The Expat Lifestyle is Exciting

You have the opportunity to live abroad. You can immerse yourself in the culture of your host country, meet new people, and experience new things. But, this lifestyle comes with unique challenges and hardships. Oftentimes, only other expats can actually understand.

To outsiders, your life seems glamorous and adventurous. But, they do not see the toll that moving and living away from your country of origin has on your wellbeing. They don’t understand how hard it can be to adjust to living in your new host country. Or, the loneliness and depression that can occur during your time abroad. You may have returned to your home to your country of origin only to realize life isn’t how you imagined it would be. Things may feel off from how you remembered it being before you left.

This may make you feel further isolated and misunderstood. You may even feel ungrateful for complaining. But, you feel lost and you’re struggling to make it work as an expat. You need support and guidance from someone who “gets it.”

If you’re an expat who is struggling right now, you’re not alone. In fact, a recent study showed expats are 50% more likely to experience common mental health concerns including anxiety and depression. Let that statistic sink in for a moment. This shows the emotional toll this lifestyle has on expats throughout the world.

Common mental health concerns expats often experience includes:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Depression
• Transition stress
• Loneliness
• Grief
• Trauma and PTSD
• Relationship or marital challenges
• Parenting struggles
• Poor self-esteem
• Identity confusion
• Compassion fatigue and moral injury
• Drug or alcohol misuse

Let’s face it, the expat lifestyle is not for the faint of heart.

The almost endless amount of change is very stressful. The good news is, support is available. Online therapy can help you cope with the distress you’re experiencing. An online expat therapist can help you move forward and embrace your life in a new way.

As an expat, you may be hesitant to reach out for help because the people around you are not permanent. You know the pain that comes from building a relationship with others only to have one of you move away. It’s exhausting to put yourself out there and build new relationships every time you move to a new country. So, when it comes to choosing a therapist, you need consistency. You need to work with someone who actually knows what life as an ex-pat is like.

Here’s Where I Come In

I am both an expat therapist and an expat. Thus, I know what you’re going through and I can relate to the struggles you’re experiencing. I am from the United States, but I have lived in the Middle East, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Each place I have lived presented its own challenges that are very hard to understand unless you are an expat.

I know it’s exhausting to have to share your story every time you meet someone new. That’s why I work so hard to make you feel seen and heard. What you’re going through is tough but common in the expat community. I want you to feel comfortable and safe sharing these things with me during online therapy for expats. Plus, I want you to know there’s nothing wrong with you for struggling!

My Approach to Online Therapy for Expats

First, we will form a relationship with each other. Then, I will work with you to identify small changes you can make in your life to improve your mental health. This may involve:

• Listing places you can go to meet others
• Listing places you can explore so you feel more comfortable in your host country
• Taking a language class so you can communicate easier
• Belly dancing or ice skating for exercise
• Learning to cook the perfect biryani

I will work with you to build a community of support. No place you live will ever be perfect, nor will it be “home,” but a little intentionality goes a long way.

Once you have done this, I will work with you to figure out what you value. Together, we will integrate these values into your everyday life no matter where you are. Then, when change occurs, as it always does for an expat, you will be ready to handle the distress it brings.

Working With an Online Therapist

There are many benefits of working with an online English-speaking therapist, like myself. First, you don’t have to be physically located where I am. Before beginning online therapy, we will discuss if I can help you and see if our schedules will align. If you move or I move, we will have the same discussion. But, I will hopefully be able to keep working with you. This reduces the likelihood that you will have to start over with a new therapist and share your story. Or, explain your lifestyle again and again. Furthermore, I understand how busy your life can be, especially during transition times. So, the ability to meet with me online allows you greater flexibility. It allows you to meet with me from the comfort of your own home when it works well for you.

In the end, I want you to feel like you have created a life for yourself no matter where you are. I know you may still miss home on occasion. But, with a solid support system, you can find you’re footing even when life is challenging. This will help you be more present in your life and go from surviving to thriving in this life you created as an expat.

Begin Online Therapy for Expats:

Distance shouldn’t have to factor into the support you can receive. Our team of therapists would be happy to support you in addressing the unique issues that affect expats. We offer support from our therapy practice. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:

1. Contact ChangeWorks
2. Meet with a caring therapist
3. Start online therapy from the comfort of home

Other Services Offered at ChangeWorks

Online therapy for expats isn’t the only service provided at ChangeWorks. Other services offered include individual therapy, group therapy, CBT, and therapy for anxiety. We are happy to also offer life transitions therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, women’s issues, therapy for college students and CBT for insomnia. Feel free to learn more about online therapy in the UK, or visit our FAQ for more helpful info!