COACHING & CONSULTANCY
SUPPORT FOR EVERY STAGE OF EXPAT LIFE
ONLINE & In-PERSON, BASED IN UK, REACHING EXPATS WORLDWIDE
Are you:
-An Expat: living, studying, training or working overseas?
-A Counsellor, Coach or Teacher working with Expats?
-An organisation with international employees?
-Looking for PD opportunities focused on Expat wellbeing?
If so, this website is for you.
Moving overseas is an amazing adventure offering countless opportunities for people yet, relocation can pose challenges. Moving to a new country can trigger anxiety, stress and an overwhelming sense of loss of home, family, community, schools, career and friends. Difficulties settling in, adapting to new cultural norms, rebuilding support systems, and creating a sense of belonging can have a huge impact on wellbeing and performance. Challenges may also occur when returning home. In fact, repatriation is one of the hardest moves you can make.
At EXPATeez, I use my overseas experience as a Counsellor, Coach and Consultant to equip expats and the professionals supporting them, with knowledge, tools and confidence to manage change.
What I Offer
Everyone has a story. An expat story unfolds across the globe.
Most expats have a full, colourful story to tell and having space to explore this is helpful to appreciate your current situation and what you want. Once you understand this unique lifestyle, you can start to move forward. As your Coach I will:
Looking forward to hearing your story!
Who I work with
I work Across all Ages and Stages of Expat Life to help you navigate significant changes in your living environment and support systems due to overseas moves or repatriation. It takes time to understand how to function effectively in a new place. In the meantime, people may experience: identity issues, relational difficulties, academic and career concerns, feelings of Rootlessness, Restlessness and Grief. I also work with professionals who support Expats, as I believe that knowledgeable responses lead to better outcomes.
Frequent mobility can impact a Young Person’s schooling experience. Educational systems, teaching styles, grading systems and rules and routines vary greatly. Accumulation of educational gaps and learning challenges that go unnoticed/unaddressed can impact a child’s learning. Moving mid-year can mean that friendship groups and teams are already established, trips are full and drama productions cast. Coming from a different system may mean that young people have been involved in different activities which are unavailable in their new place. These are all things that foster a sense of belonging. Where there is an opportunity to rescript, there is also the loss of a previous history which takes time to re-establish. It is important that Expat YP’s explore their educational journey to help them to understand how this journey has impacted them otherwise it may leave them believing that underachievement and a poor school experience is due to a deficit in themselves as a person and student rather than difficulties arising from the educational journey itself.
Playing sport overseas offers incredible opportunities for sportsmen and women, but an international move can be as demanding as the competition itself. Adjusting to new cultures, languages, lifestyles and playing environments without their usual support systems in place, can affect performance, wellbeing and career longevity. Awareness and preparation is paramount, both for the athlete and any accompanying family. Supporting a smooth transition encourages athletes to adapt more effectively, build resilience and maintain focus on their goals, so they can thrive both personally and professionally on the international stage.
Moving alone, to boarding school or university, even in their ‘home country’ often means timely access to knowledgeable support systems including family, and the expat community are more challenging. When the family remains overseas, the opportunity to physically touch base from time to time, for exeat or a university recharge weekend at home is not possible. Extended family may be close by however, being overseas could mean that those relationships may not have had time to fully develop. Expat YPs fall somewhere between home and international students, and as such fitting in can take time. Working as a Counsellor, a significant number of my clients were young people who had ‘gone home’ to boarding school or university only to have left prematurely, often during their first year. Amongst other reasons, difficulties fitting in, gaining a sense of belonging, inability to make connections with home/international students, homesickness were familiar concerns. It is not unusual for a student to want to change course or even university, or for a Boarder to want to change school during the settling in process.
TCKs can appear more mature in adult circles but are often behind in their adolescent development. Moving countries means they are often ‘stuck’ with their parents until new friendships are established. Gaining independence by having a part time job, using public transport, learning to drive may be an issue. Young people growing up overseas do not have time to absorb the values and traditions specific to their home culture and test them within the safe confines of their family. Testing boundaries therefore must come later, and university is the perfect time and place to experiment, but without that all important parental supervision. Coaching sessions to prepare for university life as an Expat Student can be very helpful.
Individual Sessions
I offer a range of online appointments to reflect the needs of the expat communities around the world. I am skilled at working online as well as face-to-face. I offer Discovery Sessions, Single/One At A Time Sessions, in addition to Short and Longer Term appointments. Please read the FAQ section and my Privacy Policy for further details.
Discovery Sessions
If you are considering using my services , and want to find out more, I would encourage you to arrange an initial 30 minute Discovery Call via video. It is important for us to understand as much as we can before working together. A Discovery Call would allow us to have a conversation about what you need and to establish if I am the right person to work with you and/or the young person you are supporting. There is a small charge for this meeting, however I believe it is money well spent if it allows you to make a crucial decision about your next steps. If, at the end of the session, it’s decided you need something different, it is hoped that you will learn enough during our Discovery Call to help you gain more clarity about what you need. As these sessions are designed from a personal consultancy basis rather than a therapeutic one, a signed working agreement is not needed. By booking an appointment, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy set out on this website.
Single/One-At-A-Time Sessions (OAAT)
Single/One-at-a-Time Sessions encourage you to bring to the table anything about your Expat Life that is currently important to you, without entering into a long-term working relationship. A Single Session may be all you need to confidently explore any challenges, changes, and choices you need to make or goals you would like to set. There is no weekly commitment or set number of sessions. Engaging in a Single Session does not have to mean that we can only meet once. Single sessions can be booked One-at-a-Time as and when needed. As these sessions are designed from a personal consultancy basis rather than a therapeutic one, a signed working agreement is not needed. By booking an appointment, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy set out on this website.
Short/Longer Term Sessions
There are occasions when you realise that more time and support is needed to manage your expat life. Or perhaps you would like to be proactive as you approach an important milestone such as moving to a new country, to boarding school, university or starting out in the working world. Each expat life chapter can bring a flurry of conflicting emotions that range from excitement to overwhelm. To manage this, you may want to think about my short/longer term option. Below is my own model that I sometimes use to guide us. It allows us work along the counselling/coaching continuum to help young people understand their life experiences, take stock of where they are and gain clarity on what they want for their future selves. Short term work involves around six sessions, longer term is open ended. It is important that you book a Discovery Call first to discuss your needs and the processes involved if you are thinking of engaging in Short/Longer term sessions. This will provide us with an opportunity to create a working agreement that will help you gain the greatest benefit from our sessions together.
CPD and Information Sessions
Throughout many years living and working within expat communities, I have learnt that the wellbeing of Expat YP’s is best supported when the adults around them have an in-depth understanding of both the challenges this lifestyle presents together with an awareness of how to develop the protective factors needed to manage it. It is vital that all adults who engage with young expats, including school personnel and parents, companies, employees and their families, and health professionals dedicate time to understanding the needs of this unique population. I offer a range of CPD, Presentations, Workshops and Information Sessions to facilitate this. As these sessions are designed from consultancy basis rather than a therapeutic one, signed working agreements are not needed. By booking and/or engaging in these sessions you agree to the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy set out on this website.
Short- and Longer-Term Therapeutic Coaching
It is sometimes wise to glance backwards to move forward
One of the most important lessons we can learn is that as life continues to unfold, so do we. There is always an opportunity for us to change, to grow, to move forward. My Integrative Therapeutic Coaching model is designed specifically to navigate life’s continuous transitions in a healthier way.
The EMeRGE Model will provide a framework for you to:
EXPLORE
Glance backwards to make sense of your story.
ME
Understand how your expat life has shaped you, the challenges it has afforded you and how to use the gifts and talents you have accumulated along the way.
RESCRIPT
Leave behind barriers to success, and carry forward what continues to serve you.
GOALS
Understand what is important for you now, and in moving forward.
ENGAGE
Invest in yourself by putting into practice what you have learnt about yourself.
Consultancy Services: CPD, Presentations and Workshops for Expat-Conscious Schools and Universities
It is vital for everyone to increase their understanding of the issues affecting expats so that knowledgeable support systems can be put in place to manage a range of challenges. For adults who provide support for young expats, whether you are a Pastoral Lead, Counsellor, Head/teacher, Safeguarding Lead, Head of Year/ Grade Manager, Housemaster/mistress, or providing wellbeing services for university students, I am pleased to offer high-quality research and experience based Professional Development focused on supporting the wellbeing of young expats at various stages of their journey. Sessions can be delivered online and where possible, in person. I also offer presentations and workshops for parents and young expats so please keep a watchful eye on my website to learn about upcoming sessions.
Contact Kathy using the contact form below for more information about individual training needs.
Coming Soon : Watch for upcoming online CPD, Presentations, Workshops and Parent Information Sessions here.
- Understanding and supporting the Wellbeing of Children and Young People in International Schools.
- Growing Up Expat: understanding and responding to the challenges faced by adolescents in international schools.
- Understanding, Recognition, Connection and Belonging: The Four Cornerstones of Expat Wellbeing.
- Counselling, Coaching and Mentoring Expat Children and Young People.
- Supporting Expat Families in Transition: helping families move well(er).
- Creating Transition Programmes that Support International School Communities.
- Boarding Ready: guidance for families preparing for boarding school.
- Hidden Students: understanding and supporting the needs of expat boarders.
- An Expat YP’s Guide to Attending University: encouraging a positive transition to university.
- Counselling Expat Students: understanding the needs and challenges of this unique population.
- Successful Repatriation for Expat Families.
- Making the most of your Expat Gap Year.
- Supporting Early Career Teachers in International Schools.
Consultancy Services: CPD Opportunities, Presentations and Workshops for Expat-Conscious Companies
International assignments are key to global expansion, however the failure rate of expatriates posted to foreign shores remains high. Approximately four out of 10 expatriates will underperform, resign midway, or complete an overseas contract without further desire to accept a subsequent foreign post. On average, expatriates cost two to three times more than companies would invest in an equivalent position back home. Hiring expatriates is a lengthy process to get the right person in place however, companies often underestimate the needs of family members. A spouse or young person who is struggling to settle into their new environment can have a significant impact on an employee’s performance and willingness to complete an assignment. Providing ongoing support to families is vital to improving expatriate success. This can be achieved when companies increase their knowledge and commitment to expat wellbeing and provide opportunities for employees and their families to deepen their understanding, acquire tools and develop strategies to manage their expat experience. During my time overseas I have worked with companies to provide a range of opportunities designed to promote the wellbeing of employees and their families.
Contact Kathy using the contact form below for more information about individual training needs.
Coming Soon : Watch for upcoming online CPD, Presentations, Workshops and Family Information Sessions here.
- Onboarding Support for your Expat Employees and their Families.
- International Teachers on the Move: helping your staff arrive well, stay well and leave well.
- Encouraging Healthier Transitions: helping expat families move well(er).
- Moving On: strategies for helping children and young people manage change.
- Navigating International Schools: helping your children thrive at school.
- The Emptying Nest: building the support systems and coping strategies needed when young people leave to attend boarding school/university.
- Preparing your Expat Adolescent for University
- Boarding Ready: getting your expat child ready for boarding.
- The Trailing Spouse: managing your expat family whilst making the most of your overseas experience.
- Understanding, Recognition, Connection and Belonging: The Four Cornerstones of Expat Wellbeing.
- Supporting Mental Health in your Expat Children and Adolescents.
Frequently Asked Questions
My name is Kathy Swords and I trade as EXPATeez, a service dedicated to the wellbeing of people who have spent time living, studying, training and working overseas. It is important is that people have an opportunity of work with someone whose area of expertise is deeply embedded in the expat experience. EXPATeez has been specifically designed with you all in mind.
I am an accredited BACP counsellor and EMCC Accredited Coach at Senior Practitioner Level. Being dual skilled to a high-level means that I can work safely and effectively across the counselling/coaching continuum. I am also a fully qualified teacher which is helpful when engaging in presentations and workshops. Having worked in several international schools, and communities, I have extensive counselling and coaching experience working with expats worldwide. I have lived overseas for 30 years, bringing up my family within the expat communities we have called home for so long. This has helped me gain a deeper insight into the challenges the expat lifestyle can bring and how to mediate for these.
The services I offer cover both online and, where possible, face to face sessions. Online sessions are conducted through Zanda, which is a cloud-based private practice management system designed to meet the needs of healthcare practitioners wishing to offer flexible, accessible and efficient services. To protect all parties, Zanda is ISO 27001, HIPAA and GDPR compliant. Please visit their website here to read their Privacy Policy.
The knowledge and skills I have acquired through years of training and hands-on experience as a Counsellor and a Coach are integrated into the way I work with you. The focus of my work for EXPATeez is on increasing wellbeing through meeting the needs of the expatriate population as they navigate their highly mobile world. I do not currently work with significant mental health challenges that individuals sometimes experience, although I do understand how increasing your knowledge of challenges an Expat life affords you, may compliment other resources you may be currently using. If during our conversations we realise that you need a different response, I will try to signpost you to alternative sources to replace or compliment my work with you.
One-to-one sessions are available to from Mid Adolescence years - twentysomethings - Adulthood. I do not work with young children however, as it is difficult to establish an exact age, as young people mature at different rates, a discovery call can help us to understand if a younger person is ready and will benefit from sessions, especially when working online. For those not quite ready, I can offer parent/carer sessions focused on understanding and supporting their expat child. Please read my Privacy Policy here for further details about services for young people.
Online sessions take place via video call hosted by my personal Zanda platform. Wherever you are in the world, it is easy to look at my availability to see if you can find a time that will suit us both. Workshops/Presentations can take place online but where possible, face to face is an option.
Individual sessions are confidential, however there are cases when I may need to share information including if:
a. there is something you would like me to share with someone else if you feel this will be helpful to you.
b. you were to pose a danger to yourself or others, in which case relevant parties would be notified.
There are additional reasons to consider. Please refer to Terms and Conditions and my Privacy Policy for further information.
The number of sessions you will need will depend on your unique circumstances. Keep in mind that once you start your sessions with me, you may discover new avenues you might wish to explore that you had not previously considered. I offer a range of session options to manage any need for flexibility including: Discovery Sessions, Single/One At A Time Sessions, in addition to Short and Longer Term appointments.
Current fees for services are set out below. EXPATeez reserves the right to adjust session rates / timings.
- Discovery Call - £30
- Single/OAAT Session 60: mins - £85
- Single/OAAT Session: 90 mins - £100
- Short/Longer Term Session: 60 mins - £85
- Short/Longer Term Session: 90 mins - £100
- Online presentations/workshops: Individually priced
- Professional Development – Please contact me for rates at: kathyswords@expateez.com
Payment is made through the ZANDA platform. Zanda uses Stripe to manage transactions. Once you have chosen your session you will be able to pay directly online to secure your booking.
In booking an appointment with me, you have taken an important step. You have made an investment in yourself. Once paid for, sessions cannot be refunded. If you need to cancel your appointment, a minimum of 48 hours’ notice is needed to reschedule, though this is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
I understand how important it is for you to ensure that what I offer is right for you. If you have another question, please feel free to email me here or perhaps you can consider a Discovery Call as this is the best way of understanding the services I offer and more importantly, if I am right for you.
My location
From my base in Staffordshire, I work online with Expats in the UK and internationally.
Sessions take place via video call hosted by my personal Zanda platform. Wherever you are in the world, it is easy to look at my availability to see if you can find a time that will suit us both.
Workshops/Presentations can take place online however, where possible, I welcome the opportunity to work face to face both in the UK and internationally.
About Kathy
I'm an accredited BACP counsellor and EMCC Accredited Senior Practitioner Level Coach with extensive experience in UK and international schools. My career began in education as a PE Teacher and, for the last seventeen years, I have worked as a counsellor, coach and consultant. My expertise lies in supporting individuals navigating the challenges of high mobility associated with living, studying, training and working overseas. With qualifications in both counselling and coaching, I am able to respond flexibly and safely to each person's unique needs. My approach helps people reflect on how their overseas experiences have shaped them, leaving behind what no longer serves them, while carrying forward what strengthens their life.
I also work with adults who play a vital role in supporting expats. I believe that informed and knowledgeable support leads to the best outcomes, which is why I provide consultancy services to raise awareness including: supervision, CPD, workshops and presentations. These are high-quality, research-driven and experience-based, delivered online and in-person both in the UK and overseas.
Consultancy and Conference Speaking:
- Families in Global Transition Conference (Amsterdam),
- International Psychological Conference (Dubai),
- Student Wellbeing in International Schools Conference (Qatar),
- BSME Pastoral Care Conference (Qatar)
- MENA Inclusion and Wellbeing Conference (Dubai)
- Shell Outpost Services
- International Schools Group
- Hamad Corporation
Contact Kathy
I hope my website has given you a flavour of the services I offer.
If you have any questions, please feel free to use the contact form or email me at: kathyswords@expateez.com
The BOOK AN APPOINTMENT button will allow you to see my availability, book and pay for a short 30 minute Discovery Call or a Full Session. You will receive a confirmation of your booking and an encrypted video link.
I look forward to meeting you
*Before you book a session please read through this website's privacy policy and terms and conditions.