Phone: 602-878-7718 Fax: 602-610-6064
Therapy & Life Coaching for Life Abroad
Moving to Europe is an amazing experience — but it's not without its hurdles. From cultural shifts to feelings of loneliness or disconnection, living abroad can bring up challenges you didn't expect. Therapy can help you stay grounded while you build your best life overseas.
Hi, I'm Jara Bender, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-20500) currently based in Arizona, USA. I've spent over 12 years helping individuals navigate life's biggest challenges — from healing past trauma to building stronger, more meaningful futures.
My passion for working with expats and retirees comes not just from my professional experience, but from personal experience, too. I've lived abroad before, and I'm currently in the process of relocating to Spain. I know firsthand the excitement of starting fresh in a new country — and the unexpected emotional hurdles that can come with it. In my own journey, especially early on, I realized how much I would have benefited from having supportive, culturally sensitive guidance during that major transition.
Over the years, I've traveled extensively, immersing myself in different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. I deeply understand how living abroad can challenge you — emotionally, mentally, and spiritually — while also offering incredible opportunities for growth and self-discovery. It’s this blend of professional training and lived experience that I bring into my work with clients.
Whether you're adjusting to a new life abroad, healing old wounds, or simply seeking someone who truly understands the journey you're on, I'm here to help you feel supported, empowered, and ready to thrive — wherever you call home.
Jara Bender, LCSW
Why Work with a Therapist Who Understands Life Abroad?
Therapy should feel like a place where you are truly seen and understood — especially when living far from home.
Cultural Understanding
When you're living abroad, it can feel surprisingly difficult to find support that truly "gets" you. I share your cultural framework, communication styles, and emotional reference points — which means I understand not just the words you're saying, but the deeper meanings and experiences behind them.
Many expats find that local therapists, while highly skilled, may not fully grasp the nuances of their background: the humor, the way we express emotions, the cultural expectations we carry, or even the subtle ways we experience stress, relationships, or success. Working with someone who understands these layers naturally can make therapy feel smoother, safer, and more effective.
You won't need to spend time explaining your worldview — we can focus directly on your goals, your healing, and building the life you want abroad. Therapy should feel like a bridge to your best self, not another cultural translation you have to manage.
Native Language Comfort
In therapy, words matter — not just what you say, but how you say it. Being able to express your emotions, your thoughts, your humor, your frustrations — without pausing to find the right word or worrying about being misunderstood — is vital for meaningful growth.
When therapy happens in your native language, you can dive deeper, connect more authentically to your emotions, and explore complex ideas without hesitation. Subtle nuances like sarcasm, slang, or emotional undertones are naturally understood, which creates a smoother, more intuitive conversation.
You deserve a space where you can be fully yourself — not editing, simplifying, or translating your experiences. My goal is to offer that space, so your energy stays focused on healing and growth, not on bridging a language gap.
Personal Insight
Moving abroad isn’t just a physical relocation — it’s a full emotional journey. I understand firsthand the complexities of international living, from the endless logistics like visas, housing, and healthcare, to the more hidden emotional waves: excitement, culture shock, loneliness, identity shifts, and even grief for the life you left behind.
It’s one thing to dream about a life overseas; it’s another to actually live it day-to-day — navigating new systems, building new relationships, and redefining what "home" means. I know what it’s like to both love the adventure and feel overwhelmed by the challenges, sometimes all in the same day.
Because I’ve lived abroad before, am now relocating to Portugal, and have spent much of my life traveling and immersing myself in new cultures, I understand the full emotional landscape of life abroad — the excitement, the challenges, and everything in between. I bring this personal, lived experience to my work, alongside my professional expertise. Therapy with me is designed to honor every part of your journey: the practical steps, the emotional shifts, and the deep personal transformation that can come with building a new life in a new place.
Expat Services Offered
Life abroad brings incredible opportunities — and also unique challenges. Therapy and coaching can help you navigate transitions, reconnect with yourself, and build a vibrant, fulfilling life wherever you are in the world. Whether you're facing emotional hurdles, looking to heal from past experiences, or simply wanting to grow into your next chapter, I'm here to support you with experience, compassion, and a deep understanding of international living.I offer the following services to English-speaking adults living in Portugal and throughout Europe:
Individual Therapy
Private, one-on-one therapy designed to support your mental and emotional well-being as you navigate life abroad. We’ll work together to explore patterns, heal old wounds, manage stress, and build tools for resilience and self-trust. I integrate evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR for trauma recovery, and mindfulness-based techniques to help you feel more grounded and empowered — no matter where your journey takes you.
Life Coaching
Sometimes you don’t need therapy — you need a thought partner, a strategist, and a guide. Life coaching sessions are focused on helping you clarify goals, tackle obstacles, and create a meaningful life abroad. Whether you’re designing your next chapter, exploring career pivots, strengthening your sense of purpose, or simply trying to feel more connected in a new place, coaching offers future-focused support tailored to your dreams and challenges.
Trauma Recovery & EMDR Therapy
Trauma doesn’t disappear when you move countries — and sometimes big life transitions bring old wounds to the surface. I offer specialized trauma support, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an evidence-based approach to healing trauma and reducing emotional distress. Whether you're carrying past experiences or facing new ones abroad, you deserve a space where healing is possible — one that honors your full story.
Adjustment Support for New Expats
Moving abroad is exciting — and overwhelming. This service focuses specifically on helping clients adjust emotionally and mentally to a new country. We’ll work on managing culture shock, loneliness, homesickness, building new routines, and creating a sense of home in a new environment.
Stress & Anxiety Management
Living overseas adds a unique layer of stress. I offer specialized support to help you manage anxiety, uncertainty, and daily stressors, using a combination of CBT, mindfulness, and somatic strategies — so you can feel calmer, more confident, and more present in your new life.
Session Cost, Payment, and Licensure Information
Session Fee
Life Coaching - 60€ + VAT; Bundles of 6 sessions - 320€ + VAT
Therapy - 80€
Payment
Sessions are private pay and payment is due at the time of service.
Insurance Reimbursement
While I do not bill insurance directly, I’m happy to provide a superbill for therapy services — a detailed receipt you can submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement.Every insurance plan is different, so I encourage you to check with your provider to see what benefits may be available to you, especially for international or virtual therapy services.
Licensure Information
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Arizona, USA, with over 12 years of professional experience.Because I am not licensed under any European regulatory bodies, services for clients living abroad may be considered consultative, therapeutic coaching, or supportive counseling depending on local laws.
My Committment
No matter where you are in the world, my commitment remains the same: to offer you high-quality, compassionate support rooted in professionalism, care, and deep understanding.If you have any questions about how services apply to your location, I’m happy to talk with you and help clarify.