Coping with the Challenges of Relocating to Portugal | Expat Therapy in Lisbon
Whatever the reason you find yourself ‘abroad’, being an expat can be hard.
Moving to Portugal—especially somewhere as beautiful and vibrant as Lisbon—can be the start of something exciting. Whether you are here for work, love, or seeking change, relocating can come with all sorts of feelings.
Even when it looks like the dream, the reality can feel quite different. That wasn’t the plan was it?
It’s not just the new language or the different way of doing things. It’s missing your support network. It’s feeling anxious and unsettled. Maybe a sense of displacement and loss. - This can be hard to manage, I am supposed to be happy aren’t I?
The truth is, living abroad is full of emotional ups and downs. That is normal. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Far from home and need someone who understands?
You might be new to Lisbon, or maybe Portugal is starting to feel more like home. Either way, adjusting to a new culture, language and lifestyle can stir up all sorts of feelings—especially when you’re doing it without the comfort of familiar faces around.
That’s where therapy can help.
Expat therapy offers a space to talk about what’s going on for you—openly, honestly, and without judgement. It’s a space where you can make sense of your feelings and find ways of coping with the emotional challenges of relocation.
The emotional challenges of being an Expat
Living abroad can be brilliant. But it can also feel overwhelming and lonely. Maybe you're finding yourself questioning old patterns, or you’re surprised by how homesick you feel. Some days you might feel great, other days completely lost.
Therapy gives you the space to explore those ups and downs at your own pace and without judgement. Handy for when big emotions catch you off guard.
The stress on Expats working in Lisbon
Lisbon’s international job market attracts ambitious, hardworking people. If you’ve relocated for work, there’s a good chance you’re juggling high expectations and lots of pressure—while trying to settle into a new country.
It can feel like you're meant to "just get on with it", but emotional wellbeing matters just as much as performance. Therapy can help you handle both.
The additional stress when you are the non-working Expat partner
If you've moved here with your partner and aren't working, things can be just as challenging—but in a different way. Without the structure of a job or the chance to meet people easily, it’s common to feel adrift or invisible.
Therapy offers space to reconnect with your identity, find your purpose, and rebuild confidence.
What are the emotional issues faced by Expats?
While every expat’s story is unique, common struggles include:
Feeling like you don’t belong
Difficulty adjusting to Portuguese culture or language
Homesickness and isolation
Relationship strain or long-distance stress
Red tape, bureaucracy, and burnout
Identity confusion or a loss of direction
Anxiety, low mood, or feeling emotionally “flat”
None of this means you’re failing. It means you're human. And therapy can help.
Expat Therapy to help you find your balance
Therapy can help you ground yourself when life abroad feels shaky or unstable.
It’s a space to figure out what’s really going on inside, a chance to untangle all the thoughts in your head. We can explore what matters most to you right now—whether that’s settling in, managing anxiety, or working through past experiences that have come back up since the move.
About Holly
I’m Holly Ibbs, a certified Person-Centred therapist offering therapy online anywhere in Portugal (and soon to be face-to-face therapy in Lisbon).
Originally from the UK, I understand how hard it can be to navigate change, build a new life somewhere else. I offer a safe, confidential, and relaxed space where you can just be you—without judgement or pressure.
In our sessions, we work together to explore what’s coming up for you. It’s not about me giving advice or solutions, but helping you get clear on your own feelings, needs, and strengths—so you can move forward in a way that feels right for you.
My counselling approaches
I work in a Person-Centred way, which means our work is guided by your experience. You are the expert in your own life—I’m here to support you in understanding yourself more deeply, with warmth and compassion.
Depending on your needs, our sessions may involve:
Exploring thoughts and emotions
Reflecting on past experiences
Looking at patterns that keep repeating
Developing coping tools
Reconnecting with your sense of identity and purpose
Together, we can make sense of things and figure out how to move forward with more clarity and confidence.
Accreditations
I’m a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which means I work in line with their ethical framework and professional standards.
I work with
Identity and belonging
Life transitions (relocation, starting over, retirement)
Relationship challenges
Feeling “stuck” or emotionally disconnected
FAQ about Expat Therapy in Portugal
What is expat therapy?
Expat therapy is counselling designed to support people who are living away from their home country. It focuses on the emotional, cultural, and identity-related challenges of life abroad.
Is therapy online or in person?
I currently offer therapy online, which gives you more flexibility and privacy—whether you’re in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, or anywhere else in Portugal. From May 2025, I will be offering face-to-face therapy in Lisbon.
How can therapy help with culture shock?
Therapy can help you understand and process your emotional response to cultural differences. It’s a safe place to talk about homesickness, identity struggles, or any frustrations that come up as you settle into a new way of life.
FAQ about Holly Ibbs – Therapy
What’s your therapy style?
Warm, real, and person-centred. I’m not here to judge or tell you what to do—I’m here to listen, support, and help you understand yourself more clearly.
Are you a licensed therapist?
Yes. I’m a BACP registered therapist, which means I’m professionally qualified and follow strict ethical standards.
How do I start therapy with you?
You can book a free introductory call through hollyibbs.com/contact. We’ll talk about what you’re looking for and see if we’re a good fit.
Do you only work with expats?
One of my specialist subjects is working with expats and international clients, but I welcome anyone who feels like I might be the right therapist for them.
Feeling overwhelmed in a new country is more common than you think.
Therapy can help you feel grounded again.
Let’s talk.
Book here a free intro call with Holly.
