Our Founder — Dirk J. Lambert | Chiang Mai Trauma Institute

Belgian National · 25+ Years Experience

Trauma Specialist, Psychotherapist, Author & Creator of RETR

Belgian national Dirk J. Lambert (59) is an internationally recognized trauma specialist, psychotherapist, and author with decades of experience in trauma recovery, PTSD treatment, and mental health rehabilitation.

His expertise is deeply rooted in both professional training and personal experience, having endured extensive childhood trauma, which shaped his dedication to helping others heal.

Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist (CCTS-I) — Arizona Trauma Institute, USA
Master Practitioner CBT & NLP — UK
EMDR Therapist Diploma
Bach Remedy Practitioner
Twice-ordained Buddhist Monk
Member, Comp. Medical Assoc. UK
Author — Stand Alone (ISBN 979-8861753005, 2023)

A Career Across Continents

Decades of trauma intervention work

Dirk's career spans multiple continents and diverse roles in trauma intervention.

Volunteer Work — Vietnam (1993–1999)

American Veteran Association — supporting war veterans suffering from PTSD and trauma-related conditions.

Melbourne, Australia (2005)

Appointed by the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal — providing trauma therapy for victims of sexual abuse.

Thailand Tourist Police Volunteer

Eight years as First Responder — deployed during the 2007 Phuket air disaster, providing emergency trauma support.

Wat Tham Krabok Rehab Temple

Twice ordained as a Buddhist monk; volunteered as a psychotherapist working with individuals recovering from addiction and trauma.

The RETR Methodology

Rapid Emotional Trauma Release

Dirk is the creator of RETR (Rapid Emotional Trauma Release), an advanced trauma intervention methodology designed to rapidly process and resolve deep emotional trauma.

RETR was specifically developed for high-intensity trauma environments — such as conflict zones, disaster response, and severe PTSD cases. Unlike conventional EMDR, RETR simplifies the process while delivering faster, more effective results for individuals suffering from emotional distress, PTSD, and trauma-related disorders.

Dirk's approach to trauma healing is deeply integrative, combining RETR, CBT, NLP, and holistic therapy methods. His dedication to advancing trauma treatment extends beyond direct client work, as he actively trains and mentors mental health professionals in alternative, effective methodologies.

Founder & Director

Recovery Centers Founded by Dirk

2002

New Body and Mind Recovery Center

(2002–2012) A leading addiction and mental health recovery center in Koh Samui, Thailand — operating across three locations.

2014

New Paradigm Trauma Retreat

(2014–Present) An inpatient and outpatient trauma recovery center in Chiang Mai, specializing in PTSD, sexual abuse recovery, and complex trauma therapy.

2024

Chiang Mai Trauma Institute

(2024–Present) Providing training programs for alternative and holistic mental health practitioners — equipping professionals with specialized trauma recovery techniques.

Biography

The journey behind the work

Early Life

Abuse, Suffering and Depression

While Dirk is now a highly regarded expert in the field of trauma healing, his journey began with deep personal struggles. During his teenage years, Dirk experienced abuse, suffering, and severe depression — which eventually led him down a path of substance abuse and addiction. These early hardships shaped his life profoundly, fueling a personal commitment to recovery and transformation. It was through his own healing journey that Dirk found the strength and purpose to dedicate his life to helping others overcome their mental health challenges.

Military & Business

Commando and Business Executive

Eventually, he pulled himself from this downward spiral and joined the military in Belgium, where he completed Para Commando Training and became a NCO/Drill Sergeant. Dirk went on to qualify as an IBM/AT&T systems engineer and excelled in each of his information technology businesses he created in Vietnam, Singapore and Hong Kong. Still, he didn't feel complete...

The Turning Point

Success, Money and Fame

Money and fame was abundant but left him feeling empty and dissatisfied. Dirk finally began to feel whole when he began to help others as a volunteer and PTSD counselor for U.S. war veterans in Vietnam. He accompanied, coached, and counselled them on their recovery journeys. Those heavily traumatised ex-soldiers returned to Vietnam for the first time after the war with the sole objective of healing their emotional scars and putting their demons to rest.

2000

Three Recovery Centers

In 2000, Dirk launched Thailand's first alternative rehab and recovery center, which expanded to three locations. Over the next fifteen years, Dirk would help countless clients and study Chinese Herbal Medicine. In 2005, he became certified as a Live Blood Analysis Technician and Practitioner by Metagenics Australia.

2014 & 2017

Ordained as a Buddhist Monk

In 2014, and again in 2017, Dirk was ordained as a Buddhist monk and worked as a senior counselor and advisor for the world-renowned Wat Tham Krabok drug rehab center in Thailand. In September 2014, he launched New Paradigm, which is also an official treatment center for sexual abuse victims per the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal in Melbourne, Australia.

2023

Author of "Stand Alone"

In 2023, Dirk authored a transformative book titled Stand Alone — A Complete Guideline to Recovery from Depression and Trauma. Drawing upon his extensive experience as a holistic therapist specializing in trauma and depression, this book offers a comprehensive roadmap to healing and empowerment. Stand Alone serves as a beacon of hope for those navigating the depths of emotional pain.

Through his lifetime of experience in trauma recovery, frontline crisis response, and holistic therapy, Dirk continues to transform lives, train professionals, and pioneer new approaches to mental health treatment.

Dirk J. Lambert