Cross-Cultural Issues

One of my specialties is working with clients who have had or are preparing to have cross-cultural experiences, meaning individuals who have lived abroad in the past, are currently living abroad, or are planning to live abroad in the near future. Such experiences offer incredible opportunities for personal growth, but they also present unique challenges and vulnerabilities. The term “cross-cultural issues” refers to these opportunities, challenges and vulnerabilities.

How do you address the needs of clients dealing with cross-cultural issues?

How do you work with businesses, organizations, and academic institutions in relation to cross-cultural issues?

How do you address the needs of clients dealing with cross-cultural issues?

Through psychotherapy and consultation, I help clients find practical ways to overcome some of the daily challenges they may be facing—whether it be learning a new language, adapting to a new climate, or myriad other challenges. I encourage clients to reflect on, and evaluate, their changing roles—both personal and professional—and their relationships with family members and friends. I work with clients to identify areas of potential and actual struggle and explore ways to facilitate smoother transitions. I also help clients examine their evolving identity and any shifts they may be experiencing in their values, beliefs and viewpoints. Finally, I assist clients in exploring the options and choices that will help make their time abroad or their reentry into their home culture a more meaningful and enjoyable experience.

Please note: Although a certain degree of negative emotion is to be expected in relation to both culture shock and reentry, unattended symptoms of depression and anxiety may reach a clinical level, leaving you impaired and unable to help yourself. Moreover, pre-existing mental health issues may intensify while living abroad. Please do not wait to contact me or another mental health care professional in any of these cases; it is essential that you promptly receive the professional support that you need.

How do you work with businesses, organizations, and academic institutions in relation to cross-cultural issues?

I do consulting, workshops, and presentations for corporations, non-profit organizations and academic institutions on topics such as developing socio-cultural competence, cross-cultural communication and contact, culture shock, challenges of reentry, and impacts of international living on identity development.

I help businesses and organizations evaluate and improve their current structures for providing support to their international employees and the employees’ family members. The general well-being and happiness of an employee is key to productivity and efficiency in the workplace, and the special needs of cross-cultural employees must be addressed to promote their success on the job. For example, I help businesses and organizations modify their existing orientation programs to include components that support the psychological and emotional well-being of their international employees.

I also give presentations on more general counseling-related topics such as wellness throughout the lifespan, signs and symptoms of depression, coping with grief and loss, and effective communication. Please contact me so that we can discuss the needs of your organization and how I might help address these needs. Recent clients in the Washington DC Metro Area include Sojourners and the Washington Community Scholars’ Center.