ResPair offers small, professionally facilitated support groups for adults living in the Netherlands who want to connect with others who share similar experiences.

The groups are held in English, in person in Leiden, and are designed especially for expats and internationals who may not easily find this kind of support in Dutch services.

Each group offers a calm, respectful, and confidential space for reflection, shared understanding, and practical support.

What are these groups?

hese are closed-format support groups consisting of 8 sessions. The groups are facilitated by a psychologist and offer a structured but flexible space to explore personal experiences with others who may understand similar challenges.

The groups are not therapy groups and are not a replacement for psychiatric or crisis care. They are intended for adults who are emotionally stable enough to participate in a group setting and who are looking for connection, reflection, and shared support.

What to expect?

• A small group of 5–7 participants
• A calm, respectful, and confidential atmosphere
• Professional facilitation by a psychologist
• Space to share, reflect, or listen without pressure
• Light structure to support meaningful conversation
• Topics shaped by the group's needs and interests
• Practical reflection on daily life, identity, relationships, and coping

Autistic Adults Support Group

An English-speaking support group for autistic adults, including those who are formally diagnosed, self-identified, or exploring whether autism helps explain their experiences.

This group is especially suitable for expats and internationals who want a space to connect around identity, masking, burnout, relationships, sensory needs, communication, and the experience of being neurodivergent in a new culture.

This group may be for you if:

• You identify as autistic, whether formally diagnosed or self-identified
• You want connection without pressure to perform or mask
• You are looking for a calm and accepting space
• You want to reflect on daily life, relationships, identity, and belonging
• You are emotionally stable enough to participate in a group setting

Bipolar Lived Experience Support Group

An English-speaking support group for adults with lived experience of Bipolar I, Bipolar II, or related mood instability.

This group is especially suitable for expats and internationals who want to reflect on mood cycles, medication, stigma, relationships, identity, stability, and navigating life abroad while living with bipolar experiences.

This group may be for you if:

• You have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, are exploring the diagnosis, or identify with bipolar lived experience
  
• You are looking for shared understanding and peer connection
• You want to reflect on stability, identity, relationships, and daily life
• You are currently emotionally stable and not in crisis
• You are able to participate respectfully in a small group setting

Before joining

Before joining a group, you will be invited for a free online suitability call. This is a short conversation to discuss what you are looking for, whether the group is a good fit, and whether the format feels safe and appropriate for you.

These groups may not be suitable if you are currently experiencing acute crisis, active suicidal intent, acute psychosis, severe mood instability requiring crisis or psychiatric care, severe substance-related risk, or immediate risk of harm to yourself or others.

In those situations, more intensive or specialist support may be more appropriate.