We are here, too - on mental health abroad

Let's connect Let's delve more into generational patterns and how they can impact the way we cope and connect to others, even when we move abroad. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Join the newsletter --> here Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Let's connect An episode on generational trauma --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Join the newsletter --> here Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Let's connect Families, boundaries and connection. This is an episode about hope! You may also like: S2E6: "No, I'm not going home for the holidays": a journey to self-acceptance S4E5: Aging parents and the distance between us --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Join the newsletter --> here Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Let's connect Caring for family (especially aging parents) across distance creates a complex mix of emotions as we navigate love, guilt, and the practical challenges of showing up when we physically can't be there. If you want to delve more into the themes of this episode, you may also like: S1E4: Why am I feeling this guilty? S1E11: The importance of relationships when living abroad S2E6: "No, I'm not going home for the holidays": a journey to self-acceptance S3E3: The somatics of guilt abroad: a body-based perspective on guilt --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Join the newsletter --> here Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Let's connect Identity shifts don't always happen suddenly when living abroad; they unfold quietly until our certainty about who we are becomes less clear. The tension between who we've been and who we're becoming creates discomfort as we try to make sense of the different parts of ourselves. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Join the newsletter --> here Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Let's connect Finding stability isn't about a fixed state of being stable or unstable but rather a continuum of steadiness that ebbs and flows throughout our lives. When we feel grounded, we can respond to life from a place of certainty rather than reactivity, allowing us to think clearly and make decisions that benefit us in the long term. This is the theme of today's episode. If you would like to hear more about similar topics, I recommend the following episodes: S3E6: Loneliness abroad --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Join the newsletter --> here Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Send us a text Have you ever felt completely untethered from yourself after moving abroad? That disorienting sensation where suddenly everything you thought defined you seem up for questioning? You're experiencing an identity crisis, which might be one of the most powerful catalysts for growth in your journey abroad (and if you've lived abroad long enough, you'll know this feeling is cyclical!). In today's episode, we explore how an identity crisis can profoundly affect our relationships with others while offering us an opportunity to establish deeper connections. If you would like to hear more about this topic: S1E3: Lost and found: in search of self S3E1: Finding the self between borders S3E2: People-pleasing abroad: maintaining identity amidst cultural adaptation --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Join the newsletter --> here Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Send us a text This episode is a kickoff to a broader exploration of relationships, not just confined to the intimate ones but expanding to how we connect with our new surroundings and cultures. The focus is on why, in the hustle and bustle of settling into a new country, the connection with ourselves is our most important "tool" to navigate the ebbs and flows of life abroad. Themes explored: • Importance of self-relationship during life transitions • Navigating the complexities of identity abroad • Viewing oneself as an ecosystem for balance • Reflecting on neglected parts of identity • Adapting to new cultures while maintaining authenticity • Prompts for self-reflection and journaling If you liked this episode, you may also like: S1E12: Tapping into your power S2E6: "No, I'm not going home for the holidays": a journey to self-acceptance S3E1: Finding the self between borders S3E2: People-pleasing abroad: maintaining identity amidst cultural adaptation --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Join the newsletter --> here Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Send us a text Ever found yourself in a foreign land, feeling the weight of solitude pressing down on you? My journey through the highs and lows of living abroad brought me face to face with the challenges of cultural adjustments and finding a place of belonging. In our latest discussion, I share the realities of navigating loneliness and stress in a new country. With the aid of therapy and self-care, I've learned to combat these feelings and want to offer you the same sense of hope and connection I've found. Whether it's the emotional toll of personal safety or the impact of social media on our lives, this episode peels back the layers of what it truly takes to maintain bonds with loved ones and cultivate new ones. This conversation isn't just about sharing struggles; it's about equipping you with the tools to thrive amidst them. Grounding techniques, such as naming objects around you or holding something heavy, can be incredibly effective reminders that you're safe and present. You'll come away with practical strategies to ground yourself in the now, the importance of self-care, and how to open yourself up to the possibility of connection, wherever you may be. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Send us a text This episode was a long one coming, and I hope it invites you to extend curiosity to those experiences that are often at the edge of our life abroad. If you want to deepen some of the topics discussed in this episode, I would recommend: Hard truth 1: S3E2: People-pleasing abroad: maintaining identity amidst cultural adaptation Hard truth 2: S1E2: Unpacking culture shock and S1E12: Tapping into your power Hard truth 3: S1E8: Remember your why Let me know what you think of this episode! --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Send us a text Have you ever pondered where you truly belong? This week, I invite you on a heartfelt exploration of 'home' and belonging as we unravel how our sense of place shapes our mental landscape. We will venture through Scottish (and Northern European) folklore, where personal tales of finding comfort in the unfamiliar intertwine with the collective experiences of those who've ventured far from their birthplaces. We delve into the notion that 'home' transcends mere geography, morphing into the relationships we cherish or the inner sanctuary we cultivate. This episode mentions: - the tale of the Seal-Woman (known as Selkie, here in Scotland) - the book "Women who run with the wolf" by Clarissa Pinkola Estés In this episode, we also draw parallels with the poignant folktale of the Selkie—a seal woman caught between two worlds. As we traverse her story, themes of societal expectation, identity, and the courage to reclaim one's intuitive self emerge, echoing many women's struggles. Selkie's tale becomes a powerful metaphor, not just for women but for anyone wrestling with the duality of where they are and where they feel they should be. So, come along and find companionship in our shared search for the places and spaces where we feel most at home. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Send us a text Edit: I've just realised I opened this episode saying, "In Season 4 Episode 1", when I actually meant "Season 1 Episode 4". -- Have you ever felt the weight of guilt gnawing at you physically while living miles away from home? This episode peels back the layers to reveal how guilt triggers neural networks, stirs muscle tension, disrupts our digestive and respiratory systems, and hijacks our emotional well-being. You'll discover the science behind these physical reactions and understand why your body might respond with fight, flight, freeze, or fawn strategies when guilt's grip tightens. If you want to read more about the somatics of guilt, you may find this scientific article interesting. Previous episodes on guilt: S1E4: Why am I feeling this guilty? S2E2: Holiday guilt trip --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Send us a text In today's episode, I talk about people pleasing when living abroad and how it may take on the role of integrating us into the new country. Transitioning to life in a new country comes with its own emotional rollercoaster, a journey that many of us know all too well. This episode addresses the fine line between adapting and losing oneself. With heartfelt stories and practical advice, today's episode is a message of hope for those balancing the desire to please with the courage to stand firm in one's own story. And for those interested in Gabor Maté's quote, it was taken from "The myth of normal": “Most people abandon their true selves (authenticity) to please others and keep the relationships (attachments), even if they are ones that are toxic and destructive.”" --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Send us a text Emerging from a long hiatus, I, Francesca, return to the microphone with a tale that resonates deep within the heart of anyone who's ever found themselves rooted in foreign soil. This episode peels back the layers of identity shaped by the lands we call home and the internal tug-of-war between assimilation and authenticity. This conversation is a gentle nudge to embrace the richness of our heritage and the unique stories it weaves into our lives. It's about finding strength in our foreignness, allowing the cultural friction to propel us toward growth rather than erode our sense of self. Join me as we tenderly nurture our foreign identities and celebrate the diversity they bring to the tapestry of life. Two questions lie behind it all: how much of me am I willing to sacrifice to adapt? For how long am I going to hide the pain behind the quest for adaptation? If you want to hear more about this topic: S1E3: Lost and found, in search of self --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Send us a text Let me take you on a journey, a journey that many of us have experienced, but few have recounted - the emotional rollercoaster of going back home to our host country after the holidays. The thrill of the unfamiliar, the pang of homesickness, and the inevitable culture shock - they're all part and parcel of living abroad. We're going to dig deep into these feelings, giving voice to what many of us have felt but struggled to express. But living abroad isn't just about the places we visit or the exotic foods we taste - it's about the relationships we forge. Connections that can provide comfort in difficult times, relationships that help us grow in ways we couldn't have imagined. We're diving into this facet too, discussing the power of relationships in making or breaking our experience. I am ending the season with a tantalising glimpse of what's to come - Spoiler Alert, it's going to be all about relationships. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Send us a text Ever find yourself longing for the comfort of familiar faces while stationed in a new country? Have you ever realized that the people in your host country now know more about your current life than those back home? Join me as I share my personal experiences of living abroad, discussing the nuanced dynamics of maintaining ties with home while fostering new relationships abroad. Balancing the expectations of visitors from home and honoring your own routines abroad can be a thorny issue. How do you help them understand the novelty of your life abroad might have worn off for you? How do you cope with major milestones celebrated away from home, with the emotional support coming from afar? We'll explore these intriguing contrasts, with a special focus on the mental health and emotional aspects of life abroad. I hope you enjoy this episode! --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Send us a text Going on holidays to your home country or returning home after living abroad can feel like stepping into a parallel universe. As your host, Francesca, I reveal how I navigated my own journey through this disorienting maze in an episode dedicated to the fascinating subject of reverse culture shock. With the backdrop of an Italian native living in Scotland, I take you through my personal experiences of readjusting to life in a familiar place that somehow feels unfamiliar. Together, we'll explore the emotional turbulence, social challenges, and cultural puzzles that come with this complex experience. But rest assured, there's light at the end of this maze, and I share actionable tips on how to work through reverse culture shock in the least traumatic way possible. No, it's not about racing through, but rather taking it slow, and integrating habits and customs from your host culture into your newfound reality. We'll delve into how to manage the struggles and conundrums of reverse culture shock, underscoring the importance of understanding that each individual's experience and circumstances are unique. Have you lived abroad and now find yourself back home, feeling like a stranger? This episode is your guide to making the transition as smooth as possible. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Send us a text Ever sat alone in a foreign place during the holiday season, wrestling with the decision of whether to go home or not? You're not alone. Join me as I bare my soul and share my own rollercoaster of emotions - the initial fear, the white lie to protect my joy, the dread, and the eventual acceptance - that came with my decision to stay abroad during the holidays. In this personal journey, I unpack the feelings and tough conversations that followed my choice - conversations that tested the bonds of family traditions and expectations. But it's not all gloom. You'll hear how I've evolved from those moments, learning to communicate my truth with compassion, understanding my needs, and ultimately finding a sense of calm and ownership over my life. So plug in, let's traverse these emotional landscapes together, and perhaps, you may find your own path to peace, autonomy, and reconciliation, too. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Send us a text What if your feelings of homesickness could reveal deeper insights about your personal values and life stages? As I, your host Francesca, grappled with an overwhelming sense of homesickness on my recent trip to Sicily, I discovered just how multifaceted this emotion truly is. This episode takes you on my personal journey as I try to comprehend my longing for home, and how it reflects the shifts in my values and outlook on life. Tune in as I dissect the complicated facets of homesickness, stemming from my own experiences and intense feelings of missing home. This heartfelt episode promises an emotional rollercoaster, as we explore how homesickness is not just about missing a place, but also about recognizing the shifts in our personal values and life stages. Listen in, as we redefine homesickness, understand its cyclical nature, and discover ways to cope. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San

Send us a text Remember those golden holidays back home, surrounded by familiar faces, savouring traditional delicacies and getting immersed in the joyous festivities? These memories can stir up a mixed bag of emotions, especially for those of us living overseas. In this engaging discussion, we unpack those complex feelings of nostalgia, longing, and sometimes, shock and frustration, that bubble up during such holidays. As we walk down memory lane, we scrutinize the inevitable comparisons we make between our homeland and our adopted country - an oscillating sentiment that veers between idolizing the familiar and vilifying the old. The conversation doesn't stop there! We also address the tumultuous phase of reintegrating into our home culture and the disruption it causes to our identities. Experiences of feeling like a stranger in your homeland or grappling to fit into the mainstream culture in your adopted country can be daunting. Yet, they are crucial parts of embracing a new identity. Our discussion highlights how nostalgia can sometimes cloud our vision, and how crucial it is to stay connected, even if it's virtually, to keep ourselves grounded. Tune in to share the joys, the shocks, the realizations and the valuable lessons that come with spending holidays back home. --------- We are here, too is a podcast about mental health and life abroad, hosted by Francesca Lo Verso, an Italian counsellor living in Scotland. We are here, too exists thanks to the support of friends, family and those of you whose testimony of life abroad inspired me. Thank you! Host and editor: Francesca Lo Verso www.francescacounselling.com IG: @francesca_counselling FB: francescaloversocounselling Email: info@francescacounselling.com Cover illustration: Candela Sánchez www.candelasanchezart.com IG: @delasre_draws Music: Su San TikTok: susanwithaspace Spotify: Su San