Moving abroad is so much more than a simple change of address, it often shakes up your sense of identity, your relationships, and your sense of stability. There’s plenty of practical support for expats, but places to talk openly and honestly about the emotional side of relocation are still surprisingly rare. That’s where Expat Reflection Circles come in: starting this September, these small-group sessions offer a structured, confidential space to process the inner journey of life in a new country.
What are these expat reflection circles about?
Led by psychologist and therapist Heather O’Donnell (M.Sc., DGSF), these bimonthly group sessions – available both in-person in Düsseldorf‑Urdenbach and online – are designed to help newcomers and long-time expats alike reflect on some of the most common and often overlooked challenges of life abroad:
- Feeling unanchored or disconnected
- Losing parts of your identity while adapting to a new culture
- Navigating cross-cultural relationships
- Battling burnout or the pressure to “thrive” at all costs
- Rekindling creativity or rediscovering a sense of rhythm in life
- Making meaning in the face of displacement or change
Grounded in the validated forms of psychological group therapy, these expat reflection circles foster trust, emotional honesty, and mutual growth. While not a replacement for individual therapy, they offer compassionate peer support in a structured, confidential environment.
Why we meet
Germany offers a high quality of life, a rich cultural landscape, and countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. Cities like Düsseldorf, Berlin, and Munich are home to vibrant international communities, and on the surface, it can seem like everything should be going well.
But settling into a new life abroad isn’t always as seamless as it looks. Many expats experience a drift into loneliness, identity confusion, or emotional fatigue, especially after the initial excitement of the move wears off. Even when the paperwork is sorted, the apartment is furnished, and the language classes have begun, something deeper may still feel… off.
This is where intentional support can make all the difference. A dedicated space to reflect, share, and be heard – without judgment or pressure – can be transformative. What often helps most isn’t advice or quick solutions, but the chance to reconnect – with your inner resilience, your own story, and a sense of belonging in this new chapter of your life.
How it works
- When & Where:
- In-person: 1st Tuesday of the month at Bücherstraße 6, Düsseldorf‑Urdenbach
- Online: 3rd Tuesday via Zoom
- Tuesdays, 18:00–19:30 (CEST) starting September 2, 2025
- Commitment: Six-month minimum, with at least one session per month (feel free to choose either in-person and online, or you’re welcome to take part in both)
- Cost: Suggested donation is €20 per session
- Next steps: Ready to explore this journey together? Start with a free, non‑binding intake conversation to see if the group feels like a fit. Drop Heather a brief email sharing your background and what draws you to join (in-person, online, or both).
