Advertise on podcast: The Expat Therapist: Navigating Mental Health and Dreams Abroad

Living abroad as an American right now comes with a complicated mix of emotions. Relief. Guilt. Fear. Gratitude. And a deep concern for the people we love who are still back home. In this episode, I speak honestly about what it feels like to live outside of the U.S. during a time of rising hatred, instability, and collective grief. I share why the sense of relief I feel living abroad exists right alongside guilt for feeling it. This conversation isn’t about politics — it’s about humanity, safety, and the emotional toll of watching from afar. It’s about what it means to love a country, question it, grieve it, and still hope for better. If you’re an American living abroad and you’ve felt this emotional tug-of-war — or you’re considering leaving and carrying similar fears — you are not alone. Two truths can coexist at once: you can seek peace for yourself and still care deeply about those you left behind. If this episode resonated, find me on social media (TikTok and Insta) and send me a DM.  Tell me what you need right now to feel supported.  ✨What conversations are missing?  ✨What would help you feel less alone?  Let’s build a community that meets the emotional needs of Americans living abroad — together. Because none of us were meant to hold this alone. ✨ Follow me on TikTok and Insta (Comment/DM and tell me what you would like to hear more of!) 

Feeling stuck, lonely, or frustrated in your expat journey? It’s not you—it’s your support system. In this episode, I dive into one of the most overlooked challenges of living abroad: expecting your old friends, family, or familiar networks to meet your new emotional needs. Learn why your nervous system thrives on shared experiences, how co-regulation and feeling understood play a vital role in mental health, and why connecting with like-minded expats or supportive communities is non-negotiable for thriving abroad. I share actionable tips on finding emotional resonance, creating safe spaces, and understanding that wanting new support doesn’t mean abandoning your loved ones back home—it means expanding your village. Whether you’re preparing for your move or already navigating life abroad, this episode will help you reframe your struggles, stop feeling isolated, and finally embrace the kind of community that empowers your growth. 💡 Key Takeaways: How old support systems can unintentionally hold you backWhy community and belonging are essential for emotional resilience abroadSigns it’s time to expand your support networkPractical ways to build connections that truly get you🚀 If you’re ready to stop feeling stuck and start thriving abroad, this episode is your guide to understanding the emotional ecosystem you need. ✨ Follow me on TikTok and Insta (Comment/DM and tell me what you would like to hear more of!) 

This year’s birthday was unlike any other — not because of where I was or what I did, but because I finally let myself be celebrated. For the first time, I didn’t avoid it or minimize it… I allowed myself to really experience it. And in doing so, I noticed something powerful: when you start celebrating and honoring yourself, others learn to celebrate and honor you too. But life lifed, and it had other plans woven into my day. My husband’s grandmother passed away — on my exact birthday. It was a profound reminder of how joy and grief often exist side by side, especially when you’re living abroad and far from home. In this episode, I’m opening up about:  🌿 Learning to celebrate myself after years of emotional self-protection  🌿 How grief feels different when you’re an expat — away from family, culture, and familiar rituals  🌿 Why accepting/receiving love is one of the most healing acts we can practice  🌿 The duality of holding both gratitude and loss in the same breath If you’ve ever struggled to celebrate yourself… or felt the weight of grief while trying to move forward in a new chapter, this one’s for you. Because healing abroad isn’t just about adapting to your destination country — it’s about learning to hold ALL of who you are, joy and pain included. ✨ Follow me on TikTok and Insta (Comment/DM and tell me what you would like to hear more of!) 

Moving abroad is one of the most exciting and life-changing decisions you can make—but let’s be real, it’s not all sunsets and sightseeing. As both a therapist and an expat, I’ve lived through the messy middle of culture shock, identity shifts, and the emotional toll of starting over in a new country. In this episode, I’m sharing the five things I wish I knew before leaving the states—you’ll walk away with tools and truths to carry with you into your expat journey. If you’re dreaming of moving abroad, already in the thick of it, or just trying to figure out why it feels so much harder than you imagined, this episode is for you. ✨ Follow me on TikTok and Insta (Comment/DM and tell me what you would like to hear more of!) 

After two months away, I’m back behind the mic — and this episode is all about permission to be tired. As expats, we carry so much: the stress of navigating a new culture, the loneliness of building life from scratch, the weight of leaving behind family and familiarity. And yet, so often we guilt ourselves for needing rest. In this episode, I share why I stepped away from the podcast, what living in Spain has taught me about slowing down, and how giving myself permission to rest didn’t set me back — it actually brought me clarity and energy. If you’ve been feeling worn down, stretched thin, or guilty for not “doing enough” in your expat life, this conversation is for you. You’ll walk away with the reminder that rest is not weakness — it’s wisdom. Because sometimes the bravest thing we can do as expats isn’t to push harder… it’s to pause. ✨ Follow me on TikTok and Insta (Comment/DM and tell me what you would like to hear more of!) 

As a therapist, expat, and human being, I'm sharing my reflections on the emotional toll of watching loved ones and communities suffer under unjust systems—particularly communities of color, immigrants, and refugees who have long called the U.S. home. You’ll hear: The emotional impact of the recent wave of ICE detentions and deportationsWhat it means to carry generational fear, grief, and displacementHow we can acknowledge what’s happening without becoming emotionally paralyzedWays to self-regulate and take care of your nervous system in the face of collective traumaWhy moving abroad isn't about escape—it’s about reclaiming safety, peace, and possibilityThis episode is a gentle hand on your shoulder and a reminder: it’s okay to feel heavy. You’re not alone in this. 🧠 Therapeutic takeaways + emotional tools included. 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Mini Moving Abroad Course – A self-paced, soul-centered course to help you build confidence, clarity, and resilience for your move.Move Abroad Mindset Program – My signature support program for those serious about building a sustainable life abroad with emotional tools to match.✨ If this episode spoke to your soul, share it with a friend who needs it and tag me @theexpattherapist. Your story isn’t over just because you crossed a border—it’s just beginning.

You did the thing. You moved abroad. You chased the dream, made it happen… and now you’re sitting in your beautiful new destination country wondering: Why does this still feel hard? In today’s episode, I talk about the emotional whiplash that often comes after finally getting what you worked so hard for—especially when that "thing" is moving abroad. Whether you’re still dreaming of leaving your OG country, or you’re already settled in your destination country and feeling more homesick or confused than you expected… this episode is for you. We dive into: The emotional crash that can come after the highIdentity shifts and loneliness that don’t go away just because the view is prettierWhat expats often don’t say out loudWhy discomfort doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice—it means you’re growingHow to hold space for both the dream and the discomfortI share my personal reflections and offer insight on what it really takes to emotionally integrate a move abroad. Spoiler: it’s not about pretending everything’s perfect. It’s about learning to feel it all and still keep moving forward. Whether you’re dreaming of leaving or already deep into your expat chapter—this one will hit home. 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Mini Moving Abroad Course – A self-paced, soul-centered course to help you build confidence, clarity, and resilience for your move.Move Abroad Mindset Program – My signature support program for those serious about building a sustainable life abroad with emotional tools to match.✨ If this episode spoke to your soul, share it with a friend who needs it and tag me @theexpattherapist. Your story isn’t over just because you crossed a border—it’s just beginning.

A country-wide blackout hit Spain this week—and instead of spiraling, I found myself surprisingly calm. This episode is about what that moment revealed: the peace I’ve built since moving abroad. I share the contrast between how I would’ve reacted years ago versus now, how living abroad helped regulate my nervous system, and why true safety isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about who you are when everything goes dark. If you’ve ever wondered whether the inner work actually makes a difference... this is the proof. ✨ We dive into: How living abroad retrained my nervous systemThe difference between survival mode and real peaceWhy external chaos doesn’t shake you when you’re internally anchoredThe kind of emotional stability I now help my clients create✨ Ready to create an aligned life abroad — one that feels peaceful, not performative? My Move Abroad Mindset program is your next step. We build emotional resilience, reprogram limiting beliefs, and help you feel safe in your softness. ✨ Apply here ✨ Follow me on TikTok and Insta (Comment/DM and tell me what you would like to hear more of!) 

Let's talk about what really happens when the chaos quiets and you’re no longer running on autopilot. The emotions. The buried fears. The parts of you that hustle tried to silence. We’re diving into:  💭 Why hustle is often a trauma response — and why slowing down can feel terrifying 💔 What rises to the surface when you finally rest 🌀 The emotional detox that often happens after you let yourself just "be" 🌿 How to navigate the discomfort of stillness and build a life rooted in self-trust This isn’t just about living abroad — it’s about learning to live with yourself. Because when the noise stops, your truth gets louder. And that truth? It’s your gateway to healing. ✨ Ready to create an aligned life abroad — one that feels peaceful, not performative? My Move Abroad Mindset program is your next step. We build emotional resilience, reprogram limiting beliefs, and help you feel safe in your softness. ✨ Apply here ✨ Follow me on TikTok and Insta (Comment/DM and tell me what you would like to hear more of!) 

I’m back from maternity leave… and with a brand new lens on what it really means to grow, stretch, and evolve while living abroad. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal story of giving birth in Spain — from navigating the healthcare system in Spain to facing language barriers, culture shocks, and the emotional rollercoaster of bringing life into the world while living far from home. But this episode is about so much more than just birth — it’s about the transformation that happens when life throws you a major shift abroad. We’ll explore: ✨ The fears and unknowns of giving birth in a new healthcare system  🗣️ How language and cultural differences can feel isolating — and how I overcame it  💡 What this life event taught me about intuition, resilience, and radical self-trust  🌍 How these lessons apply to any big life change when you’re living abroad Whether you’re a parent, planning a major move, or simply navigating transitions in a new country — this one’s for you. 📌 Mentioned in this episode: The Move Abroad Mindset program is open again — for those ready to build the emotional strength it takes to not just move, but stay and thrive abroad. ✨ Apply for the Moving Abroad Mastermind here ✨ Follow me on TikTok and Insta (Comment/DM and tell me what you would like to hear more of!) 

Moving abroad isn’t just about changing locations—it’s about aligning with what feels right. In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Bendayan, who I personally call, The Period Queen, to talk about her journey as a nutritionist specializing in women’s cycles, her experiences with isolation after moving abroad, and the deep self-discovery that comes with navigating life in different countries. This episode we are going into: ✨ How your menstrual cycle can guide your energy, decisions, and overall well-being—especially during big transitions 🌍 The emotional ups and downs of expatriation and why isolation can be both a challenge and an opportunity for growth 💡 Trusting your intuition when choosing where to live (and why Nicole refuses to stay somewhere that doesn’t feel aligned—no matter what) 💖 Finding balance between love, career, and personal fulfillment while moving through different seasons of life If you’ve ever wondered how to truly listen to your body and trust your gut—both in health and in life abroad—this episode is for you. If you're looking to work with Nicole for your cycle or a nutritional journey, here is where you can find her: Find her on her website here or on instagram here! (www.nicolebendayan.com and @nicole.bendayan) ✨ Follow me on TikTok and Insta (Comment/DM and tell me what you would like to hear more of!) 

Moving abroad isn’t just a physical journey—it’s an energetic one. In this episode, I sit down with my energy therapist, a fellow expat balancing back and forth from Canada to a variety of other countries, but nowadays, Valencia, to dive deep into the unseen layers of life abroad. We explore how tuning into your energy can guide major life transitions, how to trust yourself when everything feels uncertain, and what it means to raise children across multiple cultures. In the episode, we touch on: ✨ How energy work can support you through the emotional ups and downs of expat life ✨ The power of intuition when making big life decisions—like moving to another country ✨ How to energetically raise children with a conscious, global mindset and lots of trust ✨ The unexpected ways different cultures influence personal energy dynamics If you’ve ever felt like moving abroad has shifted something deeper within you, or if you’re navigating expat life while raising kids, this conversation is for you. 🎧 Tune in now and explore how aligning your energy can transform your journey abroad! If you're looking to work with Illanith on a spiritual journey, I promise you, it will be one of the best things you could ever do for yourself.  Find her on her website here or on instagram here! (www.illanith.com and @illanith_benjamin_) ✨ Follow me on TikTok and Insta (Comment/DM and tell me what you would like to hear more of!) 

What’s it like to build a life across multiple countries—navigating new cultures, languages, and identities along the way? In this episode, I sit down with Christie, an expat from Brazil now living in Germany, who has spent years moving across the world, from high school in the U.S. to studying and working in various countries. We dive into:  🌍 Her journey of living in multiple countries and what she’s learned along the way  💡 The biggest mindset shifts that helped her adjust and thrive as an expat  🧘🏽‍♀️ How she became an integrative health coach specializing in expat and immigrant well-being 🎙️The advice she has for anyone moving abroad or struggling to feel at home in a new country You can find Christie on Instagram here! (@healthy_expat) 💡 If you’re looking for inspiration, guidance, and real talk about what it takes to build a fulfilling life abroad—this episode is for you! ✨ Follow me on TikTok and Insta (Comment/DM and tell me what you would like to hear more of!) 

You’ve been dreaming about moving abroad, or maybe you're already there! But there’s one nagging thought that won’t leave you alone… What if I regret it? Fear of making/having made the wrong decision keeps so many of us stuck in place, choosing the comfort of the familiar over the unknown. But here’s the truth—regret often comes from not taking the leap, not from trying and learning along the way. In this episode, we’re breaking down:  ✅ Why the fear of regret is really a fear of uncertainty (and how to shift your mindset)  ✅ The difference between real risk vs. fear-based overthinking  ✅ How to reframe failure so that any decision moves you forward ✅ A simple exercise to help you make peace with the unknown and trust yourself 💡 If fear is holding you back, this episode is your permission slip to move forward with confidence! 🚀 Want extra support navigating the mental side of this journey? The Move Abroad Mindset program gives you the tools to overcome fear, build confidence, and create a move you won’t regret. Apply below! ✨ Apply for the Moving Abroad Mastermind here ✨ Follow me on TikTok and Insta (Comment/DM and tell me what you would like to hear more of!) 

Alright, this episode gets a little woo-woo—but hear me out. I’ve seen people with plenty of money stay stuck because their limiting beliefs kept them trapped in fear. And I’ve seen people (myself included) take the leap abroad with very little in the bank—but with the right mindset—and thrive. So, what’s really stopping you from making your move? Is it the actual money, or is it the story you’ve been telling yourself about money? In this episode, we go beyond budgeting and spreadsheets (although those are helpful too!) and dive deep into: ✨ Where your financial fears come from—family, culture, and society ✨ How to recognize and rewrite limiting money beliefs ✨ Energetic and spiritual tools to clear financial blocks ✨ How to move from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset ✨ Practical ways to shift your finances to support your move abroad ✨ Why money is just energy—and how to attract more of it Money is one of the biggest excuses people use to delay their dreams. But what if it’s not really about money at all? What if moving abroad is less about your bank account and more about your beliefs, trust, and alignment? 💬 Loved this episode? Let me know! Leave a review or share your biggest takeaway on IG @theexpattherapist ✨ Apply for the Moving Abroad Mastermind here ✨ Follow me on TikTok and Insta (Comment/DM and tell me what you would like to hear more of!)