Team Around the Artist: Lisa Rubsteck

What is your role as a physiotherapist/student psychologist at Codarts?

As a student psychologist, I support students who are experiencing mental struggles during their studies. We work on these issues one-on-one. In addition, I also teach classes on mental health and mental skills, so that students learn how to take care of their mental well-being.

What kind of problems or questions can students contact you about?

Students can reach out to the student psychologists for various concerns. For example, if you're dealing with mental health issues due to increased stress, low mood, grief, procrastination, burnout, or performance anxiety. But you can also come to us to improve your performance skills, such as learning a pre-performance routine, preparing for an audition, or dealing with stage fright. We always look at whether we can help you within Codarts, and sometimes it's necessary to look externally for a suitable treatment.

Can you give us an example of a ‘problem’ you’ve worked on with a student?

Something I often see is that students struggle with a “perfectionist mind.” The bar is set extremely high, and there are many critical or disapproving thoughts about what you achieve. It feels like it’s never good enough. These are intense internal dialogues that can play out throughout the day. I personally like working with ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/training). This method helps you take a step back from perfectionist thoughts and recognize that perfectionist part of yourself. Because you are so much more than those thoughts. It’s beautiful to see when students learn to be kinder and more realistic with themselves, and in doing so, learn to coach themselves better.

How can students make an appointment with you?

Students can email us at studentpsychologist@codarts.nl – we will then get in touch to schedule an appointment.

How long have you worked at Codarts, and what did you do before becoming a physiotherapist/student psychologist?

I started at Codarts in June 2025, and I also work in my own psychology practice, Mana Psychologie. Before joining Codarts, I worked as a psychologist and sports psychologist at Psyned, a national organization that connects clients with mental health needs to suitable psychologists. As a sports psychologist, I also work with the IKO/X20 skating team to train athletes in mental skills and provide space for conversations when needed.

What do you enjoy most about your work at Codarts?

What I enjoy most about working at Codarts is the diversity of questions and settings I encounter every day. I love being able to engage with students as a group on topics I find important, and also having the space for in-depth, personal one-on-one sessions. What’s unique about working at Codarts is that I get to see a student grow, because we often cross paths here. As a psychologist in a practice or institution, you don’t see that in the same way, and it makes my work incredibly rewarding!

What would you consider the most important skill or knowledge a student should gain from their studies at Codarts?

From a psychological perspective, it’s valuable to learn to look at yourself with more compassion and to be kind to what’s happening inside you. Many students place extremely high demands on themselves and live in a demanding world. For me, kindness and connection to what truly matters to you are essential so that you can make healthy choices and pursue your dreams.