I provide psychological support for english-speaking teenagers who moved from abroad to Portugal.
Moving abroad is a big life change for everyone, but children might find it more stressful and disruptive than adults. After all usually they follow parents’ decision, leave their old life behind and enter completely new, unfamiliar environment.
Every aspect can become a source of stress: new place to live, foreign language, food, culture, school, separation from friends and relatives. It takes a lot of energy and resources to adapt.
Technological progress and availability of travel made us underestimate how hard is the transition to the new country. Change within the same continent is a big challenge. Change between continents is especially hard, because it usually involves culture shock.
Transition might bring:
- Sadness and withdrawal
- Grieving
- Anxiety
- Identity confusion
- Social regression
- Somatic symptoms
- Anger and conflicts
- Worse results at school
- Increased dependence on the family
For the first consultation I invite the child with at least one parent. I usually recommend one weekly session of support and counseling until the mental state of the child gets better.
We meet in person in my office in Leiria. I work with children from age 10.
My workshops with students from BGA Leiria:
