Living between cultures
Counselling for expats, international students and immigrants
Moving countries changes more than an address. I help people who are holding on to, questioning and rebuilding their sense of identity, stability and belonging after a move.
Why this is my focus
I have lived abroad for many years myself, and for the past decade my work has involved helping adults navigate immigration. My master’s research looked at how adult immigrants cope and how their relationship with past, present and future affects adjustment (read the summary).
What people bring
- Culture shock, homesickness and loneliness
- Feeling like a different, smaller version of yourself in a second language
- Pressure to succeed after a costly move, especially for students
- Strain in a relationship or family after relocating
- Guilt or grief about family left behind
- Uncertainty about whether to stay, move on, or go home
- Reverse culture shock after returning
- Teenagers adjusting to a move they did not choose
How counselling can help
We look at what is happening for you, what you have lost and gained, and which of your old ways of coping still work here. Drawing on ACT principles, we work on making room for the hard feelings that come with change while taking steps towards the life you want in this place, or the next one.
Common questions
Is it normal to still feel unsettled after a year or two abroad?
Yes. Adjustment rarely follows a straight line. Many people feel energised at first, then low or irritable months later, and settle only gradually. Feeling unsettled is not a sign that the move was a mistake.
Can I talk about my home country and family as well?
Of course. Moving changes your relationships with the people and places you left, and those are often a large part of the work.
I moved because of my partner’s job. Is this for me?
Very much so. Accompanying partners often lose work, a social circle and a sense of purpose at once, while everyone assumes they are fine.
I am not an emergency service. If you are in danger or thinking about ending your life, call 112 or the free emotional support line 116 123.