ORGANIZATION
The SafePath Institute is led by Founder and CEO Dr. David Bernstein, and CTO and Training Director Limor Navot. Our train-the-trainers course faculty are Dr. Bernstein, Ms. Navot, Megan Fry, Lucie Swaffield, Kristien Rochette, and Irene Bos. Course organization and support are provided by Course Coordinator Lorenz Vanoirbeek, and Operations Specialist Carina Koelmans. Our activities are supported by a dedicated group of diverse professionals: Ben Theunissen (product designer), Vick Debergh (professional illustrator), Sarah Sarfati (marketing consultant), and Siebe Dijkstra (web developer).
THE SAFEPATH TEAM
Dr. David
Bernstein
Founder
CEO
David P. Bernstein, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist and expert in psychotherapy, personality disorders, forensic psychology, trauma, and addictions. He is Associate Professor at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, where he served as Professor of Forensic Psychotherapy. He is one of the pioneers in Schema Therapy. He was Vice-President of the International Society of Schema Therapy, and President of the Association for Research on Personality Disorders. He has authored over 130 scientific papers and book chapters. He is an acclaimed educator and supervisor who has trained hundreds of therapists and other mental health professionals to work with challenging patients. His SafePath program is devoted to helping people with personality disorders, aggression, and addiction recover and lead safer and happier lives. He has created the iModes, together with comic artist, Vick, to enable patients and therapists to recognize, understand, and work with emotional states more effectively. David loves baseball, travelling, reading, and spending time with family.
Limor Navot is a licensed Clinical Psychologist, ISST Certified Advanced Schema Therapist and Supervisor. She has extensive experience working with forensic populations and specializes in issues related to anger, aggression, emotional regulation, and personality disorders. Her background includes clinical leadership roles within both forensic and general mental health institutions, including working within the Israeli Prison Service as the lead psychologist for the women’s prison. She also has many years of experience training and supervising multidisciplinary treatment teams worldwide. In recent years, she has focused on expanding and refining conceptual and clinical applications within the Schema Therapy model, particularly in working with modes related to anger, aggression, and Pseudo-Vulnerability, with the aim of enhancing therapeutic precision and attunement. She develops new clinical tools for Bernstein iModes and designs and delivers advanced training programs through SafePath Institute. She has co-authored several publications in the fields of Schema Therapy and Forensic Schema Therapy, and maintains a private clinical practice in Maastricht.
Limor
Navot
Training Director
Lorenz
Vanoirbeek
Digital Marketing & Communications Manager
Lorenz earned his MSc in Clinical Psychology from Maastricht University in 2017, with a focus on clinical research. During his master’s thesis, he became inspired by David’s vision on mental health and its potential to create real-world impact. Encountering the iModes tools reinforced his belief in making psychological insights practical and accessible. Today, he is a versatile digital professional who manages website content, visual design, digital marketing strategy, and content creation – supporting the organization’s online presence through a creative and strategic approach. Known for his flexibility and hands-on approach, he thrives on turning ideas into action. Outside of work, you’ll find him camping, inline skating, or making music in his home studio.
As a Business Operations Manager, I wear many hats – sometimes all at once. From streamlining supply chain processes to overseeing finance, logistics, customer service and everything in between. My role is all about ensuring the day-to-day functions of the company and support our bigger goals and long-term success. With a background in International Business, and logistics, I bring a global perspective to operational strategy and decision-making. I’m particularly focused on creating systems that are not only efficient but adaptable, with an eye on innovation and continuous improvement. I value humor, teamwork, strong customer service, curiosity and innovation. While I take the work seriously, I believe a positive, collaborative atmosphere goes a long way in driving results. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures and traditions. Whether it’s exploring new destinations or simply sharing a good meal, I find inspiration in connection and discovery.
Carina
Koelmans
Business Operations Manager
Vick
Debergh
Professional
Illustrator
Cartoon artist “Vick” is an independent cartoon artist who designs visual communication for companies and organizations. Vick masters the art of drawing in multiple styles, which allow him to contribute to a wide variety of projects by translating ideas through visual imagery. Vick’s work can consist of cartoons, infographics or something else entirely. Next to his own work, Vick is also employed as visiting arts teacher, and gives art and drawing workshops in schools.