Virtual Therapy for People Living Abroad: Continuity, Belonging, and Care
As someone who works with clients across different countries, I have seen firsthand how living abroad can be both enriching and challenging. Research in cross-cultural psychology often describes these challenges as acculturative stress—the psychological strain of adapting to a new culture while separated from one’s home environment (Berry, 2005).
Clients often share with me the push and pull of life abroad: excitement mixed with loneliness, growth mixed with disorientation. In therapy, we hold these complexities together.
The Psychological Landscape of Life Abroad
Living internationally often involves:
Isolation and homesickness: Being far from family and friends can amplify anxiety and depression (Ward, Bochner, & Furnham, 2001).
Cultural adjustment and identity questions: Many people feel “in-between” cultures, unsure of belonging.
Language barriers: Expressing deep emotions in a second language can be difficult. Research shows that therapy in one’s native language can foster greater emotional resonance (Marcos, 1976).
Why Virtual Therapy Matters
Studies confirm that teletherapy is effective for a wide range of issues. Andersson et al. (2014) found that online and in-person therapies yield comparable outcomes for many conditions.
For my clients abroad, virtual therapy offers:
Continuity of care even during relocations
Cultural and linguistic connection with a therapist who understands their background
Flexibility to fit therapy into busy, time-zone-spanning lives
A Therapeutic Bridge
I often think of virtual therapy as a holding environment (Winnicott, 1960): a reliable space that sustains connection across distance. The therapeutic relationship becomes a bridge, offering stability when everything else feels in flux.
Final Thoughts
If you are living abroad, therapy doesn’t have to be another uncertain piece of your life. I offer continuity, cultural sensitivity, and a supportive relationship that can travel with you—wherever you are in the world.
References
Andersson, G., Cuijpers, P., Carlbring, P., Riper, H., & Hedman, E. (2014). Guided Internet-based vs. face-to-face cognitive behavior therapy for psychiatric and somatic disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World Psychiatry, 13(3), 288–295. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20151
Berry, J. W. (2005). Acculturation: Living successfully in two cultures. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 29(6), 697–712. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2005.07.013
Marcos, L. R. (1976). Bilinguals in psychotherapy: Language as an emotional barrier. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 30(4), 552–560. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.1976.30.4.552
Ward, C., Bochner, S., & Furnham, A. (2001). The Psychology of Culture Shock (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Winnicott, D. W. (1960). The theory of the parent-infant relationship. International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 41, 585–595.