When I first moved to Belgium, I really struggled to understand how the healthcare system works. The fantastic resources from the International House Leuven were a big help, so I was thrilled that I could finally return the favor! I recently wrote an article for their website about how to identify and choose mental‑health support when living in Belgium as an international. Below is a summary of the most important points from that piece, along with some additional reflections from my counseling practice working with expats and individuals living with chronic illness.
-> Full article available here
Know the titles and protections
- A psychologist has a protected title; they have completed at least a master's degree in psychology.
- A clinical psychologist has a protected title; they can diagnose and treat mental health disorders, and often work in a group practice (“groepspraktijk”).
- A psychotherapist/psychotherapy is protected by law in terms of treatment, but the title “psychotherapist” itself may not be. Typically, a psychotherapist is someone who has followed a postgraduate training in a specific form of therapy.
- A counsellor or coach is non‑protected; they may provide support and reflection but not formal treatment.
Find the right form of support
There are a lot of different forms of therapy: behavioural/CBT, psychodynamic, relational/systemic, humanistic/experiential. Each approach has its own pros and cons, but ultimately the best approach is going to be the one you feel most comfortable with! Research shows us time and time again that the "click" you feel with your psychologist/counselor/coach is the best predictor of whether that therapy will work for you.
For internationals, language and cultural alignment matter a lot. It’s not just about language fluency — it’s about whether the professional “gets” your life context: relocation stress, cultural identity, chronic illness and recovery. Use directory filters for “English speaking” and ask early about their experience with expats or your specific issues.