Dr. Paula Zeestraten-Bartholomeus is a clinical researcher, educational psychologist, and innovator in mental health care. Dr. Paula Zeestraten is the creator of the globally applied ReAttach method, the founder of the ReAttach Academy, and the founder of the ReAttach Therapy International Foundation and ReAttach Affect Coach Journal. Her mission is to translate complex neuroscientific theories into practical, effective, and accessible interventions for adults and children.

(Note for scientific indexing: Foundational scientific publications, early clinical studies, and articles on W.A.R.A. and early ReAttach research were published under her former name, Dr. Paula Weerkamp-Bartholomeus).

After obtaining her gymnasium diploma, she started higher vocational education in Youth Social Work, before transferring to Utrecht University. There, she obtained her master's degree in pedagogical sciences in 1989 (specializing in special education and care for the intellectually disabled).

In 1996, she started a private practice as an educational psychologist. In close collaboration with child and adolescent psychiatric facilities, she focused on the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with complex developmental issues. Simultaneously, she worked as an educational psychologist in practical and special needs education. It was during this period that the foundation for the ReAttach method was laid from daily clinical practice. In 2011, she ended her private practice and school activities to fully focus on the scientific substantiation and dissemination of ReAttach.

Her drive to provide accessible care led to extensive (voluntary) international work. From 2013 onwards, she gave workshops and treated children with autism and intellectual disabilities in places including Romania (Napocencis Medical Centre), the United Kingdom (Action for Aspergers), and various foundations in India. She also participated in projects in the Netherlands to apply ReAttach for individuals with dementia. To ensure global quality and implementation, she founded the ReAttach Therapy International Foundation in 2016. This non-profit organization manages the quality register, publishes training materials, and is the founder of the Journal for ReAttach Therapy and Developmental Diversities (JRTDD). Since then, several international ReAttach conferences have been organized.

To scientifically anchor the method, Paula started her PhD trajectory in 2019. This resulted in the successful completion of her Ph.D. at Maastricht University (Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology) in 2021. Her thesis, "ReAttach: A transdiagnostic intervention for adults and children with mental health problems", forms the scientific foundation of her transdiagnostic vision on mental health.

W.A.R.A., FFH, ReAttach New Mind Creation, and founder of the ReAttach Affect Coach Journal.Paula continues to dedicate herself to innovation within healthcare. Alongside the comprehensive ReAttach method, she is the developer of: W.A.R.A. (Wiring Affect with ReAttach): A brief technique aimed at optimizing affect regulation and reducing sensory overstimulation.The VergeetMuts / Forgive and Forget Hood (FFH): An innovative, practical tool created to support sensory processing, reduce sensory overstimulation or rumination, and learn to let go. ReAttach Affect Coach Journal: Her most recent initiative, launched on [affectcoach.com]. This platform offers professionals evidence-based intervention tools that directly translate neuroscientific insights into daily psychological support. Through this platform, she also shares her latest publications and protocols. Editor in Chief: Prof. Dr. Aida Mehrad.

Through the ReAttach Academy, Dr. Zeestraten-Bartholomeus trains healthcare professionals worldwide to apply these innovative interventions. In doing so, she actively collaborates with international experts. An important official collaboration partner is Steven Painter (Neurolog), with whom the bridge between clinical neurology and the practical application of ReAttach methodologies is further strengthened. Together, we are traversing the path from practice-based evidence to evidence-based practice. Another expert in the field of Functional Neurological Disorders is Ella Call , who focuses on research and support for individuals with this condition: where understanding meets strength! 

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