Living abroad can leave you feeling disconnected. From your old home, your new surroundings, and sometimes, from yourself. It’s a common feeling, but one that can be hard to name when you are busy managing the practical demands of a life in a different country.
Therapy offers a quiet, consistent space to make sense of it all. A weekly 50-minute session can provide an anchor point to explore the complexities of relocation, identity, and relationships as they feel right now.
What brings people to this work
Moving to another country is a profound change. While it may be driven by opportunity and excitement, it often brings with it a host of unspoken challenges. You don’t need a clear problem to begin therapy; often, it starts with just a vague sense that things are harder than you expected.
A sense of being adrift
You might feel lonely, even when surrounded by people. Old support networks are in different time zones, and building new, meaningful connections takes time and energy you may not have. This can lead to a feeling of floating, of not quite belonging anywhere.
The question of identity
Relocation can stir up questions about who you are. The person you were back home may feel distant. You might notice yourself code-switching between languages or cultural norms, which can be exhausting. Questions like “Where is home now?” may not have a simple answer.
Relationships across distance
Managing relationships with family and friends from afar adds another layer of complexity. There can be guilt about leaving, pressure to always seem happy, or a sadness that comes from missing important moments. If you have moved with a partner or family, the move can also place new and unexpected strains on your closest relationships.
The weight of expectation
Many people feel a pressure to make their move “worth it,” both to themselves and to others. This can make it difficult to admit when you are struggling. Whether it's navigating a career change, underemployment, or the sheer emotional labour of visas and bureaucracy, the reality of life abroad can be far from the dream.
How we can approach this work
My approach is grounded in psychodynamic and humanistic traditions. This means I believe our past experiences shape our present, and that a warm, non-judgemental therapeutic relationship is key to understanding ourselves better. We work together to notice patterns and feelings without rushing to find a solution.
My work is also informed by my postgraduate training in Gender, Sex, and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) therapy. This lens helps us pay close attention to how culture, migration, and identity intersect with your emotional life and your relationships.
In our sessions, there are no worksheets or homework. The conversation itself is the focus. We can welcome silence, uncertainty, and the feeling of not having the right words—a common experience when you live between languages. The aim is to create a reliable space where every part of your experience is welcome.
Common Experiences and Our Focus in Therapy
The table below offers a small glimpse into how we might look at things together.
| What people often notice | How we might approach it |
|---|---|
| A sense of not belonging anywhere; feeling like an outsider in both your new and old country. | Gently exploring what ‘home’ and ‘belonging’ mean to you now, without the pressure to find a simple or permanent answer. |
| Exhaustion from ‘code-switching’ between languages, cultures, and social rules. | Creating a space where you don’t have to perform or translate your experience. We can pay attention to what feels tiring. |
| Strain on relationships with family and friends across distances and time zones. | Looking at the expectations and feelings—like guilt or resentment—that can build up. We can think about boundaries. |
About the sessions
We will meet online for 50 minutes at the same time each week. This consistency is an important part of the process, creating a predictable rhythm you can rely on, no matter where you are.
- Location: As sessions are online, I can work with clients based in the UK, France, and across Europe. Many clients travel for work or split their time between countries.
- Languages: You are welcome to switch between languages if that feels natural, or to talk about the feeling of losing words in one language while gaining them in another.
- Confidentiality: Our sessions are confidential within the ethical guidelines set by the BACP, which primarily involve situations where there is a serious risk of harm.
You can find more detail on my general approach on the therapy services page.
Working together
The first step is a brief, informal chat. This is a free, 15-minute video call for you to ask questions and get a sense of whether we are a good fit. There is no obligation to continue.
If this resonates, you’re welcome to
.Suitability and alternatives
This therapy practice is designed for adults seeking a reflective space to talk through their experiences. It may not be the right fit if you are in immediate crisis or require intensive mental health support.
My service is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are at immediate risk or feel you cannot keep yourself safe, please:
- In the UK: Contact your GP, call 999, go to A&E, or call the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7).
- In Europe: Contact your local doctor or call the European emergency number 112.
It is important to find the right level of care for your needs. Local mental health charities or your doctor can also provide guidance on services available in your area.
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