Meet Rebecca Coffa

Rebecca is 23 years old and from the Netherlands and Indonesia

She did her BSc in Psychology at Tilburg University with a major in Clinical Psychology and a minor in Forensic Psychology

Her main interests are: questions at the intersection of medicine, health, and clinical psychology (psychosomatics, working mechanisms of EMDR…), and how individual differences shape treatment effectiveness in clinical and medical practice

You can reach out to her on LinkedIn

What inspired you to pursue the IDA Master program?

During the final year of my bachelors, I realized how many unanswered questions still exist within psychology. While working on my bachelors thesis, I discovered how much I enjoy research. At the same time, my experience in clinical practice showed me how urgently research is needed to make treatment programs more effective and better tailored to individual patients. However, what truly convinced me in the end was the Masters Open Day. I got a clear impression of the opportunities, the diverse courses, and the welcoming atmosphere within the IDA program. Learning that I could combine a clinical masters with IDA felt like the perfect fit, as I hope to integrate research and clinical practice in my future career.

What motivates you to pursue this field of study, and what personal significance or purpose do you find in it?

What motivates me initially is curiosity! I’m fascinated by learning how and why things work. But the underlying drive that sparks my interest is “wanting to make people feel better”, no matter whether it is through a more health focused or clinical lens. Being able to translate scientific findings to meaningful practical interventions is what gives research purpose for me.

Which field do you see yourself pursuing after completing the program?

I see myself as a scientist practitioner. I love research but I want to stay closely connected to clinical practice. In the future I hope to combine a PhD with clinical training.

Looking at the program schedule, which course(s) are you most excited about and why?

So far I enjoyed the course Biological Correlates of Individual Differences the most. With some background in biology, I found it fascinating to see biology and psychology come together in this course.

Do you ever feel stressed or under pressure in your studies? How do you manage those challenges? Any tips to share?

I don’t get stressed easily, mainly because I tend to balance studies with free time well. One tip I would like to share, is to dedicate one day a week to taking two hours completely off studying. Use that time for a hobby, sports, or self care, something that helps you recharge. And most importantly, be kind to yourself.

What motivates you to keep going when things get tough?

My curiosity. There are so many questions I still want answers to, and developing strong research skills is essential to exploring them. Every course equips me with new tools and perspectives. This makes even challenging moments feel meaningful.

How do you see the skills and knowledge from the IDA Master being applied in the real world?

The program equips students with strong methodological skills and a critical scientific mindset. We are encouraged to reflect on questionable research practices, challenge popular theoretical models, and engage with multiple disciplines. At the same time we have the opportunity to collaborate closely with experts in the field. The program also fosters personal growth. It pushes you to step outside your comfort zone and develop soft skills, such as presenting and explaining your ideas. All of these experiences are invaluable in academia and clinical practice in my opinion.

What do you enjoy most about collaborating with your peers, supervisors, or being part of the IDA community?

The IDA community is truly one of a kind. What connects us is our love for research and a genuine interest in learning. This fosters an open and enthusiastic environment where learning feels natural. I also like how every peer and supervisor brings their own expertise. I’ve learned so much already by just listening to the experiences of fellow peers or chatting with supervisors. Another thing I love is how international the community is.

How would you describe your relationship with the faculty in the IDA program? How does this influence your learning experience?

Personal and non hierarchical. It is refreshing that faculty knows you by name. IDA faculty are genuinely engaged with their students development. In my experience, they are open to exploring their students’ research interests which makes the learning experience individual.

How would you describe an “IDA student”? What common qualities do they share, and who do you think is best suited for this program?

Motivated, curious, open and resilient. I think anyone with a strong passion for a specific field, or who is simply excited about conducting research will feel at home here. IDA is a place for students who enjoy asking questions and are not scared to challenge themselves – or their own beliefs.

Is there anything you wish you had known before starting that would have made your journey smoother, and what advice (or tip) would you give to someone just beginning the program?

Be open to developing new passions and interests. You may discover interests you did not know you had. Also do not hesitate to ask fellow students for help.