HendrikJan Houthoff
Author, specialized in the study of the intimate relationships between body and mind
About HJ
HJ (1943) studied medicine and a few years of mathematics. He earned a PhD in a neurobiology-related topic and became a professor of clinical pathology at the age of 36. After 25 years in academia, he left that world behind and became a biotech entrepreneur. He founded two companies, both of which flourished. From 1992 to 2023, Hendrik Jan was closely involved with the Jungian Institute in Nijmegen: as a lecturer, member of the Advisory Board, and friend of the founder.
Starting in 2008, he took up a subject that had always occupied his mind since the beginning of his career: the contributions of the entire body to the functioning of the mind. A topic known as ’embodied cognition’.
HJ has been active within the following organizations....
What the body knows
The biology of experiencing
Does the mind consist solely of brain processes, or does the rest of the body also make a substantial contribution? Seeking answers, the author convincingly argues on theoretical grounds that the internal body indeed plays an important role. This book describes a new conception of the body, encompasses current theories, and appears highly plausible based on additional evidence. The theory is also empirically verifiable.
Podcasts
SPECIAL - Who you are is in your body, not in your head. With HendrikJan Houthoff
In this podcast, Joris van Heukelom interviews HJ in connection with the outcome of his book. He delves deeper into the personal background of the author: how it contributed to the ability to present an alternative body and human image. And what the consequences of this are in the practice of life.
What the body knows: a conversation about body awareness
In this podcast, Marlijn Nijboer interviews HJ about the relationships between his theory and depth psychology as well as transpersonal psychology. It turns out, among other things, that many of Carl Jung’s ideas can be derived from the biology of the internal body.
HendrikJan's Featured
Seminar
In this extensive seminar, HendrikJan Houthoff argues that the internal body plays a crucial role in the functioning of the human mind, and not just the brain. He contends that current biological assumptions are incorrect and presents a new theory that places feeling and subjectivity in the body as the basis for cognition in the brain. Houthoff, with a background in medicine and pathology, challenges scientists to revise their perspectives and offers new insights into the relationship between body and mind.
Publications
The majority of the publications date from the time when HJ was a medical specialist and later an entrepreneur: medical-biological publications and chapters in books, as well as patent applications. What was then a side issue became the main focus later: the general publications. You can view all my publications by clicking on one of the buttons on the right.
I have come to know Hendrik Jan as very compassionate and committed in everything he does. Initially, I had the opportunity to experience him as a teacher at the 'Jungian Institute' in Nijmegen, and later I had the pleasure of working with him at the same institute. He has the ability to turn ideas into action, and what he starts, he finishes. With his book 'What the Body Knows,' he has made an important contribution to depth psychology. I look forward to the next opportunity we will have to collaborate again.
Elke Buitenhuis Geene - Therapist, Teacher, Trainer
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- hjhouthoff@gmail.com
Send me a message
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