All Posts

Living and working abroad is often seen as a success story. You took a risk, you moved, you built a career in a new country. And yet, many expat professionals I worked with quietly struggled with a sense of emptiness or confusion they didn’t expect. You may ask yourself: Why don’t I feel fulfilled?Is this really what I want?Did I lose something of myself along the way? These questions are more common than you might think—and they often signal a deeper search for meaning and p

As a therapist working with 1000 plus expats, I’m often asked the same question: “Is online therapy really as effective as in-person therapy?” The honest answer is: it depends on you, your needs, and your circumstances. Both formats can be deeply effective, and neither is “better” in all situations. What matters most is finding a space where you feel safe, understood, and supported—especially when you’re living far from home. The emotional reality of expat life Living abroad

That’s the point.  And if it does… you might be stuck. That tight chest. That restless feeling. That “something’s off” energy? You might think it’s failure but it’s actually growth knocking… Comfort feels tempting in a foreign place. But comfort doesn’t build confidence or courage, and certainly not a new life.  Every new chapter abroad demands a new version of you: stronger boundaries higher standards braver habits Discomfort is preparation. So if life abroad feels heavy rig

Something I’ve learned from my 1000 plus clients after 20 years of working as an expat therapist: Growth has a lot less to do with motivation than people think. It has everything to do with how much truth you’re willing to sit with about yourself. Most people don’t resist change because it’s hard. They resist it because it messes with the story they’ve been using to make sense of their life. I’ve noticed that when feedback feels personal or attacking, it’s usually touching so

Living abroad is an incredible adventure, full of new experiences, opportunities, and personal growth. But, I know this from my own expat life, it also has its down sides, and sometimes, our excitement is overshadowed by feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness. If you’re experiencing depression while living abroad, know that you’re not alone, and there are practical strategies that can help you feel better and regain a sense of balance. Understanding depression as an

Moving to a new country is an adventure, full of excitement, new opportunities, and unforgettable experiences. But I know it from my own experience that it is also very challenging. Navigating unfamiliar customs, learning a new language, and being far from our family and friends can leave us expats feeling stressed, lonely, or overwhelmed. Therapy or coaching is there to help you navigate these changes, not just when things feel difficult, but also to help you thrive in your

Last week, I was invited to give a workshop on how social media affects our mental health. At first, the topic seemed straightforward, but it quickly led to a meaningful conversation about both the benefits and the risks. One thing became clear: for most of us, social media is here to stay. The challenge is learning how to engage with it in a way that protects our mental wellbeing, especially our self-esteem and social confidence. Before we look at the risks, it is important

When is it no longer acceptable to not speak the local language? When are you expected to have local friends, a local partner, or a job in a national company instead of a multinational? When do people stop making excuses for your cultural differences and start expecting you to integrate? And what does that even mean for your identity, your confidence, and your wellbeing?

One of the most common struggles I see in my work as a psychotherapist with expats in Lisbon and beyond is this complex experience of identity and invisibility. Many clients tell me how being constantly defined by their foreignness leaves them feeling unseen and misunderstood.

Now, as an expat therapist in Lisbon and an experienced psychotherapist in Portugal, I support clients from more than 45 countries. Each story is unique, but many of the struggles are universal. My role is to adapt known therapeutic approaches to each person's cultural lens, so they feel understood, not just treated.