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.

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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

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!

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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

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.

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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