The Journey Therapy
“Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.”
-Matsuo Basho
“Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.”
-Matsuo Basho
We live in a global society where we can order the latest fashion from another country or connect virtually with friends on the other side of the world, with the scroll of our finger tip and a tap of our thumb, all from the comfort of our homes. In this same vein, “face to face” transnational conversations are made accessible with just about any smart device. Our computer generated realities allow us to cross borders on a daily basis, however if an in-person meeting is needed between two intercontinental parties, international trips have been found to be suitable alternatives. While traveling abroad to either obtain work or vacation from work is no foreign concept, venturing overseas to live can solicit different feelings than when traveling for vacation. Moving to a foreign country for work, family, safety or just to experience a change of pace, although exciting, can have impacts on social, emotional and mental health. This is why The Journey Therapy specializes in providing multicultural, client centered therapy to expats, travelers, couples, families and groups visiting or living abroad.
With a Doctorate Degree in International Psychology, Master’s Degree in Social Work, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Dr. Londí has studied psychology across 18 different countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia to be able to provide culturally contextual interventions for the populations she serves. While her educational background affords her the skills and techniques to provide culturally competent therapy, her expertise in this area stems from her firsthand experience living abroad and providing therapy to culturally diverse populations.
“ Splendid to arrive alone in a foreign country and feel the assault of difference. Here they are all along, busy with living; they don’t talk, or look like me. The rhythm of their day is entirely different; I am foreign.”
– Frances Mayes
You may find yourself living outside of your home terrain for varying reasons.
Economic – You moved internationally with your company or to acquire a better income.
Romance – You moved for love with your partner or family.
Lifestyle – You wanted a change of scenery, always enjoyed traveling and recognized that living internationally afforded you a greater ability to do so.
Political – You moved for safety or due to political unrest in your country of origin.
Whatever the reason, the emotions that accompany living abroad may not easily be conceptualized by those who do not share the experience. Perhaps you do not want to share these struggles with your co-workers in order to maintain professional boundaries. Likewise, maybe the idea of telling your partner that you’re struggling to acclimate may elicit an internal level of stress or guilt that you feel will negatively impact the relationship. If you have moved for lifestyle change, you may find that only parts of your new lifestyle is glamorous but still struggle to find a supportive ear from friends and family back home who only see your new life as “an exciting new adventure.” Maybe, leaving your home terrain was not your choice, which is making this transition that much more of a challenge. Whatever the reason you find yourself “abroad” away from your spiritual, familial or cultural homeland, being an expat or avid traveler can be particularly difficult. These difficulties can have significant impacts on our mental health. Dr. Londí works to help you navigate your emotional needs that are often associated with being uprooted and displaced.