Finding yourself and your place in a new life
When your familiar world changes, questions may emerge: “Who am I now? Where do I belong? Where am I heading? Who will be part of my life?” In our sessions, we explore these questions at your pace, making room for what you have lost, what you want to keep and what you are ready to create.
Concerns you can bring
- Loss of a familiar identity: previous roles, status and achievements no longer provide the same sense of stability.
- Culture shock, unfamiliar expectations, a language barrier and comparing your old and new life.
- Loneliness, social anxiety, difficulty making connections and feeling that you do not belong.
- Strain in a couple or family after moving, different adjustment needs, emotional distance or considering separation.
- Worry about the future, sleep difficulties, fatigue and loss of confidence.
- Professional uncertainty, finding a direction and wanting to use your abilities again.
The support I offer
I offer individual counselling and sessions for couples and adult family members navigating relocation. We explore “Who am I now?”, your feelings and relationships, and the ways you usually cope with difficulties. Together, we look for resources to support sleep, restore energy, build connections and make room for interest, creativity and enjoyment in everyday life.
Why work with me
For more than 25 years, I have worked in psychology, psychotherapy and coaching, supporting clients through periods of crisis and change. I am an accredited clinical psychologist, Russia, a certified EMDR practitioner, Europe, and an MCC ICF coach. Each person, couple and family has a different history, resources and possibilities, so I tailor our work to your situation.
Experience, education and methods →
Understanding adjustment
We explore the challenges of your move and responses that you can use in your new environment.
An individual approach
Your needs, values, strengths and available energy shape the work.
Support through change
Alongside emotions, we discuss practical life questions: relationships, connections, work and next steps.
A supportive space
You can speak about difficult feelings and doubts. We discuss confidentiality arrangements before the work begins.
How we work together
We start by clarifying which changes take the most energy and what support you need now. Then we identify priorities and manageable steps. If your main question concerns a career decision, professional development or a project, we can discuss a suitable coaching format.
Questions about relocation
What relocation concerns can counselling address?
Loss of familiar supports and identity, culture shock, social anxiety, loneliness and relationship strain. You do not need to arrive with a perfectly worded question.
How long does adjustment take?
There is no single timetable. Your circumstances, losses, resources and support all matter. We discuss the number of sessions individually, without promising adjustment within a fixed number of months.
Can my partner join me?
Yes. We can discuss your needs and whether joint sessions are suitable. Individual counselling is also available without your partner participating.
How do sessions work, and what is the fee?
Online in English or Russian. Individual counselling sessions last 90 minutes. Fees are agreed individually, depending on your request; arrangements for couples and adult family members are discussed separately.
Client testimonials
Clients’ personal experiences. Translated from testimonials on Elena’s earlier Russian website.
A. — Moved to another country
Elena, you have helped me so much! I feel such joy inside now! I am inspired to do new things, and I am smiling! I have so many inner resources — traditions, for example, that I can bring with me. I had not even thought about them, but they are there. :) And there is still so much I can do! In short, you really helped me adapt to my new life and circumstances. I had stopped seeing those resources! I feel strong again! I am inspired again! Your support and professional approach made my move less stressful and painful. Thank you!
M. — Moved to another country
Thanks to you, Elena, I was able to overcome my own barriers! At first, I had so many doubts about whether I was doing the right thing; then came more pain and shock. By my second year in the country where I had once wanted so much to live, I was caught up in negativity. I had not expected it: what people here call “culture shock” hit me and overwhelmed me. In every situation, and in comparison with everyone around me, I felt like a helpless immigrant. Loneliness, helplessness, fear and constant anxiety about the future consumed me. Our sessions helped me believe in myself again, make new contacts and connections in my city and community, and much more! I am immensely grateful! You really helped me SO much!
O. — Moved abroad with her family
Thank you, Lena! Thank you for everything! Over these two years with you as my psychologist and coach, I have grown enormously in my awareness of my feelings, understanding of what happens around me, and ability to set and achieve goals. Thank you! You also helped me preserve my relationship with my husband after our move. Thank you!
I. — Support with relationships
And my enormous thanks to you, Lena!!! I am living with the man I love, the very man I never thought I would be able to build a family with (he was married), in the warm, wonderful relationship I dreamed of!))) We have a lovely apartment and are building our cosy home. :) We are making friends together and doing everything together… In short, dreams come true! ;))) If you work on yourself. ;)
G. — Finding herself in work and relationships
I am endlessly grateful for the depth and meaning of all our meetings! Your support has simply given me the strength to live!!!!!
D. — When things start to improve
I found an interesting article: sometimes even a lifetime is not enough to reach your true self. Yet once you feel the first results, you no longer want to return to who you were. It is like emerging from a cellar and taking a breath of fresh air. When you sit inside for a long time, you get used to the stuffiness. But once you look outside, going back in and breathing stale air becomes unbearable. Elena! Thank you for your support! You have helped me so much!)))))
Each testimonial describes an individual experience.
Articles about moving abroad
Culture shock after moving abroad
Finding your footing in an unfamiliar cultural environment.
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Life after moving abroad
Sleep, identity and relationships in a new setting.
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Relationship problems after moving abroad
Staying connected when a move puts pressure on your relationship.
Read article →Moving to a new city or country
Practical psychological support for keeping a sense of yourself.
Read article →You can start with a conversation
A free introduction of up to 15–20 minutes gives us a chance to discuss your request and the format. Fees are agreed individually, depending on your request.