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Anna Lichtwarck-Aschoff
Hoogleraar Orthopedagogiek at University of Groningen
Anna Lichtwarck-Aschoff is a Professor of Special Needs Education (Hoogleraar Orthopedagogiek) at the University of Groningen.23 She holds the chair in Care for Children with Behavioural and Parenting Problems and leads the Orthopedagogy basic unit 'Child and Family Welfare'.23
Career and Research Focus
Born in southern Germany, Lichtwarck-Aschoff moved to the Netherlands to study psychology in Groningen.1 She received her PhD in Developmental Psychology from the University of Groningen in 2008.1 After working as an assistant professor at Radboud University for 12 years, she returned to the University of Groningen as a full professor in January 2021.13
Lichtwarck-Aschoff's research focuses on:
- Understanding processes and mechanisms of change in mental health treatments13
- Applying complex dynamic systems theory to psychological recovery processes2
- Developing personalized and tailored treatments for individual clients12
Recent Developments
In 2020, Lichtwarck-Aschoff received a Vidi grant, which started in September 2021.1 She is also the chairwoman of the Small Data Institute, home of iamYu.4
Approach to Mental Health Care
Lichtwarck-Aschoff advocates for a fundamental shift in mental health care, emphasizing:
- Less focus on disorders and labels
- More attention to individual contexts and developmental histories
- Use of personalized process monitoring, such as diary measurements
- Breaking down barriers between professionals and organizations in youth care23
Her work aims to contribute to a different mindset about well-being, psychological problems, and their treatment, moving away from rigid classifications and towards a more flexible, personalized approach.3



