Museum van de Geest in Haarlem to Host Lecture on 'Fawning' with Johanna Nolet
Museum van de Geest and Psychologie Magazine are collaborating once again to present a thought-provoking lecture by writer, speaker, and coach Johanna Nolet. Following a successful previous event, Nolet will delve into the concept of 'fawning,' a common yet often overlooked survival mechanism, at the museum in Haarlem on the evening of June 5, 2025. This event is part of the Week of Mental Health, aiming to foster greater understanding of the human mind.
Johanna Nolet will share her personal journey and research into fawning, also known as people-pleasing. After years of therapy, Nolet discovered that this mechanism would activate during conflict, making it difficult for her to assert her own desires. She gained a new understanding of instances where she agreed to things she didn't want, realizing her past experiences and societal position had influenced these unconscious 'choices.' Her insights are also detailed in her book, Ik begin geloof ik te bestaan – over pleasen en hoe ik er grip op kreeg (I Think I'm Starting to Exist – about pleasing and how I gained control over it).
The evening promises to be interactive, with Nolet engaging in conversation with Jolien Posthumus, quartermaster for art and mental health. Attendees will also have the opportunity to experience how 'voice liberation' helps Nolet regulate her nervous system and reclaim her sense of agency.
Practical Information for Visitors
The lecture takes place on Thursday, June 5, 2025. The museum doors open at 6:30 PM, with the lecture commencing at 7:30 PM. Please note that while the museum café Thuys will be open for coffee and drinks, its kitchen will be closed.
The event will be held at Museum van de Geest in Haarlem. Tickets are priced at €15, and space is limited, so early booking is recommended. Following the lecture, attendees are invited to a reception in the museum café, where Johanna Nolet will also be present.
Tickets can be purchased online through the museum's website: https://tickets.museumvandegeest.nl/nl/lezingen/tickets.
This event offers a unique opportunity to explore mental health themes through personal narrative and expert insight. For those interested in discovering more cultural spots that address mental health and human experience, Musemap (musemap.art) is a platform dedicated to culture discovery. You can explore a diverse range of institutions by browsing other museums or searching for specific topics that intrigue you.
