Expat Therapy
Does your off-the-beaten-path journey need some centering?
Expat Therapy: Finding a Therapist Who Gets the Expat Experience
Introduction
If you’re on this page, I’m guessing I don’t need to explain what an expat is. I’m a licensed psychologist and I’ve been providing therapy since 2012. I’ve worked with people from all parts of the world throughout my career, and I myself have been an expat many times in my life (most recently July 2022 to June 2023). I’ve written a series of articles on my blog about the Asian American expat experience, which is an interesting niche-within-a-niche.
For some context, my family immigrated to the US from Korea when I was a child. Being an immigrant is the ultimate expat experience, if you will, and I think the intersections of identity I bring to the table (gender, racial/ethnic, generational, etc.) help me understand and support the complexities in my clients’ cultural backgrounds. Even within the Asian diaspora, you can have people who have grown up in so many different places both in and outside of Asia.
I’m based in the US now and even though it can be challenging to work with expats because of time differences (among other logistical hurdles), I feel compelled to work with expats because I understand the unique challenges that expats face while living abroad. So few people can relate to the expat life on a truly granular level. In my experience, people who’ve never lived outside the country really don’t get it. If I had a nickel for every inane question or comment I’ve received (especially from fellow Americans) about expat life, I’d be a millionaire!
All that to say, as an expat, you may be adjusting to a new country or town, dealing with mental health symptoms or relationship issues, or experiencing loneliness because of the loss of your support network from your previous country. These are all common struggles. I’ve actually written about mental health challenges among expats here. Despite the challenges, you can make your time abroad truly worthwhile if you have the mindset and skills to support your well-being and growth.
The Expat Experience: It’s Not Quite the Instagram Version
As an older Generation X person, I have mixed feelings about the Tik Tok-ification of the expat life. Yes, just as influencers would have you believe, it’s really exhilirating to hang out on the beaches of Greek islands and marvel at people in cosplay in Akihabara. But where’s the part where you have a nervous breakdown because you can’t figure out how to pay a utility bill? Or the decision fatigue that comes from wondering if you should buy a frying pan you really want but you know you’re only there for another 2 months?
Just making a move abroad happen is a feat in and of itself. I recall once explaining to a friend what it took to be able to take our cat when we moved to Europe and they were astonished at the expense and work required. In addition to the logistical, legal, and practical challenges of being an international person, expats often grapple with feelings of isolation and identity by virtue of their displacement. When you add social anxiety or introversion to that, being abroad can get pretty lonely. So yeah, the expat life presented on social media doesn’t give you the full picture.
How I Support Expats in Therapy
Awareness: I am well-versed in the complexities of the expat life, from day-to-day challenges to bigger uncertainties. Together, we can explore what your triggers are and collaboratively engage in problem-solving, acceptance, prioritization, adaptation, etc. For many people, it may also be helpful to explore how your own cultural or family background impacts your mental health in your current environment.
Coping: I can help you develop coping strategies that work for you in order to manage your stress level, anxiety, and other mental health symptoms you may be experiencing.
Connection: We can work together to find ways to enhance your existing connections and support network, either virtually or locally. I can also support you in finding ways to develop new relationships with people you meet while traveling or in your new town.
Online Therapy: My telehealth services allow you to access support from an American English-speaking qualified therapist where you are (provided we can find a time that works).
Expat Therapy: Next Steps
Becoming an expat takes courage and strength. At some point in this journey, there may come a time when you need some additional support and guidance to grow. Together, we can navigate the challenges coming up for you so you can feel happier and more content with the experience you’re having.
I look forward to connecting with you and being a part of your journey. If you think I’d be a good fit for you, contact me for a free consultation session.
Are you an expat? Here’s a package deal just for you.
Having lived in different parts of the world and having worked with international clients, I’m aware the cost of psychotherapy in countries in Europe and Asia tend to be lower than in the United States due to various factors, such as overall wage differences, cost of living, and how therapists in their respective locations receive education and training. In the US, private practice therapy often comes with a higher price tag because it’s very expensive to undergo the education, training, and licensure to become a professional therapist. I’d like to show my support for expats by offering a package deal for my services that reduces the cost of working with me significantly. My full fee is ordinarily $250 USD per 60-minute session. For expats, I am offering a package of 20 sessions for $2500 USD ($125 per session).
