Cross-cultural Counseling

Do you feel caught between cultures? Does mainstream culture perceive you as a “foreigner?” Do you often feel like an “outsider?” Have you moved multiples times, and find it difficult to explain where “home” is? Did you grow up in a family or neighborhood where more than one language was spoken? When you are in relationship do you sometimes struggle to connect with your partner due to cultural differences?

I work with individuals and couples to explore the complexities of bi/multi-ethnic identities, cross-cultural childhoods, inter-racial relationship issues, and third culture kid (TCK) identities. My intention is to help you make sense of your cross-cultural experience. I encourage you to examine how cultural differences impact your perceptions, daily functioning, and relationship patterns.

We may also work to address concerns around cultural transitions. While moving or being in a cross-cultural relationship offer opportunities for significant personal growth, it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by the internal and external challenges that arise when interacting in different cultural contexts.

For those who have returned from spending significant time in another culture, re-entry is another common theme. Oftentimes, the hardest transition is experienced when reentering your culture of origin. You might find that your awareness, insight and sensitivity no longer seem to match those of your original community.

I provide a supportive space in which to explore the thoughts, feelings and questions that arise around integrating the many layers of experience living between cultures. My approach is to affirm the uniqueness of each person and couple’s personal cross-cultural story by providing a supportive environment to bear witness and share feelings. In this context, you will explore the challenges and benefits of your unique cross-cultural experience.

Some common themes include:

the meaning of home and belonging
personal boundaries
communication styles
grief over hidden losses
expanded worldview
relationship to authority
cultural chameleon/hidden immigrant
relationship patterns
resiliency and strength

“Own only what you can always carry with you: know languages,

know countries, know people. Let your memory be your travel bag.”

Alexander Solzhenitsyn