Talk Therapy for Expats

Hi, I’m Ryan Govender, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience helping people to solve their own problems, take charge of their lives, and navigate the difficulties that come up with confidence and grace.
I’m also an expat, born in South Africa and settled near Lisbon, Portugal after stints in both India and the USA. I know that change can be hard, moving countries can require a lot of mental gymnastics, and am happy to support others in their journeys.
There’s lots of reasons to find a therapist

Navigating Change
Change can be tough, especially big changes like moving countries, relationship changes, life phases, etc. Talking to a therapist can help you manage the waves of big life transitions.
Anxiety
Anxiety can make you feel overwhelmed and helpless. It’s important to talk through these feelings and get the help that you need in order to live your life in a way where you feel in control, calm, and present.

Depression
If you’re suffering with depression, you’re not alone. You can live a full life and experience fulfillment and happiness, even if it might not feel that way right now. Let’s get you on track to start feeling the way you’d like to feel.
Trauma
Unresolved trauma bleeds through into every aspect of your life. The best time to deal with it was yesterday, the second best time is right now. Let’s unpack some of that trauma so that you can move forward.
Choose the right therapist for you
Just like finding a partner, picking “the one” can seem daunting, but it shouldn’t be. This is a two-way street. You should feel comfortable with your psychologist and your psychologist needs to have the skills and experience to help you with your needs.
Make sure that you feel comfortable
Credentials matter, but so does fit. If you don’t feel comfortable, you won’t be able to share what’s important.
Ask the questions that matter to you
Don’t feel shy to ask about your therapist’s background, credentials, experience, and their therapeutic process.
Book a trial session before you commit
Book a free 30 minute session to get a real feel for a psychologist before scheduling your first full session.
FAQs
What are your qualifications?
I hold a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Industrial Sociology from Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa. I also hold a Masters Degree in Counseling and Clinical Psychology from University Autónoma de Lisboa in Portugal.
What approaches do you use?
In almost every initial therapeutic interaction I have with clients, I use the person centered approach devised by Carl Rogers. It’s an approach which focuses on you as, first and foremost, a human being who is capable and understanding of your own problems, contexts and possible solutions. I believe in you, and this theoretical perspective can give you the empowerment you need in order to be the person you would like to be. If you and your situation might benefit from a different approach, we have a number of other ways to work. Cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic approaches etc. are available for us to use too.
What is the 30 minute free session?
The free 30 minute session is purely for us to get to know each other in way that allows us to figure out if we are a good match. It is an opportunity for you to see if my communication style allows you to feel heard, if you feel safe and comfortable with me when discussing your feelings and thoughts and to check on what your expectations are for any sessions we may schedule.
I will also be using the session to learn how best I could help you and compare what I have to offer as a psychologist to what you might need. It’s important for both of us to feel positive about our therapeutic relationship and a quick 30 minute chat allows us to make sure it’s a good fit.
What are your fees?
The fee structure is designed to make therapy as accessible as it can be. My clients choose what they pay based on their financial situation. Some clients pay €200 EUR per session, some pay €40 EUR per session, and most pay something in between. After your first free session, we’ll talk about what amount feels right for you. Cost should never stop you from getting high quality therapy!
What do you specialize in?
I specialize, primarily, in dealing with adults who have gone through, or are going through, major life changes such as moving to foreign countries. I, myself, have experienced the difficulties and challenges associated with starting a new life in unfamiliar and intimating situations. I’m very aware that we, as people, still need to navigate the pressures of normal life such as a career, a family, romantic relationships and compromised support structures while being far away from the comfort of “home”. So many people are also dealing with stress, anxiety, depressed feelings and historic trauma while living in vulnerable circumstances. I enjoy working with people who are trying to find happiness while juggling all of those challenges.
How are sessions structured?
Sessions are 50 minutes in an online setting (Zoom, WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Meet). There is no need to commit to anything more than 1 session at a time. Conventionally, people would do 3 sessions before evaluating their feelings and what the best course of action would be for the future. It will always be up to you to decide what is best for you.
What folks are saying about working with ryan
Science-based therapy
“I really appreciate that Ryan allows me to come to my own conclusions. This isn’t life coaching, it’s based in science and Ryan is a trained guide to walk me through understanding my own life.”
Joao R.
I felt heard
“I tried therapy a few years ago and didn’t feel that I got anything from it. With Ryan I actually felt heard and was able to talk about some of the issues that I couldn’t discuss with anyone else.”
Hannah M.
I’m not alone
“Moving to a new country was daunting, but Ryan helped me to see that what I’m feeling is the same as what so many others have felt, and that I’m not alone.”
Mike C.
Ready to take the next step?
Schedule your free 30 minute session to see if we’re a good fit for each other.
