Expat Therapy
Empowering psychotherapy for your off-the-beaten-path journey.
Expat Therapy: Introduction
Welcome to my psychotherapy practice, where cultural complexity and mental well-being intersect. I’m a licensed psychologist and I started providing therapy in 2012. I’ve worked with diverse individuals 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). In addition, I moved to the US when I was a child from Korea, so I bring my lived experience as a person of color, a woman, and an immigrant into my work. I feel compelled to offer expat therapy because I understand the unique challenges that expats face when living abroad. As an expat or nomad, 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 network. I am here to support you on your journey. I hope we can make your time abroad worthwhile by helping you with the mindset and skills you need for greater well-being.*
Expat Experience: More Than What We See on Instagram
Living in a foreign country can be exhilarating, but it can also be overwhelming. 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 in being an international person, expats often grapple with feelings of isolation and identity. When you add social anxiety or introversion or fear of rejection to that, the expat life can be a very lonely experience at times. My expertise in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds allows me to provide culturally sensitive therapy that addresses these specific issues.
How I Can Help
Awareness: I am well-versed in the complexities of the expat life, including issues related to day-to-day intercultural challenges. Together, we can explore what your triggers are and how your own cultural or family background impacts your mental health in your current environment.
Coping: I can help you develop unique 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 teletherapy services allow you to access support from the comfort of your own home.
Expat Therapy: Next Steps
Embarking on your journey as an expat is a courageous step towards self-discovery. It’s understandable that you may need some additional support and guidance along the way. Together, we can navigate the challenges coming up for you so you can feel happier and more content with your unique expat life.
I look forward to connecting with you and being a part of your journey.
*Note: The country where you reside may have regulations about who can provide you with psychotherapy. I can usually access this information so if you’re interested in therapy with me, please contact me with your location so we can see what the rules are for you.
Expat Therapy: A special discount for expats and nomads.
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 receive education, training, and licensure to be a professional therapist. I’d like to show my support for expats by offering a package deal for my services that reduces the cost significantly. My full fee is ordinarily $250 USD per session. For expats, I am offering a package of 20 sessions for $2400 USD ($120 per session).
“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s OK. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”
— Anthony Bourdain
