Immigration therapy

Immigration grief is not often recognised however it is a very normal experience when moving countries. When beginning a new life in a new country the aim is to integrate to the host culture as quick as possible. However part of integrating in a new country comes with also the closing of an important chapter in the your life. I can help you better understand and work through this process of integration.

What is Immigration Grief?

Immigration grief is a type of grieving for the country and culture you have come from. Whether leaving your home country was our of economic reasons, a more promising future, war, education or marriage this process is the same for all.

The normal human desire involves establishing a new life for yourself and your family in the host country, however the confronting reality can bring up feelings of sadness, loneliness and deep pain, similar to grief-like symptoms. Relocation to a new country brings a sense of loss and reactions that overlap with grief.

What is the process of this kind of grief?

There are two types of losses, physical meaning tangigle loss such as of a love one and symbolic loss, referring to abstract loss, for example the loss of your homeland, social environment, status, ego and social identity, these losses are what immigrants often experience.

Loss of these things will bring out the grief stages which are:

Denial. Not able to accept your reality, avoidance from feelings or thoughts of loss. Feelings of numbness and detachment from surroundings. Resulting in sleeping more, obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.
Anger. Feelings of hostility and resenment directed at yourself or others. Circumstance is unfair and perhaps asking “Why me?” Or “What have I done to deserve this?”. Resulting in sudden outbursts of Anger.
Bargaining. Negotiating in order to avoid loss by promising yourself I won’t get angry anymore if the situation changes. Short lived stage as you realise that bargaining does not help the situation

Depression. Experiencing overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and sadness. Ongoing crying about loss and feelings of being isolated. Potential to experience fatigue or loss of concentration, change to appetite and sleeping patterns. This can persist for a long time.
Acceptance. Coming to terms with changed circumstances. Acknowledging the loss experienced and ability to pursue new opportunities. Attitude and expectations have changed. Regained sense of control over your life and new sense of hope about your future.

How does Therapy work for Immigration grief?

This kind of therapy works by applying ‘Acceptance and Commitment therapy’ to the grief/loss of your homeland. Often this is not talked about or simply disregarded. However if the grief is unresolved or there is a prolonged time of mourning, there results an internal battle that can lead to prolonged depressed emotions. In other words you dont go through the stages of grieving but you get stuck on one of the stage in the process. This process can take time to understand and live through, If you are experiencing being stuck in one of these stages and want a new way to effectively overcome the sense of loss from your homeland, then I am able to support you throughout your Integration to Denmark. Reach out for therapy today

Contact me

You are more than welcome to contact me if you have any questions or would like to book a session.

Telephone.: +45 71 79 92 27

E-mail: actofliving.dk@gmail.com

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“ Jonathan is a wonderful person, I could feel it from the moment he walked in to the room. He is a very open minded spirit and connected easily with me through his empathy. It is obvious he cares for his patients and gives 110% in the sessions. I recommend Jonathan to anyone who is ready to get to know himself/herself better and work on achieving a better emotional balance.”

Constantin

“I started going to Jonathan’s a couple of months ago. Wauw. I am so so happy with him and the therapy. In a very short time we dived into some deep issues I had, but in a very natural and calm way, and have since worked on specific things inside of myself. And I am BLOWN away by the improvement of my mental health. The tools and conversations are easy to digest, and very effective. Jonathan is a person you feel calm being around, and his way of listening, understanding and communicating is second to none. I’m so happy I started going there, and I know that I’ll continue for a long time. I can’t recommend Jonathan enough!”

Kevin

“I have been very happy recieving therapy from ACT of living. It have been the most helpful. Even though you can't expect it I have left every session with a new understanding of my world, -I would dare call it an epiphany. Jonathan has been very skilled in helping me resolve my problems and I feel as I am in a new better place now after my sessions. I would highly recommend him:)”

Olivia

“To everyone out there, my therapy session with Jonathan has helped me a lot to become more authentic every single day. I didn't know that I need help to become more authentic and accept myself the way I'm regardless where I live, my inner critic or other external expectation. It's tough especially when I'm living abroad, (in my case) changing countries every 4 years, so I had to adapt to new environment while getting to know who I am and my contribution in this world. Jonathan has helped me a lot to notice my authentic self and to show up everyday as her! It's indeed a live changing service that he provides.”

Salsa

“Just as i have told Johnatan, when i talk to my friends and family about my issues, they give me their opinions and come up with specific solutions to my problems, however during therapy i learn to understand my feelings and work with my emotions, something i have never done before and as it turns out is extremely important. I become more and more in peace with the fact that all i feel and experience is a part of my journey and my feelings are not only human and okay but also valid.I can absolutely recommend Johnatan as a great therapist to everyone! I have come a long way and made a huge progress but i know that there is always room for improvement and that is why i will continue my sessions.”

Michalina

“Hey. I had the pleasure to have five sessions with Jonathan. They went great. He is a great listener and greatly focused on helping. He kept me in my safe bubble and gave me good tools to be working with, which is awesome. Thank you, Jonathan. I would definitely recommend him, to anyone struggling!”

Petko

“First i would like to thank you Jonathan for Your patience, kindness and specially ears. As one of the people that you are always a ladder and shoulder to others it is very difficult to get ears to listen to you, and you have actually not only listened but also made me going back to align myself. It has been a wonderful experience and enthusiastic. Jonathan, thanks for putting your heart into what you do!”

Helena

“Jonathan and I had 13 sessions together and from the very first session I felt the warmth of his personality. I could tell that he genuinely wanted to help me in my journey of trying to understand myself better, and he most certainly did. I always entered a space where I felt safe sharing my thoughts and feelings, and he was always very present with me in that space. Sitting with someone who you feel wants to help you, felt healing in itself. That’s what I think is the most amazing thing about Jonathan; he comes from a very genuine and loving place.”

Kuldip

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Maninder

"I started working with Jonathan a few months ago and can say he has truly helped me change my way of life. During a depressive episode I reached out to him for help and have found myself coming out of it and reframing my view on life with his help. he approach is warm and gentle but firm. He has deep understanding of compassion that helps you find compassion for yourself. Our session can be intense but I always leave feeling better, having a real understanding of myself, and with tools to use. I recommend Jonathan highly to anyone that is looking for a caring therapist who goes the extra mile.

I have looked for therapy since moving to Europe. Jonathan is the therapist for me, for sure."

Dominque

"Jonathan has helped me now for about 3 months. I came to him struggling with stress, and on the brink of falling back into a deep depression. He helped me focus on rediscovering my personal values and, through that process, let go of the emotional baggage that contributed to my issues (some of which I had been holding for years).

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Greg

"I approached Jonathan for support with anxiety and panic attacks. Jonathan is a very warm, calm and empathetic person and an incredibly inspiring presence to work with. His consultation has provided such a positive benefit in my life, and given me so much more confidence in my self. I can’t recommend Jonathan highly enough for anyone seeking personal help."

Clinton

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I never thought therapy would help me so much and I can advise anyone reading this to just go for it.

Julien