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This questionnaire is intended to serve as a personal orientation for you. Your answers remain confidential and will not be stored – they are meant to help you better assess your current situation.
Psychological Psychotherapist (CBT) Sally Schulze
It's wonderful that you've found your way to our page for psychological support in florence for English speakers. I understand how it feels to be far from home. Life as an expat holds so many wonderful experiences, but it can also be an emotional rollercoaster. The longing for family and friends, the challenge of finding your way in a new culture, and that feeling of having one foot in two worlds – all of this can be quite nerve-wracking. Especially when the silence sets in, and you stand on the Ponte Vecchio, homesickness can become overwhelming, and you might feel uprooted. Please know that you're not alone.
As an online psychologist, I understand the very specific difficulties that await you as an English speaker abroad. It's often not just the obvious things like cultural differences or language barriers. It's the subtle nuances, the small misunderstandings that repeatedly arise in everyday life, and this feeling of identity loss that is so difficult to grasp and put into words. Perhaps you miss familiar foods or a certain way of doing things back home. I know how exhausting that can be.
My goal here is to show you both local resources in florence that can help you and to introduce you to my online counseling. This is specifically designed to support you as an English speaker abroad – no matter where you are right now and what challenges you are facing. Because sometimes you just need someone who really understands your situation and can support you with advice and assistance.
I keep hearing the question: Sally, do you also take time for yourself? The answer is: Yes! As a speaker, expert and entrepreneur, I am passionate about women's health. But I don't burn out.
I manage to do this by taking care of myself. The following applies to me: Practise what you preach. So you will not only find me at MentalStark, in TED Talks or when podcasting. No. You can also find me in Frankfurt cafés, by the lake or on the snowboard. In the picture on the right, I am enjoying the sun and the fresh sea breeze. That's how I recharge my batteries and then start all over again.
As a licensed psychological psychotherapist (CBT) and certified fertility counselor (BKiD), I bring more than 3,000 hours of experience in online counseling. My approach is based on appreciation and radical acceptance – I create a safe space where you feel understood and accepted.
A trusting relationship is particularly important to me in our collaboration. Your experiences as an English speaker abroad deserve special attention and understanding, because life between two cultures brings unique challenges.
For in-person appointments in Florence, there is an English-speaking doctor who also offers psychological counseling. She is located in a central location:
Dr. Silvia Eva Kurpanik
General practitioner with psychological counseling
Via Antonio Cocchi, 18
50131 Florence, Italy
As an experienced psychological psychotherapist, I offer you empathetic psychological online counseling. I understand how overwhelming it can be to adapt to a new culture – when the language sounds foreign, the social codes are different, and sometimes you can't even explain why you feel so alien.
In my online counseling, we create a protected space where you can talk about all these feelings in your native language. Whether you feel torn between cultures, identity issues concern you, or homesickness weighs you down – together we will find ways for you to not only survive in florence, but to lead a fulfilling life.
Even if you are in a relationship crisis – perhaps even with a partner from a different cultural background – my couples counseling is a valuable support to build cultural bridges and find your way back to each other.
The 20-minute introductory conversation with me is free of charge. Check completely without obligation whether the chemistry is right and ask your open questions. You are also welcome to make appointments by email. I look forward to getting to know you and finding a way together how you can not only survive in florence, but really arrive.
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You can easily book your free introductory session through my online calendar.
In Florence, expats and English speakers may face challenges such as the competitive job market, particularly for non-EU citizens, difficulties in finding accommodation, social isolation due to language barriers and cultural differences, and dealing with Italian bureaucracy. The "Dolce Vita" ideal can also create pressure to be constantly happy and successful, which can lead to stress.
It is important to have realistic expectations and be prepared for a longer search process. Build a network, use online platforms and local expat groups. For finding accommodation, it can be helpful to hire a real estate agent. Focus on your strengths and be creative in your job search. Psychological counseling can help you deal with frustration and maintain motivation.
One option is to contact Dr. Silvia Eva Kurpanik, an English-speaking doctor who also offers psychological counseling. Another option is online counseling, which offers the advantage that you can speak to an English-speaking psychologist from anywhere. You can obtain information on costs and possible insurance coverage directly from the providers.
Allow yourself to feel uncomfortable and take the time to explore the new culture. Try to learn the Italian language to better immerse yourself in everyday life. Seek contact with other expats and locals. Accept that it takes time to adjust and be patient with yourself. Psychological counseling can help you process your experiences and develop strategies to cope with culture shock.
Maintain contact with your family and friends at home, but also open yourself up to new contacts in Florence. Participate in local activities, attend language courses or get involved in clubs. Explore the city and its surroundings to connect with the place. If homesickness becomes overwhelming, psychological counseling can help you process your feelings and develop new perspectives. There are various expat groups in Florence that offer a great opportunity to meet new people. For example, via Meetup or Facebook groups.
Language barriers can lead to frustration, isolation and the feeling of not being understood. Use language courses, tandem partners or apps to improve your language skills. Don't hesitate to ask for help and use translation services if necessary. Psychological counseling in your native language can help you cope with language-related challenges and build your self-confidence.
Differences in directness of communication, punctuality and working methods can lead to misunderstandings. Try to understand the cultural differences and adjust to them. Be open to other perspectives and avoid generalizations. Address conflicts directly but respectfully and try to find common ground. Humor can help reduce tension. In psychological counseling, we can work together to develop strategies to resolve intercultural conflicts constructively.
Updated on: March 30, 2025
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Sally Schulze 2025
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