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American starting counseling practice
Hello,
I am an American citizen moving to Brussels for work this fall and we are trying to determine the best next step for my partner (also a U.S. citizen- we are not married). He works as an independent counselor/ therapist in Washington and we were curious about how difficult it would be to set up his own practice in Brussels. He has a unique background (Masters of Social Work + Masters of Applied Positive Psychology) and has a lot to offer the English-speaking community in Brussels. However, the independent work permit/ visa seems very difficult to acquire.
Has anyone set up a new practice in Brussels? Would it be better to try to collaborate with an existing practice or work as an intern/ apprentice to get his foot in the door?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Cheers,
E
"independent work permit/ visa seems very difficult to acquire"
It is rather. And as you're not married, he's not going to qualify as a trailling spouse.
As a Brit, I immediately associate an American therapist in "Applied Positive Psychology" as something akin to teaching McDonald's staff to remember to say "have a nice day", so you're maybe going to have to think carefully about how your present that - it's not exactly what I'd call a "viable business concept".
Having said that, there is a huge need for some sort of Positive Psychology at corporate level, but creating demand for such services is likely to be an uphill struggle made even harder by the lack of local languages.
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Good luck.
I am looking for a therapist currently - and wonder whether your partner is now in Brussels. Wow - the one response was pretty sour ! I hope you dismissed it along the lines of " crank with bitter again" Let me know!
