Josephine, a master's level psychologist at Ripple Surf Therapy, offers a rich blend of expertise in treating a wide range of psychological issues. Her comprehensive training encompasses CBT, ACT, EMDR, Imagery Rescripting and Integrative EMDR, along with 200 hours of Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) that focuses on yoga and breathwork. Passionate about linking mental well-being with physical health, environmental context, and a sense of community, Josephine believes in a holistic approach to health and wellness.
Josephine celebrates the uniqueness of each individual, advocating for authenticity and personal strength over societal expectations of success. In her work at Ripple, she aims to normalize mental health struggles, engage with participants in an accessible manner, and introduce playful strategies for maintaining stability in uncertain times.
Adding to her professional attributes, Josephine is known for her warm and gentle demeanor, making her the perfect addition to the team to create a comforting and safe space for participants. Her approachable nature encourages open and honest communication, enabling a deeper and more meaningful therapeutic experience.
Steven Nijland, MSc
Psychologist at Ripple Surf Therapy
Steven graduated with a master's degree in clinical psychology and has an additional academic background in orthopedagogical sciences.
He practices Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and integrates it with cognitive-behavioral approaches and mindfulness training. With years of experience helping clients with a wide array of issues, including anxiety, depression, burnout, and addiction, Steven is deeply committed to the therapeutic process.
Surfing, one of his passions, serves as a powerful metaphor for life in his work—emphasizing adaptability and acceptance in the face of nature's unpredictability.
For Steven, enthusiasm, collaboration, and transparency are core values. He dedicates himself to understanding individual tendencies and exploring avenues for enhancing life quality. His goal is to support each person in their quest to uncover and pursue what truly matters to them, making every session an opportunity for discovery and growth!
Our chefs
Our surf instructors
Our surf instructors at Ripple Surf Therapy are carefully handpicked by our team for their exceptional skills, warm and patient approach. We only work with teachers that have International Surf Association (ISA) and International Life Saving (ILS) certifications, meaning they are trained according to the highest international standards and can provide both quality and safety for our participants.
By working with local teachers, make sure that we always have the best spots for each skill level and the most up to date information on conditions.
Passionate advocates of the ocean's therapeutic potential, our instructors are dedicated to providing a supportive and empowering experience, guiding each participant through their surfing journey with personalized instruction and a deep commitment to safety.
You’ll be in good hands!
At Ripple Surf Therapy, we understand the profound impact food has on both mental and physical health. Therefore, we prioritize working with chefs who specialize in crafting mostly plant-based and locally sourced meals.
We ensure that only the highest quality of food is served. Recognizing the integral role of nutrition in holistic well-being, our culinary philosophy is aimed at the stars, providing our visitors with nourishing, delicious, and thoughtfully prepared dishes that will leave you fully satisfied and still wanting more!
By choosing for local and organic products, we support the communities that welcome our retreats while at the same time minimizing our environmental impact, a win-win!
