Hi Paddy,

I can really relate to this. I also live in the Netherlands, English is my first language (although I do have a reasonable command of Dutch now - although I have my pdoc/T appointments in English) and my recent pdoc has suggested bpd traits although my therapist disagrees - I'm not sure really - if I am a borderline I don't really meet the typical pattern of behaviours/symptoms - my T favours AvPD but this doesn't seem quite right either - people don't always fit nicely into diagnosis categories! Obviously group-based therapy is a problem without the language. With my first pdoc and first T (whom I saw for 1 session) the language was a big problem but I've been lucky to find a very good therapist who speaks excellent English and seems genuinely interested in understanding everything I have to say and where the cultures differ. I think there are therapists out there who do have a good grasp of English (assuming that is your first language). One thing about the pdoc and diagnosis. Could you not try a different pdoc but make a fresh start? Have them assess you and decide for themselves? There must be quite a few in Amsterdam. I'm thinking of doing this myself with my current pdoc because I feel he has misjudged me and he triggers me.

Hope you get somewhere with this. It's definitely worth looking around for a good English-speaking therapist - they do exist

Onzi