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