“To travel is to take a journey into yourself." Danny Kaye
Relocating to a new country is a transforming experience, whether it is a permanent or a temporary migration. It can be a time full of hope and excitement at fresh perspectives. Migration can also be a lonely experience, fraught with a sense of loss, uncertainty, the disruption of familiar life patterns, and continuous exposure to new experiences and challenges.
Having recently arrived in NZ, you may feel isolated, struggle with employment or housing, grapple to come to terms with the way things are done. The situation you found here may not match what you expected and hoped for so you are unsure about where you stand, and a lengthy immigration process may leave you dealing with ongoing uncertainty about your future. As a family member you may feel responsible for bringing your loved ones in a new environment or homesick and longing for family, friends and the place you knew.
As you find your way around life in this new country, you may experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, depression and grief. Some people experience an upsurge of coping mechanisms such as anger and addiction. Feelings of frustration, disappointment, hopelessness may arise. Being challenged and pushed to grow in unforeseen ways can trigger a lowering of self-confidence, lead people to question their identity, their place and purpose in life. Families can be torn by differing experiences and expectations around the change of country and family members taking in on new roles. Even after a “successful” migration, life throws curve balls such as children growing and leaving NZ, separation from the partner you came with, family, relatives and friends overseas growing up, aging and ailing. This can bring you to a place when you are torn between possibilities and choices. Through my own life journey, I know that migration can be wonderful and transforming as well as stressful and unsettling. I understand first-hand the challenges you are facing and I can offer emotional support as you adapt to your new surroundings, as well as practical advice when required and some understanding of NZ culture.
I provide a confidential and supportive space where you can freely articulate the issues that you are facing without fear of judgement or guilt. Being able to express your thoughts and emotions can help speed up the process of finding your balance in the midst of the changes you are managing. As your inner experience becomes clearer, it is easier to identify purpose, meaning and a path for you in this experience.
Contact me if you would like a safe and non-judgmental space where to discuss your experience and get help finding your balance.
