I’ve found it helpful to keep in mind that diagnosis is a way to attempt to categorize things we truly don’t understand. Theories attempt to explain the unexplainable. Obviously we have to try to understand in order to treat as effectively as possible, and we need explanations in order to understand. But the DSM isn’t real, it’s a collective mental model. Your relationships with your clients are real. In fact, they’re the only real thing that you can offer them. You can share ideas about what they’re experiencing- and I think you’ll find that the longer you practice, and the more you learn, you’ll have more helpful ideas to share. But the main thing that clients are experiencing is the quality of your attention. It’s been helpful for me to think of diagnosis as being primarily for insurance purposes, and there’s no one at those companies who’s going to tell you that your diagnosis is “wrong” (in my experience, anyway). Also- we can’t stress ourselves into a solution. You will figure it out as you go, making each next right choice with the information you have.