When people move from their own to another culture they almost always go through culture shock. Therapy can help such people manage the adjustment. They can then handle the anxiety, reactive depression and grief processes often associated with moving away from a familiar place.

Many people return to the UK from long service in the Forces, diplomatic postings, extended business trips or work as missionaries. They are likely to experience what has come to be known as reverse culture shock. Often this is more severe than the first shock of moving to live in another country. There may be feelings of confusion or not knowing where the returning person fits into society, which may have changed beyond recognition.

For such people counselling or psychotherapy can provide tools to deal with numbness, grief and loss. It can help people to start getting life back into perspective and to understand why so few people want to listen to their endless tales of adventures in another culture. Therapy can provide a chance to work through feelings of saying goodbye to the past (closure) and hello to a society that has changed for ever (moving forward).

Children of such people in particular often feel lost when they move to a society they may not remember or may never have known. Popularly known as third culture kids (TCKs), these children can benefit from play therapy or talking therapy, depending on their age. Even very small children can have feelings of disorientation and confusion. Teens can be doubly affected by losing their friends in one society and not feeling accepted by the society they return to. Family therapy can be useful where the whole family is going through reverse culture shock.

In recent years there has been a huge influx of immigrants from New European countries such as Poland, Romania and Bulgaria. Asylum seekers arrive in the UK from all five continents. These people – adults and children – also experience culture shock. In addition they may have to face hostility, rejection and open racism. 

These people will also benefit from professional, supportive counselling or play therapy from people who understand what they are going through. 

Whether people are returning to their own culture or moving to live in the UK for the first time, therapy can help them feel at home where they are.

Brook Creative Therapy, Brook Cottage, 16 Burnside, Rugby CV22 6AX, Warwickshire.

Telephone: 01788 541 937 or 07870 737 652.

Email: brookcreativetherapy@gmail.com

Website: www.brookcreativetherapy.com