For Expats: “What do you do when home is no longer a place?”

For many expats, moving to a new country and culture becomes an unexpected mixture of emotions, leaving them feeling like home is no longer a place, but a feeling.
Moving across cultures can happen for a variety of reasons. Some are chosen (like wanting to travel or take a job in a new place). Others are unexpected (like marrying someone of a different culture or moving for a spouse’s job).
Whatever the reason, many expats experience the “U-Curve of Adjustment” when they arrive. At first, everything is new and exciting—the honeymoon phase. You find wonder in all of the little quirks and character of the streets. You fall in love with the food and drinks, and you find places to frequent. As time goes on, culture shock arrives. Things that used to be predictable and expected fall through. You see sides of the culture that you disagree with or that bother you. Small frustrations and irritations build, and many find themselves depressed, isolated, and regretting their decision.
This point is pivotal for many expats. Putting in the time and effort to stay, learn, and expand your capacity for different experiences is what brings you to a place of mastery. Having an outside perspective through a therapist can be beneficial to help you thrive as an expat. Counselling is a non-judgemental space where you can share the joys and sorrows of living abroad.
Moving to a new place can transform your life and worldview—a journey you do not have to take alone.