From Chile to Europe: The Unexpected Twist in My Life
My story begins in my beloved Chile, a country where climbing the professional ladder isn’t a walk in the park. I was the first in my family to graduate from college and actually work in my field of study. Life seemed perfect—I had a prestigious HR position in a large company, academic recognition, meaningful relationships, financial stability, and the freedom to travel.
But life, as we know, often has other plans. One day, an Austrian man entered my life and turned everything upside down. Suddenly, I was faced with the decision to move 14,000 kilometers away, leave behind everything familiar, and start a new life in a foreign country. “How hard could it be?” I naively thought. I was about to find out as I started my expat journey.
The Reality of Expat Life: Struggles and Self-Discovery
The honeymoon phase of exploring Europe quickly faded, giving way to the harsh realities of life abroad. I struggled with the language barrier, finding a job, making new friends, and even lost the independence I had always cherished. At one point, I had to ask my partner to accompany me to the gynecologist—an experience that shattered my self-perception.
My confidence took a massive hit when a “career coach” bluntly told me, “Here, you are a nobody—you should have stayed in your country.” Those words stung, making me feel like I was losing everything I had worked so hard to achieve. So far on my expat journey, I was on the brink of depression, my self-image hiding like a scared ostrich, and I kept all of this from my loved ones back home, not wanting to worry them.
Then, one grey morning, I woke up crying alone in my flat. But something shifted within me—I finally allowed myself to grieve, to feel the weight of my situation. And in that moment of vulnerability, I decided it was time to prioritize my mental health.
The Turning Point: Rebuilding My Life and Career
Focusing on myself was the key. Within weeks, my language skills improved, I found the perfect job, reconnected deeply with my loved ones back home, and made amazing new connections. My relationship thrived, and most importantly, I rediscovered my confidence and strength to face future challenges on my expat journey.
This experience taught me that the key to everything was always within me—I just hadn’t been ready to listen.
Today, I’m a licensed psychologist in Chile and a certified coach in Austria, with over 20 years of experience. My expat journey through three major international moves has given me a profound understanding of multicultural challenges. I now help expats reclaim their self-confidence, find their footing, and thrive in their new environments.
What I Do: Helping Expats Overcome Challenges
As an online psychologist specializing in expat life abroad, my mission is to be the anchor and down-to-earth supporter for those living abroad. I focus on helping expats overcome challenges with anxiety, burnout, and cultural adjustment challenges, guiding them towards a fulfilling life wherever they are.
My personal journey sets me apart—I’ve walked the path my clients are on. I offer a practical, solution-oriented approach that’s empathetic and culturally sensitive. I work in English, Spanish, and German, ensuring my services are accessible and personalized.
What I’m Proud Of: The Transformations I’ve Facilitated
The most rewarding aspect of my work is witnessing the transformations in my clients. For example, Maria, a Spanish expat in the US, regained her mental freedom and felt safe to express herself during our sessions. Leslie, a German expat in Chile, rebuilt her confidence and started enjoying her expat life after years of struggle. These success stories are the heart of my brand and the reason I do what I do.
My Services: Expertly Crafted Support for Expats
Here’s a glimpse of what I offer:
- Online Counseling: Personalized 1:1 sessions to help expats regain self-esteem, build strong relationships, and move forward positively.
- Couples Counseling: Specialized sessions designed to help expat couples navigate the unique challenges of life abroad, strengthen their relationship, and build a harmonious life together in a new country.
- Design Your Roadmap: A 90-minute session that provides a customized action plan to overcome procrastination and achieve your goals.
- DIY Digital Course: A self-paced course to build resilience and self-confidence, helping expats connect with loved ones, overcome anxiety, and prioritize themselves.
- Workshops & Speaking Events: Strategically designed workshops and talks addressing mental health challenges faced by expats, digital nomads, and international employees.
When you work with me, you can expect:
- Empathy and Understanding: I’ve been through what you’re experiencing, so you’ll feel heard and not judged.
- Flexibility: Online, customized support from anywhere in the world, in Spanish, English, or German.
- Support Between Sessions: 24/7 access for ongoing support, making the process continuous and impactful.
- Vast Experience: With over 20 years of experience and having helped more than 400 internationals worldwide, I bring a unique blend of HR knowledge and solution-oriented therapy.
Risk-Taking: A Cornerstone of My Expat Journey
Risk-taking has been a significant part of my expat journey, shaping who I am today. Moving abroad for love, traveling solo for a year, and starting my own business were all major risks that led to immense personal and professional growth. I believe that embracing uncertainty, learning from failure, and prioritizing mental health are crucial to navigating risks successfully.
Taking these risks has enhanced my self-confidence, fueled my professional growth, and brought deep personal fulfillment. I encourage everyone to embrace risks, stay connected to their purpose, and trust in their ability to handle whatever life throws their way.
Embracing the Expat Journey
My journey from Chile to Europe, from HR professional to expat psychologist, has been filled with challenges, growth, and profound transformations. Today, I’m passionate about helping other expats overcome challenges, navigate their own journeys, reclaim their confidence, and thrive in their new environments. Whether you’re struggling with cultural adjustment, anxiety, or simply looking for support in your expat life, I’m here to help you find your way.
Embrace the journey, take risks, and remember that the key to overcoming challenges often lies within you. You are capable of achieving the life you want, no matter where you are in the world.
Find out more about my methods and approach here.
Do you want to know more about on how to overcome Limiting Beliefs of life abroad? Check my Workshop here
Searching for useful and effective strategies? Download my 9 Tools to overcome Expat Anxiety Freebie
Want your 30-Minute Free Consultation? Book Here! and let’s start the road to the expat life YOU want to live!
Check the testimonials of clients living the life abroad they want!
By your side,
If you are an expat who wants to live a joyful, successful and fulfilled international life, Gabriela is the Licensed Psychologist and Mentor you need.
She helps you reclaim your self-confidence back and design your expat life in your own terms. Gabriela has more than 20 years of professional experience, speaks 3 languages (sometimes in one sentence, like you!) and has supported more than 400 expats overcome anxiety and burnout, build meaningful relationships and enjoy their international lives, wherever they are, wherever they are heading.
Gabriela supports expats in Spanish, English and German and also offers workshops and talks for companies.
