First and foremost, I want to express my sincere gratitude to my colleagues at UZA TINTRA Antwerp for the invitation and the inspiring conversations we had this evening. It was an honor to speak here and share my knowledge and experiences. I sincerely hope this marks the beginning of further collaboration because, as became clear by the end of the evening, connection and knowledge-sharing are essential for progress.
During the lecture, I highlighted three key aspects of my work: my role as a clinical physicist-audiologist at Adelante in the south of the Netherlands, my background as an artist, and the intersection between audiology and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
For years, my worlds of audiology and art seemed separate, but over time, they have started to intertwine. Acoustics and art intersect in ways I have only truly begun to explore in recent years. What starts as a fascination with sound and perception grows into a deeper understanding of how we, as humans, experience the world.
This brought me to the central theme of the evening: ACT. My goal was not only to introduce you to ACT but to show how this approach can help create a more meaningful and vital life.
At the heart of my work are people—conversations, stories, and the ways we perceive and understand each other, not just with our ears but also with our hearts and minds. My passion for people begins with a deep respect for how remarkable we are.
As humans, we have the ability to think abstractly, solve complex problems, and reflect on the past and future. Yet, the essence often lies in something much simpler: offering a listening ear, feeling heard, and responding with understanding.
Every day, I meet people who feel unheard, who struggle with the intangible, searching for clarity and direction. These conversations have shaped me. They continually remind me how incredibly resilient people can be, even when they feel stuck.
Tonight, I wanted to convey that despite life’s complexities—and the challenges that come with it—there is always room to move. Sometimes, there is no immediate solution, but there is always a way to navigate through.
To guide you through this complexity, I introduced the neurophysiological model of Jastreboff, explaining step by step how our brain assigns meaning to what we hear and experience.
In 2010, we embarked on a major research project that explored both the scientific and the human aspects of perception. This led to new insights, incorporating not only the neurophysiological model but also the fear-avoidance model of Johan Vlaeyen and Rilana Cima (2011). This gradually brought us closer to the core principle: acceptance.
Acceptance is not resignation. It does not mean surrendering to something that troubles you, but rather understanding whysomething is present and discovering how to engage with it differently. This is the foundation of ACT and the multidisciplinary treatment program we developed.
During my consultations, I often use a metaphor I once learned in a German clinic: the glass. A simple sketch, yet a powerful tool for understanding how we shape our experiences.
My first real encounter with ACT was in 2011. Since then, I have continued to deepen my understanding of its core processes, particularly values-based living. But ACT has influenced not only my professional life—it has had a profound impact on my personal life as well.
The conversations I have, the stories I hear, the art I create—all revolve around the same fundamental question: what makes life meaningful?
That is why I firmly believe that ACT can be applied much more broadly within audiology—and beyond. And that is precisely why I was here tonight: to introduce you to this powerful way of thinking and living.
Once again, thank you for your attention and for the meaningful exchange of ideas. I look forward to future collaborations!
Dyon Scheijen
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