The Power of Language
Raising awareness about the (creative) power of language is why Jos Frederiks wrote his book Imprisoned by Words. In his practices in Helmond and Eindhoven, Jos experiences daily how language can influence people—both negatively and positively.
"Language is incredibly powerful! It can move people into action."
Fifteen Years of VidaSense
Fifteen years ago, Jos founded VidaSense, after nearly five years of working in a colleague's practice where he was introduced to psychology—particularly (business) coaching and psychological support. Before that, he worked as a telecom salesman, where he already became aware of how language could help him achieve commercial goals.
Living with Emotion
As a sales manager, Jos survived a third company restructuring. He had to wade through stacks of professional literature, even though he wasn’t much of a reader. In 2005, he decided to start his own practice under the name VidaSense. "Vida means life, and Sense stands for feeling: living with feeling."
As therapists and coaches, we are allowed to leave a mark on people’s life journeys.
Asking the Right Questions
Jos still loves to talk—he’s a true talkative spirit. A one-hour conversation can easily produce over 12,000 words, most of them woven into stories and anecdotes. No wonder someone suggested he write a book. An English version is also on the way, as the UK was the inspiration for an international edition.
Mirror and Self-Awareness
Employers are often unaware of the true potential of the people in their organizations. Jos:
"What I wish for people is that they speak in honest and open words. My goal is to help people realize their full potential. By asking the right questions, I shake them awake."
Language Can Heal—Or Limit
Language can be healing. It’s about how you say something, the words you choose, your tone. But language can also limit us—for example, in the workplace, where you may not feel free to say what you think. Then language becomes a prison.
"I’ve always allowed myself to say what I thought," says Jos, "even when I had a mortgage."
Mindset and Breathing
Jos experienced the healing power of language firsthand. At age nine, he had a severe asthma attack that nearly killed him. At nineteen, he regained control of his breathing through self-conviction.
"Something magical happened: this works!"
Words Shape Your Physiology
Jos believes that mindset and language affect how we think, feel, and function. 95% of our complaints begin in the mind.
"We don’t have depression—we do depression."
By changing thoughts and language patterns, we can work toward real solutions.
The Tyranny of 'Must'
Many people use the word "actually," but it doesn’t move you. It’s an unconscious barrier. Finding your way back to yourself starts with the right words. Stop people-pleasing. Use language with intention.
"‘Must’ is imprisonment by words. My book offers an alternative: positive language that truly makes a difference."
