Dorte Olivarius Koustrup

About Dorte Olivarius Koustrup

My name is Dorte Olivarius Koustrup, and I am the founder of Mind the Busy Mind. With a foundation in mindfulness and compassion training, I support both employees in companies and private individuals in managing stress and finding more calm, presence, and joy in the midst of a busy, and sometimes complex and vulnerable, everyday life.

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I guide meditations, facilitate workshops, and give talks in companies and organizations, where I create space for reflection, mental clarity, and well-being – always with a practical and human-centered approach. I also offer individual sessions for people who are going through difficult times – for example in connection with stress, grief, self-criticism, or life crises. Everything I do stems from a deep wish to help people connect with their inner strength - a deep presence that can hold and support them through life’s ups and downs.

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​Experience and Teaching

Since 2015, I have worked with people in Denmark, Norway, and the USA – through courses, workshops, talks, as well as individual sessions and supervision. I have taught since 2006, initially as a lecturer and student counselor, and later as an instructor in mindfulness, compassion, and joy – both in companies, educational institutions, and private settings.

My approach is academically grounded, practice-oriented, and personal – focusing on creating lasting change through small but conscious steps.

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A Personal Journey

My teaching is rooted in both professional knowledge and personal experience. At age 15, I lost both my sister and my father to suicide. For many years, I ran from the grief, living with inner turmoil and self-criticism.

It was only when I began working with mindfulness, self-compassion, and actively inviting gratitude and joy that something within me truly began to change.

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The Book: “Tell Me, Is It Your Uncle Who Died?”

In 2022, I published the book “Tell Me, Was It Your Uncle Who Died?” – a personal narrative that blends autobiography with self-help. The book forms the basis for several of my talks, which focus on topics such as:

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• Stress reduction and managing thoughts

• Grounding in the present moment

• Emotional resilience through mindfulness and self-compassion

• Gratitude and joy – how we, both individually and collectively, can choose to welcome more joy into our lives and work

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A participant wrote after one of my talks:
“Wow, you were absolutely amazing at conveying your message. I felt every word deep in my heart. It was so beautiful, present, and authentic.”

~ Woman, 49 years old

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Compassion During a Breast Cancer Journey

In the winter of 2025, I was diagnosed with breast cancer – a vulnerable and life-changing time. Once again, meditation and self-compassion became my greatest support. Not as theory, but as concrete, life-anchored practice that carried me through and continues to support me.

This experience has deepened my understanding of what it means to meet yourself and others with kindness – even when life hurts. This is a knowledge I bring into all my work and relationships.

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Education and Background

I originally hold a Master’s degree in Business Administration (cand.merc.) from Aarhus School of Business and have worked in the private sector. Since then, I have followed a different, more human-centered path with deep professional and personal grounding in mindful presence and joy.

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My education includes:

• MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), Aarhus University / UMass

• MSC (Mindful Self-Compassion), Center for Mindful Self-Compassion, San Diego

• Awakening Joy Teacher, trained by James Baraz, Spirit Rock, California

• Yoga Works 200-hour yoga certification (integrated as gentle movement in courses)

• 3-year Synthesis and Energy course with Helen Gamborg, Vækstcenteret

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I continuously pursue further education and participate in retreats and courses both nationally and internationally – including trauma-sensitive mindfulness, self-compassion, and energy work. Every year I attend a silent retreat – my favorite place being by Limfjorden with instructor Helen Gamborg.

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Feel Free to Contact Me

… if your company is looking for a talk/workshop, a guided meditation, or an engaging session on topics such as workplace well-being, stress management, compassion, or anything else that might be relevant right now. Or if you, as an individual, are in need of support, insight, and a deeper connection with yourself during a difficult time – you are always welcome to reach out.​​