The struggle when going through the experience of immigrating to another country can be overwhelming, even when the move is to pursue familial, educational or professional opportunities. Meeting basic, everyday needs and family commitments while trying to establish a new identity is a major and brave undertaking.
I have experienced these challenges firsthand, and can help you through each stage so that it is less overwhelming and anxiety provoking.
Research has shown that cultural differences influence how one may experience anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. We will collaboratively identify and explore your feelings and physical manifestations. We can explore therapeutic tools such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to manage your anxiety, and role-playing to learn assertive and culturally appropriate ways to communicate your needs with your peers and colleagues, as well as with your intimate partners and family. The primary goal of psychotherapy in addressing acculturation issues is to provide affirming and experiential techniques so that you integrate your present self to your experiences prior to immigrating, into a more cohesive narrative and fully lived life.
Challenges to the Acculturation Process
Three broadly distinct phases present themselves in the immigrant adjustment process regardless of how long ago you moved:
Stage 1
When first arriving, we try to get a “lay of the land” but remain attached to our home country. Since learning the language and acculturating is motivated by economic or professional necessity, this process can be exhausting and depressing and highly anxiety provoking.
Stage 2
We are still adjusting to the new culture three to five years after arriving in a new country. Confusion, doubts, and misunderstandings continue to dominate your daily interactions and thoughts, with the inevitable anxiety. As "observers/outsiders" in this new country, some may avoid mainstream culture by withdrawing from social activities in an attempt to self-manage feelings of alienation.
Stage 3
After five to seven years in a new country, a change occurs: While some old values are retained, realistic expectations of opportunities for yourself and future generations begin to take seed, and the development of positive new identities are established. However, periods of grief and loss that while less than in the past, still may persist.
Human Resource & EAP Managers, College Counselors
The difficulties that your employees or contractors face in integrating into the culture, adjusting to life and their work environments can significantly reduce productivity – even if only for a short time. I can help provide them with therapeutic tools to tackle these issues that many expats experience with both face-to-face, and possibly, distance counseling for those living abroad.
Starting college is an exciting and challenging experience for all students, but the pressure to succeed and fit in socially has resulted in half of college students reporting that they have been stressed to a point where they could not function during their school year. For international students, the initial adjustment period may be even more challenging, as they face a different academic, cultural and social environment. Resources for mental health services are stretched across many U.S. colleges. Seeking therapy may be a new experience for many students, American and International, but one that could help them thrive and to manage the complexities of college life.
I have successfully worked with college students in New York City, referred through EAP services and College Counseling Mental Health Services. I look forward to being of help to your students.
"Culture is the
widening of the mind and of the spirit."Jawaharlal Nehru