A Perfect Time to Start Therapy and Executive Function Coaching
Contributed by Samantha J. Narins, MSED, LMSW
It’s always a good time to begin a therapeutic journey, but particularly as September rolls around, the back-to-school season can bring a sense of fresh starts and new routines. For many internationals and expats, this transitional period is an ideal time to start therapy or coaching, and here’s why:
1. A Time for New Beginnings
Just like students heading back to school, September feels like a reset button. After the busy summer months, expats often find themselves returning to more structured routines. This makes it a great opportunity to focus on your mental health and personal growth. Therapy can help you set new goals and navigate life changes with greater clarity and motivation.
2. Managing Post-Summer Transitions
If you’ve spent the summer traveling, hosting visitors, or adjusting to a new country, the transition into autumn can stir up unexpected emotions—loneliness, stress, or even homesickness. Therapy provides a safe space to process these feelings and develop coping strategies, especially as the busy summer fades into quieter routines.
3. Support for School Transitions
For expat families, the back-to-school season can bring challenges for both parents and children. Whether it’s adjusting to new schools, cultures, or social circles, therapy or coaching can be a valuable resource for navigating these shifts smoothly. It’s not just for the kids—parents also benefit from the support to manage the stress and sometimes chaos of these changes.
4. Setting Goals for the Year Ahead
September feels like a second New Year, offering a great time to reflect on where you are in your expat journey. Whether you’re seeking emotional support or executive coaching to improve your work-life balance, starting therapy now can help you set and achieve goals for the months ahead.
Taking the first step toward therapy in this season allows you to embrace the momentum of change and growth. Whether you’re seeking emotional support or tools to thrive in your new environment, September offers the perfect backdrop for new beginnings.
Author: Samantha J. Narins, MSED, LMSW
Samantha is a globally practicing virtual therapist and coach for digital nomads, expats, and students.Samantha is formally trained as an educator, coach, and psychotherapist, and has provided specialized coaching and executive function support to private clientele experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, autism, ADHD, eating disorders, substance use, self harm, life transitions, relationship issues, mood disorders, decision stress, academic stress, self confidence, and more.
In addition to a Master of Education, Samantha holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver, where she focused her studies on holistic mental health and wellness. She utilizes an integrative blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy(ACT), Motivational Interviewing, executive function skill building, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, mindfulness, and more. Samantha is a Licensed Master Social Worker.
