My Story
Beside was born from a simple but profound choice: to stand with people, not over them.
For me, change is never about power over — it is about power with.
In my years working in healthcare, I often saw how decisions were made without real choice, leaving people feeling unseen and disempowered. That experience deeply shaped me. When I later lived and trained in Australia, I encountered trauma-informed approaches that opened a new way of thinking: bringing sensitivity, compassion, and awareness back into systems and workplaces.
With Beside, I bring these insights into practice. My work is about creating spaces where people feel safe enough to choose, to participate, and to thrive. Trauma-sensitive work is not just a professional method for me, it is a commitment to building cultures of dignity, inclusion, and shared strength.
Vision
Our vision is to be a trusted partner and leader in the field of trauma-informed care. We strive to promote inclusion and belonging across all industries and sectors by providing innovative solutions, thought leadership, and best practices.
Mission
Our mission is to help organizations create and maintain diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces. We believe everyone deserves equal access to opportunities and resources, and we’re committed to working alongside our clients to create positive change.
Values
We are guided by the following core values in all of our work.
Our goal is to support organizations in creating more inclusive, fair, and safer workplaces where everyone can thrive. Including psychological safety is key to this, ensuring that everyone feels secure enough to be themselves, share ideas, and speak up without fear of judgment or repercussion.
Esther van der Sande
For over 20 years, Esther has guided individuals and organizations through change, growth, and psychological challenges.
Her mission is to foster emotional diversity, nurture psychological safety, and create cultures where people feel secure, supported, and empowered to embrace change. As a sought-after speaker, Esther shares her insights with organizations and communities worldwide.
Exciting news! Esther’s first book, “De Trauma-Sensitieve Samenleving: Genezing en herstel bevorderen door middel van medelevende gesprekken”, will be released at the end of January. This inspiring book shows how compassionate conversations can promote healing and create a safer, more connected society.
The book will be available by the end of January at major bookstores and via Nobleman Uitgeverij. To stay updated, email esther@beside.consulting
Let’s build a more compassionate, trauma-sensitive world together.