Moving to London from the United States can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be challenging, especially for young people. We share a common language, so it could be easy to assume that we also share cultural norms. Americans who have moved to the United Kingdom will know that there are so many differences to get used to. Whether it’s the food, the weather, the education system, or surprising language differences that you didn’t expect, adjusting to a new life in the United Kingdom can be overwhelming.
Supporting Teenagers and Young Adults Abroad
For young people, international moves can be especially disruptive. Teenagers or school-aged children may be leaving close friends behind, adapting to new schools, or wrestling with questions about identity and belonging. University students might be managing loneliness, academic pressure, or uncertainty about their future.
In therapy, we can work to create a space to make sense of these transitions. You may use your therapy sessions to explore feelings of displacement or help find your footing in a new environment. Together we will help you to build the emotional tools to cope with change. It might sound small, but sometimes it can just be a relief to feel heard by someone who understands both American and English vocabulary.
How to Find an American Therapist in London
If you’re an American parent or young adult seeking therapy here, you have options. Accreditation standards and professional titles differ here. For example, if you are looking for a diagnosis, you will want to find a Psychiatrist or Clinical Psychologist. If you are looking for long-term talking therapy, you are likely looking for a Psychotherapist. A few practical steps can help you find the right fit:
Find a clinician who is registered with a professional body like the UKCP, BACP, or HCPC. This ensures that they meet local standards.
Use trusted directories. Websites such as Psychology Today UK or the Counselling Directory allow you to search by type of therapist, language, and specialism. You can use the keywords to search for ‘American’ or ‘United States’, although admittedly not all American therapists will have listed this on their profile.
Ask about approach and background. Don’t hesitate to ask where your therapist trained and what kind of clients they typically work with. A good therapist will welcome those questions.
My Approach as an American Expat Psychotherapist
I grew up in the United States before moving to London for university. I ended up staying on this side of the pond and eventually trained as a Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychotherapist. In my practice, I primarily work with teenagers, university students, and young adults. When I am not in private practice, I work as a therapist in a secondary school; so I have come to know the UK education system inside out. I understand both the big and small differences that make life in the UK so different from life in the US. From the school system to cultural expectations, there is a lot to process.
For some families, therapy becomes a space to help their children settle in. For others, it’s a place to explore anxiety, depression, perfectionism, or identity questions. Moving may have brought up new challenges, or perhaps you are wanting to continue working on issues you have struggled with in the past. You may have even worked with a therapist back in the US, but are now looking to connect with a local therapist.
Reaching Out
If you’re an American family or young person living in London and looking for a therapist who understands both cultures, I would be happy to talk about how I can help. You can learn more about my background and approach on my ‘about me’ page or contact me directly here to arrange an initial consultation.