Counselling & Education for other Groups

Counselling for Families with relatives detained overseas (or prisoners and their families)

A report written by the Chief Inspector of Prisons in the UK, ‘Neurodiversity in the Criminal Justice System’, (2021) suggests that it’s possible that half of people entering prison can “be expected to have some form of neurodivergent condition which impacts their ability to engage.”

What can be done ?

It is essential that people in prison with neurological differences are supported, so that they can overcome feeling misunderstood. Individuals with neurodivergence can often suffer with their mental health, alongside other challenges faced in prison. Having a family who ‘gets them’, can advocate with their needs, and maintain meaningful connections  on the outside is paramount. 

Having a family member in prison overseas can often feel like you’re serving a sentence yourself. It can be a difficult subject to discuss with friends and family and can put a strain on the family’s finances and general well-being. Counselling can help with the feelings of trauma, guilt and shame and can provide a safe space to make sense of the events and to build the resilience required to face the emotional and practical burden.

Counselling for Third Culture Kids  Expatriates Families & Global Nomads 

“Where do I belong?”

“Who am I?”

“Why do I often feel so restless?”

“I don’t fit in, what's wrong with me?”

“I struggle to make or keep lasting friendships and intimate relationships.”

“I have a good life, I should be happy, yet I am often sad and depressed for no apparent reason.”

TCK’s are children who travel all over the globe while accompanying their parents for their careers. Moving in and out of foreign countries with their parents' career transfers.

TCK’s have been described by Pollock & Van Reken (2009) in their book ‘Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds’ as:

 “A person who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside the parents’ culture.

The TCK frequently builds relationships to all of the cultures, while not having full ownership in any.

Those who have had a mobile childhood are often unsure of their identity and don’t feel they ‘belong’ anywhere. 

Hidden losses and grief are frequently the root of their presenting upset, along with making and maintaining friendships and seeking identity.

I use a range of creative, culturally sensitive therapeutic approaches (including messy play), Always keeping in mind TCKs view their world through the lens of many cultures. The goal is to create a world where our neurodivergent children are valued as strong individuals. Where they feel understood, heard and embraced for their strengths which will enable them to be defined by them and to soar wherever they find themselves in the world.