June 18, 2026
Laden...
Laden...
Most people wait an average of three years before seeking help for relationship problems. That's three years of escalating arguments, growing distance, and missed opportunities for recovery. And when they finally take the step, they sometimes wait weeks or even months again for a first appointment.
At Praktijk de Liefde, we believe that waiting is not an option. Relationship problems worsen without attention, just like a broken leg that isn't treated. That's why we've built a system where you can be seen immediately.
In mental health care (GGZ), the average waiting time for psychological help is 3 to 12 weeks, depending on the region and institution. Independent therapists generally have shorter waiting times, but even here, 2 to 6 weeks is not uncommon.
For relationship therapy specifically, the picture is similar. Many practices specializing in couples therapy work with waiting lists of 4 to 8 weeks. And in the meantime, the situation at home deteriorates.
Relationship problems work like negative spirals. Every unresolved argument adds a layer to the pattern. Every feeling of not being heard deepens the distance. Over time, there is no longer one problem, but a layered system of entrenched reactions.
Research on the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) consistently shows that earlier intervention gives higher success rates. Couples who seek help relatively early in the conflict have a success rate of 75 to 90 percent. Couples who have waited for years score lower.
Every week of waiting has a price. Not only emotionally, but also practically: children notice tension, sleep deteriorates, work suffers.
Praktijk de Liefde is the only practice in the Netherlands that specializes exclusively in systemic relationship therapy and has 9 physical locations plus online therapy. That makes a fundamental difference.
Where an individual therapist builds up a waiting list as soon as they're fully booked, we can refer you to a colleague at the same location or a nearby city. Our capacity is large enough to keep supply and demand in balance.
Additionally, we work efficiently: the intake takes 60 minutes and immediately provides direction for the treatment path. There is no weeks-long questionnaire phase or bureaucratic triage process.
Through our website or by phone, you schedule an intake. Most intakes are available within 5 to 10 business days. During busy periods this may be slightly longer, but we always aim for a maximum of 2 weeks.
During the intake (€179 daytime, €199 evening), we get to know you. We explore your background, your questions, and see if there's a good fit. You leave the intake with a clear picture of what the treatment path looks like.
The therapy treatment consists of 5 to 8 sessions of 65 minutes. Sessions are available on weekday evenings and during the day. Evening appointments until 8:00 PM are standard, so work is not a barrier.
In addition to our 9 physical locations, we also offer complete online therapy via secure video calling. Online therapy provides extra flexibility: no travel time, sessions from home, and in some cases even available the same week.
For couples who live far from one of our locations, or who find it difficult to be together at a fixed location, online therapy is an excellent option with demonstrably equivalent results.
That's always possible. If there's a connection with a particular therapist who is temporarily fully booked, we'll schedule you as soon as there's space. We'll let you know and keep you informed. In the meantime, you can also start with another available therapist and possibly switch later.
All therapists at Praktijk de Liefde are NVRG-registered (Dutch Association for Relationship and Family Therapy) and specialize in systemic therapy and EFT. They receive internal supervision and continuous training. The approach is consistent, the personality differs.
Absolutely. Some couples start online and switch to a location as soon as that works better logistically, or vice versa. Flexibility is one of our core values.
The hardest moment is making the first appointment. Not because it's difficult, but because it means acknowledging the problem. That takes courage. And that's exactly why you deserve a practice that's there for you immediately.
Make an appointment today. No waiting list. No bureaucracy. Just a quick start with what works.
Do you recognise yourself in this article? Our therapists are ready to help you. Schedule a no-obligation introductory session.
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