Article Published in MumAbroad: Covid and Expat Resilience
Covid-19 has entered our world. The uncertainty and restrictions are testing the limits of our resilience. Australian Psychologist Leigh Matthews from Therapy in Barcelona is here to reassure you that Barcelona’s internationals have what it takes to handle this.
Covid Travel
As expats we share unique challenges in this time. We are concerned about ageing parents, or loved ones, in countries of origin we can no longer travel to. Borders are closed and 14 day quarantine periods make it untenable to visit or vacation. Many of us are cautious about air travel and risk of infection. For a population of intrepid travellers, travel restrictions are maddening. Many of us are suffering a severe case of itchy feet with no panacea in sight.
Crisis Parenting
A virus has thrown our world into a state of suspension, restrictions, uncertainty and masks. The comfort of our daily routines were snatched away and, overnight, we were thrust into 100 groundhog days of confinement. For parents, put upon with the haphazard juggling of work from home and crisis schooling, feelings of guilt, burnout, anger, exhaustion and despair compounded the undercurrent of anxiety and grief accompanying the covid crisis. An American Psychological Association poll* found that 7 out of 10 parents experience their children’s distance learning as a primary source of pandemic stress (71%).
Covid Uncertainty and The Power of Now
Unexpectedly, we have had to adapt to a state of profound uncertainty. The truth is we never had certainty, because all our well laid plans have always had the potential to be thwarted by life happening. However, we HAD the sensation of certainty and covid-19 burst our bubble. As a psychologist, I see the opportunity in this state of uncertainty. On the one hand, we can (and do) focus on the unanswered questions and anxieties about the future state of travel, school, work, health, finances, jobs, life as we knew it and the state of the new normal. On the other hand, tearing the thin veil of certainty allows us to see life for what it is and to live what many spiritual teachers and schools of psychology purport: all we have is NOW and we better be mindful of it. We are in the midst of a mindfulness class, on a global level. There is no escape.
To read the rest of the article, click here
Leigh Matthews is a Registered Australian Psychologist and founder of Therapy in Barcelona, a group therapy practice in Barcelona that has supported the English speaking international community for over 13 years. While Leigh’s earlier work focused on helping clients navigate the complexities of expatriate life, her current role is dedicated to leading a uniquely diverse team of highly skilled English speaking therapists from around the world in Barcelona. Committed to fostering professional growth and collaboration, Leigh ensures the practice provides compassionate, client-centred care while focusing on business development and mentorship. Through Therapist Launchpad Consultations, Leigh now shares her expertise, supporting therapists to build successful, ethical practices of their own. Visit Leigh’s LinkedIn Profile
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website does not and is not intended to, constitute legal or medical advice; instead, all information available on this site is for general informational purposes only. Laws are subject to change and do so regularly. While Therapy in Barcelona endeavours to ensure that the content is accurate and up-to-date, users should seek appropriate legal or medical advice before taking or refraining from taking any action based on the content of the website or otherwise. Post may contain affiliate links.
