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Steady mind

Emotional support for expats

Beyond the excitement:
why mental health is key
to expat succes

The initial thrill of moving abroad is undeniable, but as the novelty fades, the real challenges begin to surface. The sense of being an outsider, the ongoing effort to adapt, and the struggle to find your place can take a toll on your mental well-being.

The harsh reality of emigrating is that it often unfolds differently than we anticipate. The challenges can be more complex, and not every story becomes a successful one. But by seeking emotional support you can significantly increase your chances of creating the life you envisioned. And that is where I come in: my support is specifically designed to help you navigate these tougher times, ensuring that your journey is not just exciting but also successful.
 

3 Reasons to start talking

The proven benefits of mental health support:

Improved emotional well-being: Talking about your feelings with a supportive listener can significantly reduce stress and improve overall emotional well-being.

Increased resilience: Regularly discussing your thoughts and emotions has been proven to build mental resilience, allowing you to better handle life’s ups and downs.

Greater life satisfaction: People who seek mental health support are more likely to experience higher levels of life satisfaction, as they feel more in control and empowered in their daily lives.

Who can benefit from Steady Mind coaching:

Engaging in conversation about your mental health helps you gain clarity, making it easier to identify solutions and take actionable steps toward resolving challenges. By talking through your thoughts and feelings, you can untangle complex emotions, reduce stress, and approach problems with a clearer mind. That’s why I’m here to offer you the support you need to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

Steady Mind coaching is right for you if you are a:  

New or soon-to-be expat

You’re either planning a move to a new country or have recently arrived. The thought of feeling isolated or overwhelmed might be on your mind. You want to prepare yourself to navigate this new chapter with confidence, and you know that some guidance and support could make all the difference.

Long term expat feeling stuck

You’ve been living abroad for some time now, but it’s not quite what you expected. Perhaps you feel disconnected, unfulfilled, or stuck in a routine that’s lost its meaning. You’re looking for low-threshold emotional support to help you find your way forward—without the need for formal therapy.

Career focused expat

Balancing a (new job) with the complexities of living in a foreign country can be overwhelming. You’re driven to succeed professionally, but the stress of managing work, personal life, and cultural adjustments is taking its toll. You need strategies to thrive in both your career and personal life.

Expat partner

You moved abroad for your partner’s job, but now you’re struggling to find your own identity and community. You may feel isolated, unsupported, and unsure of your place in this new environment. You’re looking for guidance to build a fulfilling life alongside your partner.

Family

You’re concerned about how your children are adapting, and you’re juggling the demands of family life with your own emotional well-being. I’m here to support both you and your children, helping everyone in the family navigate this transition smoothly. 

Retiree living abroad

You’ve embraced the adventure of retiring in a new country, but adjusting to this phase of life far from home can be challenging. You might feel isolated or disconnected and are seeking ways to make this chapter of your life as enjoyable as you imagined.

Frequently asked questions

Starting with mental health can be daunting, and it’s completely understandable to have questions or feel unsure about whether you’ve found the right person to confide in. 

That’s why I have answered common questions about my services and approach to help you feel informed and at ease. If you need more details or have specific concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Do you treat psychiatric conditions like depression?

My coaching is designed for individuals facing the normal emotional ups and downs of life, not for those dealing with serious mental health issues. If you need treatment for a psychiatric condition or clinical depression, I recommend consulting a licensed mental health professional. I do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions nor do I prescribe medications.

How is your service different from a life coach?

While both life coaches and I focus on personal development, my service is specifically geared toward emotional support for expats. Life coaches often work on setting and achieving specific goals, such as career advancement or personal growth. In contrast, my approach centers on helping you manage the emotional challenges of living abroad, like stress, loneliness, and cultural adjustment. I offer a more focused, empathetic approach tailored to the unique needs of expats, rather than a broad, goal-oriented strategy.

How is your service different from seeing a psychologist?

My service is different from seeing a psychologist in that I do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions. I provide low-threshold emotional support for everyday challenges, helping you navigate the ups and downs of expat life. If you’re dealing with serious mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety disorders, a psychologist or psychiatrist would be more appropriate. My role is to offer a supportive space where you can explore your feelings and find practical ways to manage your emotions.

Do I need to commit to multiple sessions like in therapy?

My service is different from therapy in that it offers practical, low-threshold emotional support without the need for a long-term commitment. While therapy involves diagnosing and treating mental health conditions over a series of sessions, my approach is more focused on helping you navigate everyday challenges and emotions. There is no pressure to commit to multiple sessions and you decide how often you’d like to meet.

What are your qualifications?

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Mental Health and a master’s degree in Work and Organizational Psychology from Maastricht University (the Netherlands). My academic training has provided me with a strong foundation in psychological principles, human behavior, and various therapeutic approaches. During my studies, I acquired extensive knowledge across a wide range of psychological topics, including how the brain responds to change and stress, as well as various therapeutic techniques. 

As an expat myself, I understand the unique challenges of living abroad. I’ve experienced firsthand the emotional ups and downs that come with adjusting to a new culture, navigating unfamiliar systems, and finding a sense of belonging far from home. This personal experience allows me to empathize deeply with the struggles you may be facing and to offer tailored support that truly resonates with the realities of expat life. 

My academic background combined with my personal experience and coaching expertise allows me to offer both a compassionate listening ear and scientifically grounded methods to support your mental health.

Do you have an office?

I have a dedicated home office that provides a comfortable and private space for our sessions. It is located in a residential area on the outskirts of Sant Feliu de Guixols (Girona, Spain). There is ample parking available, though please note that public transportation is not an option to reach my office.

If you prefer, we can also arrange to meet in the surrounding area of Sant Feliu de Guixols. This option is available by prior arrangement, and additional costs may apply for travel time.

For the safety and privacy of both myself and my clients, I don’t publish the address of my office online. I will provide the exact location details once your appointment is confirmed.

The details about my coaching sessions:

Each session is 45 minutes long and is completely tailored to your needs. You have the freedom to bring up any topic that’s on your mind, whether it’s a specific issue or a general feeling you want to explore. There is no pressure to commit to multiple sessions and you decide how often you’d like to meet.

A 45-minute session costs €50. 

Accessible support, wherever you are

My practice is based in Sant Feliu de Guixols (Girona Spain).
I offer sessions both in a private office setting for those who prefer more privacy, as well as outdoor “walk and talk” sessions. Being active and spending time in nature has been scientifically proven to boost well-being, reduce stress, and improve mental clarity.

I also offer video call sessions, so you can still receive the support you need without having to travel.

Distance is never a barrier to getting the help you need.

Accessible support,

wherever you are

My practice is based in Sant Feliu de Guixols (Girona Spain) where we can meet in a traditional office setting, or take our session outdoors.

I also offer video call sessions, so you can still receive the support you need without having to travel. This way, distance is never a barrier to getting the help you need.