Online psychotherapy

Migrants

Challenges

Migrating to another country always comes with challenges, even when the moving is planned. Difficulties with the local language is just one of the barriers in the process of adjustment to a new culture. The way of expressing oneself socially, from social/professional etiquette to collective values a people holds, can impact one’s ability to establish new ties and maintain meaningful friendships and professional relationships. Figuring out the housing reality and navigating social services and healthcare system of another country add even more stress to the experience of migrants.

Approach

So, more than offering sessions in Portuguese or English for the patient to have less difficulty expressing their emotions, I try to offer space that holds their identities, and facilitate their organizing during their process of cultural adjustment. I encourage patients to go beyond acculturation to feel integrated, and find balance in empowering the aspects of their identity they value the most, while they learn new ways of existing with the local culture. This balance will allow for them to develop creative ways of collaborating with the new community, always respecting their individuality, and living a life with joy and meaning.