Since 2004, I have dedicated my work to guiding couples through the most painful crises in their relationships—moments when trust has been shattered. My early work focused on men struggling with sexual addiction and their partners, but I soon discovered something deeper: true healing lies in rebuilding trust between two people.

In 2009, I expanded my focus to couples facing the devastation of infidelity. What I learned was powerful: whether the crisis comes through addiction or betrayal, the path back to trust follows the same principles. This insight became the foundation of a structured and compassionate method that has already helped hundreds—perhaps even thousands—of couples find their way back to one another.

This method grew into my program, Together Through Despair. Together translates to Samen in Dutch, and from that word I created the acronym S.A.M.E.N., representing the five steps of the healing journey:

• S – Standing still

• A – Amputate

• M – Mildness / Compassion

• E – Evaluate

• N – New Opportunity

In 2016, the first Dutch edition of S.A.M.E.N. was launched, making this approach widely available. Since then, not only have I been privileged to guide couples myself, but I have also trained more than 60 therapist partners in the Netherlands and several in Slovakia, who now use this method in their own practices. Together, our growing network has supported countless couples in moving from despair to renewed trust and deeper connection.

My background is rooted in social work and later specialized in Experiential and Gestalt family therapy. I am a licensed family and relationship therapist and supervisor (NVRG) in the Netherlands and hold the European Certificate of Psychotherapy (ECP). Alongside my private practice, I lead the Kempler Institute of the Netherlands as owner and head trainer, where I continue to train therapists in Gestalt Family Therapy.

But beyond professional expertise, my deepest conviction comes from personal experience. There was a time when I too broke my partner’s trust. Walking through that pain together—and coming out stronger—taught me firsthand that trust can be rebuilt. More than that: a relationship can emerge not only healed, but more resilient, deeper, and more connected than before.

That is why I am passionate about sharing this work. For couples, I offer a clear and proven pathway to healing after betrayal. For therapists, I offer the opportunity to become a partner, to join a supportive professional network, and to use this method in guiding couples through their darkest moments.

If you are a couple searching for hope, or a therapist ready to make a greater impact, I invite you to join me. Together, we can rebuild trust, restore love, and create relationships that last.

Ferdinand Bijzet