About Me
My name is Bastiaan Everink, born in the summer of 1969 in Enschede. I am the proud father of a son and a daughter in a rainbow family. Together with my husband, with whom I have shared many happy years, I divide my time between Amsterdam and our ecological project in the south of France.
My life’s path has been diverse. As a former Marine, I lived in an environment defined by discipline, trust, and deep camaraderie. My experiences as an instructor in polar regions, as a parachutist, and during my deployment to Iraq shaped me profoundly, both professionally and personally. The five years I served in the Marine Corps left a lasting impact on my development as a human being and as a veteran, and forever changed the way I see the world.
After that, I chose to reinvent myself in a completely different direction. I went on to build an international career as an opera singer, performing as a soloist in some of the world’s leading opera houses. Art and self-expression became my new language - a counterbalance to everything I had lived through before. Over the course of twenty years, my story was shared through countless interviews and media appearances. I wrote a book, “Strijdtoneel”. A documentary was made about my life, “Bastiaan Everink: Het geweld van de stem”, and an opera inspired by my journey was even composed: “Hercules”.
In 2015, I had the special honour of sharing my story - and that of my buddy from Iraq - with the King in the Ridderzaal on Veterans Day. That experience, combined with my strong connection to my former military colleagues, led me to delve deeper into trauma and PTSD. I felt a strong desire to better understand my buddies and to truly be there for them. While still pursuing my singing career, I decided to return to studying. What began as part-time coaching and therapeutic work slowly grew into a new calling. In 2021, I completed a study in applied eco-psychology. One year later, I chose to end my opera career and devote myself fully to working as a body-oriented therapist. In 2025, I graduated from the University of East London with a Master’s degree in Psychology, a programme that has further deepened and strengthened my therapeutic practice.
A Turning Point
The birth of our children changed my perspective. My concern for our planet became more urgent. It became increasingly important for me to actively contribute to a healthy, sustainable world. A world we can pass on to the next generation. Together with my partner, we are the initiators and owners of La Ferme sur Besorgues. This eco-habitat is a sustainable learning place in the south of France. Here, nature, ecology, meaning, and personal development come together.
Retreats and compressed individual programmes
In this special environment, I host meaningful-driven retreats. I also offer an intensive six-day one-on-one therapeutic programme. In this programme, meaning, and connection with the ecological environment are fully integrated into the experience. A comprehensive intake always takes place beforehand, ensuring the programme can be tailored to your personal needs. Price (excluding VAT, including accommodation and meals): €2,750.
Social and community involvement
In my board and advisory roles, I enjoy drawing on my knowledge, experience, and network. Examples of such roles include:
Chairman of the Lifeline Foundation: 2004 – present
Chairman of the Willem Pijper Foundation: 2017 - present
Ambassador: Akoesticum: 2015 - present
Member of the Supervisory Board: Stichting help ze thuiskomen: 2024 - present
Board Member: Freemasons Lodge Hiram Abiff: 2001 - 2004
Board Member: Freemasons Lodge Rites & Temple Construction : 2009 - 2013
Board Member: Baroque Opera Amsterdam: 2014 - 2018
Artistic Advisor: Festival Classique: 2016 - 2022
Artistic Advisor: Ministry of Defence: 2016
Artistic Advisor: National Committee 4 and 5 May: 2017
Artistic Advisor: BaroqueOpera Amsterdam: 2014 - 2018
Member of the Advisory Board: Institute for Positive Health: 2016 - 2018
Member of the Advisory Board: Dutch Marines Rowing Challenge: 2018 - 2022