With more and more people relocating abroad and travel to far flung places being more accessible
the ever, the demand for expats seeking therapy, counselling support and guidance has increased
significantly in recent years. Expats may find themselves amongst communities that are culturally
different and may struggle to be understood with unfamiliar language and vocabulary.
Our backgrounds, upbringing and the environment in which we grew up with, impacts hugely on
issues that may be still currently affecting us and the way we behave, think, feel and interact with
others around us. Those living abroad sometimes carry the issues from their past and are also trying
to adjust to a new country, trying to get to grips with how things work, in unfamiliar surroundings
and with people that they may feel unsure how to connect with.
Expats may have settled happily in a European location, but still wish their background and heritage
to be understood. Or have moved internationally to join family members, partners, retire or start a
new life for themselves.
It may be possible to create a therapeutic relationship with a therapist of a different culture and it
can be a relief for some individuals to speak privately with someone who is entirely separate from
the communities they are involved with and can be a successful and unique experience. However,
for Expats, speaking with a counsellor who can identify with the culture and country from which they
are from and speak in their native tongue, may be super important when choosing a therapist or
counsellor to work with.
Online counselling and therapy can offer a useful alternative way to access support with those who
wish to work with a therapist from their home country or perhaps you travel for work across
different locations internationally and live in different locations and want to work with the same
counsellor consistently, with whom you have built trust.
