What kinds of psychological difficulties can Catherine Petit (Lic. Psychologist) help you with?
Cross-cultural adaptation
Culture shock
Difficulties adapting to country of residence
Adaptive exhaustion
Homesickness
Social isolation
Family relationships abroad
Death of a loved one abroad
Intercultural identity development
Preparing to come home
Re-entry/Reverse culture shock
How does a psychotherapy work?
I meet with you in my office for one-hour private sessions. We can speak in French, English or Spanish. You choose the language most comfortable for you. I am obliged to protect confidentiality and uphold my profession’s ethical standards. At the first meeting, you tell me all about your current concerns. I do not mind if your thoughts are scattered, if you cry or if you keep silent. I am here to listen to you and support you on your personal path.
I will use my knowledge and experience in intercultural psychology to help you face your difficulties. One difficulty inherent in the life of a diplomat and a diplomat’s family is to maintain a sense of continuity despite repeated geographic relocations. The constant adjustments create stress and can leave you feeling vulnerable or exhausted. In addition to exploring the problem that brought you to my office in the first place, we will try to come up with stress management strategies and ways to nurture a sense of continuity and personal growth in your life.
Some diplomats have been posted to countries confronting political turmoil or war. You may also have experienced or witnessed traumatic events. I can help you overcome those traumas using the EMDR approach.
