Does anyone know where I can find a marriage counselor who is fluent in english? I know everyone here says that they speak english, but there is a difference in speaking a language and actually understanding it. The marriage counselor we have now does speak english....barely. It's causing a lot of problems trying to get my point across.

hello coppernl,

my heart goes out to you. 2 months ago, i was on the verge of divorcing my dutch husband. i was full of despair. but now i'm actually starting to have a glimmer of hope...

my husband and i are on to our 3rd marriage counselor now. our first counselor was dutch. patently prejudiced, and lousy english to boot.

our second one was a fellow american. perfect for my husband and I regarding the language and cultural aspects (fluent in dutch, lived here for 18 years). she's okay as a referree, and could probably be good for some one-on-one work, but she's frankly inexperienced when it comes to marital issues

our third and current conselor is dutch - and I think we've hit a home-run with this one. she is excellent. an acknowledged expert in her field, she has published several books, not only on marital issues, but for parenting, and family conflicts as well. she is warm and compassionate, but she's quick to us straight and doesn't let us bull-sh**. her english is impeccable. she might have to search for an odd word now and then when responding, but her comprehension is top-notch and she has had no problems with my heavy use of colloquial "american". i recommend her without equivocation.

her name is Ottoline Koppens.
she has an impressive office on the Weteringschans (261- in Amsterdam
her number is 020-3202118

good luck copper. open your heart up to your spouse. hang in there.

feel free to message me with any further questions or concerns.

azp

Thank you very much! I will give her a call.