Karlijn Kouwenhoven
Psychologist. Facilitator. Founder of KABI·RA.
For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by the nature of our human reality. What drives our behaviour? Why do we repeat the same patterns? What is the essence of power dynamics, intergroup behaviour and states of consciousness? And what does it mean to live a life that feels aligned, present and embodied?
My journey began in Psychology, studying human behaviour and organisational change in the Netherlands and South Africa. After graduating, I built an international career in leadership development and change management, working across countries, cultures and organisations.
Yet beneath the "work hard, play hard" mentality, I felt that layers of myself were missing.
What started as a personal search for greater meaning, freedom and authenticity led me into the worlds of embodiment, meditation, transformational work, yoga, indigenous mystical traditions and Tantra. I learned to honour my sensitivity, trust my intuition, and cultivate a deeper sense of inner strength.
Over time, I came to realise that lasting change requires more than insight alone. It asks us to include the body, emotions, our connections with others, and the parts of ourselves we have learned to hide.
Today, I bring together psychology, embodiment, and deep self-inquiry to create experiences that support meaningful and lasting transformation. My work is grounded, experiential and rooted in the belief that we are not broken or incomplete, but invited to embrace all aspects of who we are.
Over the past 15 years, I have facilitated retreats, workshops and transformational programmes across Europe, Asia, Central-America and Australia, guiding hundreds of people through periods of growth, change and self-discovery.
When I am not facilitating, you can find me dancing (contact improvisation), at the CrossFit box, ice skating in winter, travelling, cuddling with my nieces and nephews, or soaking up culture and new perspectives.
I look forward to meeting you!
Invited by curiosity
I have been eager to learn and experience life, diving deeper into a wide range of practices and traditions. From Vipassana, darkness retreats and mystical schools, to leadership development programmes and somatic facilitation training - each has contributed to how I understand human growth, transformation and embodiment now.
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• MSc Social & Organisational Psychology — Leiden University
• BSc Psychology — Leiden University
• Social & Political Sciences Minor — Stellenbosch University, South Africa -
• Somatic Body Educator Training
• Transformational Breathwork Facilitator Training
• Radical Honesty
• Darkness Retreat
• Love, Sex & Awakening - Margot Anand
• ISTA International School of Temple Arts (Levels 1 & 2)
• Tantra Yoga Teacher Training
• Hatha Yoga Teacher Training
• Circling & Surrendered Leadership -
• Leadership Development & Change Management — Deloitte Human Capital
• Workshop Trainer Facilitation
• Dialogical Leadership
• Deep Democracy
Facilitated At
Over the years, I have facilitated workshops, retreats and transformational programmes for festivals, organisations and communities around the world.
Selected organisations and festivals include:
• Experiment Ibiza
• Tantric Joy Festival
• Awaken As Love Festival
• Tantra Festival Amsterdam
• Tantra Festival Mexico
• Tantra Festival Portugal
• Tantra Festival India
• Touch & Play Festival Berlin
• Young Presidents Organization (YPO)
• Municipality of Amsterdam
• Deloitte Human Capital
Podcasts & Interviews
Listen to conversations on psychology, relationships, Tantra, leadership, embodiment or my personal transformation.
Featuring interviews with Thijs Launspach, Bureau Liefhebbers, Leiders Vandaag and conversations on the CORE Retreat.