5 Essential Things To Consider When Choosing Your Therapist as an Expat or digital nomad
Global world living brings opportunities and difficulties - and finding the right therapist to navigate and provide extra support when needed can be one of the challenges.
Moving overseas can be one of life’s biggest adventures, filled with the promise of new experiences and challenges. For many people it becomes a way of life, with many years spent away from their home country, in one or multiple locations.
As an expat myself, having lived in Europe, the US and SE Asia, I keenly understand the difficulties and the incredible opportunities for growth that this way of life offers. To say moving abroad widens your horizons is a huge understatement and I’m very grateful for the chance to be based in SE Asia for this period of my life and career.
However, life as an expat or digital nomad can also bring its share of unique stressors, from adjusting to a different culture and language to feeling isolated far away from familiar support networks. These pressures can also unearth or trigger old traumas, creating an awareness that something no longer feels right in terms of your mental health, and indicating that support is now needed. For many, seeking therapy becomes an essential tool for navigating these unique challenges as they seek to find people who truly understand their experience.
But how do you find the right therapist when you’re far from home and in an unfamiliar system? With so many factors at play, including time zones, language barriers, cultural differences, and therapy styles, it can feel overwhelming to even begin the search.
To help you navigate this effectively, I’ve mapped out five key considerations to help you find the therapist who’s the perfect fit for you as an expat.
Mental health and trauma is hard enough on its own, but the experience of living abroad can add additional challenges (and solutions) to this.
1. Choose a Therapist Familiar with Expat Challenges
Living as an expat comes with a unique set of difficult experiences: culture shock, multiple moves, homesickness, navigating your own, your children’s and your family of origin’s needs. Finding effective healing and thriving support in a foreign context is an added area of challenge.
A therapist who understands these dynamics, preferably through personal experience and expertise with this client group, can be invaluable.
Look for someone who explicitly states their experience working with expats or cross-cultural issues. They’re more likely to grasp the nuances of your experience and provide tailored support for the challenges you face.
Pro Tip: Ask if they have worked with clients from your home country or culture, as this can help bridge cultural gaps and make sessions feel more relatable.
“Wherever you go, there you are.” Needing some extra support and someone to talk to is completely normal - and a hugely common part of the expat experience.
2. Consider Language and Communication Style
Language is a powerful tool in therapy, and being able to express yourself freely and fully, preferably in your native tongue, can really help the process.
Even if you’re fluent in your host country’s language, discussing deep emotions and personal challenges may feel more comfortable in your first language. And for others, perhaps longer term expats, you may want to find someone who speaks the language you use most in daily life, perhaps at work or with your spouse - even if that differs from your mother tongue.
If your native (or most ideal) language isn’t an option, pay close attention to the therapist’s communication style. Do they come across as empathetic, clear, and understanding? Miscommunications or cultural differences in communication styles can sometimes create barriers to connection, so finding someone whose approach resonates with you is essential.
As more people choose to live and work abroad, including Digital Nomads, the need for responsive and experienced therapists who understand this client group is also growing.
3. Explore Online Therapy Options for expats and digital nomads
Thanks to teletherapy and ‘Zoom therapy’, expats now have access to a global pool of therapists. Online therapy eliminates geographical limitations, making it possible to connect with a professional who speaks your language, shares your cultural background, or specializes in the areas you want to work on.
Benefits of Online Therapy:
Flexibility in scheduling across time zones (and to combat traffic in big cities - Bangkok, Jakarta and London, I’m looking at you!).
A wider range of therapists to choose from.
Sessions from the comfort of your home, even if you’re in a remote location.
Feels natural to those running businesses online or working with very multinational workforces to work in this way.
However, online therapy isn’t for everyone. If face-to-face interaction is crucial for you, look for therapists offering in-person sessions in your area. The pool of local therapists may be smaller but it’s often still an option.
Another option is to travel for a therapy intensive to experience retreat-style, accelerated healing. I have written about the benefits of this model of therapy here and here.
Finding a quality and attuned expat therapy provider can be beset with challenges.
4. Check Their Credentials, the Type of Therapy on offer and Cultural Sensitivity
When living abroad, it’s important to ensure your therapist has appropriate qualifications, adheres to professional ethical standards, partakes in regular clinical supervision and is committed to their ongoing professional development.
Ask your potential therapist about their training and certifications (these may differ from therapy provision in your home country), and check their credentials through their memberships with professional organisations or registration bodies.
Type of therapy: Sometimes as an expat, it can feel like you have to take the first therapist you can find who speaks a language that works for you and this can lead you to choose a modality that isn’t necessarily the one you’d ideally choose. However, there are many therapists who are practicing in modalities that are up-to-date, evidence-backed and effective. For example, I offer Brainspotting and IFS to clients globally, some of whom are expats and some of whom live in their home countries but want the exact therapy type or format that I am able to offer.
Cultural sensitivity is equally critical. A therapist who demonstrates curiosity and respect for your cultural background, without making assumptions, can create a safe, welcoming space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings.
Questions to Ask During an Initial Consultation:
“How do you approach working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds?”
“Have you worked with clients from my country or culture before?”
“Are you familiar with the expat experience?”
“Do you have any experience with/raising TCKs (Third Culture Kids) or young adults?”
Working towards your therapy goals as an expat is worth the effort.
5. Find a Therapist Who Aligns with Your Goals
Therapy is never one-size-fits-all, and finding the right fit depends on your personal goals and preferences - and on that moment in time. Are you looking for someone to help you process past trauma, manage anxiety, or navigate the specific challenges of expat life? Do you prefer a solution-focused approach or a space for deep, trauma-informed exploration?
Research different therapeutic modalities (such as Internal Family Systems, Brainspotting, EMDR, CBT or somatic therapies) and seek a therapist whose style aligns with your needs. Many therapists offer a free consultation to discuss your goals and approach, take advantage of this opportunity to gauge whether they’re a good match. I offer a 15 minute free consultation and you can sign up for one here.
Trust your gut when finding an international therapist.
Final Pro Tip: Trust Your Gut
Above all, trust your instincts. A compassionate and effective therapist should make you feel heard, respected, and understood. If something doesn’t feel right, whether it’s their approach, tone, or personality, it’s okay to keep looking. The therapeutic relationship is built on trust and connection, so it’s worth taking the time to find someone who truly feels like the right fit.
Finding Great therapy Support While Living internationally
Seeking therapy as an expat can feel daunting - it’s not as simple as googling ‘Find a Therapist Near Me’ - but it’s a step toward creating a fulfilling and balanced life overseas.
With the right therapist, you’ll have a partner to help you navigate the complexities of expat life and support you in achieving your personal and emotional goals, both in your present location and in future plans.
As a British therapist, trained primarily in the US and Australia, who has lived overseas for many years, I have worked with clients all around the world. Recent countries where my clients live include the UK, Australia, the US, Bali, Ireland, Vietnam, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Poland and many more locations.
I have also been lucky enough to complete specialised trainings for my chosen modalities (IFS, Brainspotting and Positive Psychology) with widely diverse participants and some of the most expert trainers in the world. At a recent 100-hour Internal Family Systems Institute training I completed, I worked with colleagues who represented more than 20 countries which was both a privilege and hugely valuable as a learning experience.
If you’re ready to begin your search or want to learn more about how therapy can support your expat journey, feel free to reach out. Therapy isn’t just about managing challenges; it’s about thriving in every chapter of life - no matter where in the world you are.
With warm wishes,
Lucy Orton
Qualified Counsellor, IFS Therapist, Coach