Moving to the Netherlands can be an exciting new chapter, but adjusting to life in another country isn’t always easy. From navigating cultural differences and building new relationships to dealing with language barriers and being far from loved ones, even everyday situations can start to feel overwhelming.
While many of these challenges are natural parts of moving, there are times when additional support can make a difference. But how do you know when you could really benefit from therapy?
Here are six signs that speaking with a therapist could be helpful.
Interpersonal issues
Moving abroad can change the dynamics of your relationships, especially when you’re struggling to adjust to your new life or having a hard time keeping up with connections back at home. Sometimes, even communicating the decision to move can be hard – especially when you’re not sure what the reaction from your loved ones might be like.
Questions like “Why are you leaving us?”, “What are you hoping for there?”, “How will you navigate this new life?” can bring profound distress.
Occasional disagreements are a normal part of relationships. However, if starts affecting your well-being, therapy can allow you to explore communication patterns and relationship difficulties.
Trouble communicating
Another sign therapy could be useful is if you find yourself struggling to express how you feel and ask for what you need or want. Expressing your needs and emotions can be even more challenging when you’re communicating in a language other than your first.
A 2015 study of migrants in Canada linked difficulties communicating in a second language to higher stress levels. It also found that stronger social connections were associated with lower communication-related stress.
Of course, living in the Netherlands doesn’t mean you have to give up speaking your native language or switch entirely to Dutch. However, if you regularly find it difficult to communicate your needs or avoid important conversations, working with a therapist can help you feel more empowered in your day-to-day communication with the people around you.
Trouble making decisions
Living abroad often involves important decisions, from choosing where to work and live to deciding whether to settle permanently in the Netherlands or eventually return home.
Whatever’s behind difficulty making decisions – whether it’s feeling paralysed by doubt and uncertainty or lack of motivation – speaking to a therapist could help you work through that, with an approach tailored to your particular roadblocks.
Overwhelming emotions
Adjusting to life in a new country can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re far from your usual support network.
Research on migrant mental health found that different approaches to cultural integration were associated with different levels of depression and anxiety symptoms. Struggling to adapt to a different culture has also been linked to poorer mental health.
Feeling overwhelmed from time to time is a normal part of adjusting to a new environment. However, if these feelings become persistent or begin affecting your daily life, therapy can help you understand and manage them.
Urge to isolate
While there’s nothing wrong with spending time alone, increasingly withdrawing from activities you previously enjoyed or avoiding social interactions can be telling signs that you can benefit from support.
According to a 2025 report by the World Health Organization, major life changes, such as moving to a new country, can contribute to loneliness. The report also links loneliness and social isolation to poorer mental health.
Therapy can help you explore the reasons behind this withdrawal and identify ways to reconnect with others.
“In essence, I think one of the biggest challenges expats face is shaping our sense of belonging in an unfamiliar environment. Feelings of isolation, identity shifts or the pressure to constantly adapt can become emotionally exhausting over time. Therapy can add to our support system and help cultivate a stronger sense of self,” says CBT and DBT therapist Hajra Kalam.
Dealing with grief while living abroad
You might have settled into your life in the Netherlands, but even then, life back home continues. Your friends and family grow older, familiar places change, and sometimes you lose someone you love while living thousands of miles away.
Grieving from a distance can bring feelings of guilt, especially if you weren’t able to say goodbye in person.
Everyone experiences grief differently, and there’s no right way to deal with loss. But if you’re finding it hard to cope, talking to a therapist can help you find support during a particularly difficult time.
Accessing English-speaking therapy in the Netherlands
Finding mental health support in The Netherlands can feel challenging, particularly when you’re unfamiliar with the Dutch healthcare system.
In the Netherlands, some mental healthcare is covered by basic health insurance. Access to insured treatment generally requires a referral from your GP (huisarts) and depends on whether you meet the coverage requirements. Your deductible and the provider’s arrangements with your insurer can also affect costs.
Private therapy can be a practical choice for people seeking support outside the insured healthcare system or who would like to attend sessions in a specific language. However, private sessions are often self-funded, so it’s important to understand the fees before booking.
For those looking for English-speaking support, My Expat Mind’s Netherlands therapist directory allows users to explore verified therapist profiles, compare languages, specialisations, session formats, and fees, and contact professionals directly. The platform also offers a free therapist matching service for people who would prefer personalised recommendations.
If you’re struggling with a major change, you can also explore therapists who specialise in life transitions, including professionals who support people adjusting to life abroad.
Whether you choose online or in-person sessions, finding someone you feel comfortable communicating with is an important part of choosing a therapist.
*This guest post was contributed by My Expat Mind, a platform that helps internationals find therapists who understand the challenges of living abroad.*
Please note this is not a sponsored or paid post. I believe strongly that mental health support should be as easy to find as possible, whether that is in Dutch or a different language should you need it.
Post Comment