Based on my own professional experience, I have observed that there is often a lack of support for the mental wellbeing of humanitarian and charity workers. Many people enter this work for noble reasons and dedicate entire careers to helping others. But there can be challenges that come with this work, such as:

• Dealing with the effects of often working in highly traumatic situations
• When required to be away from home, often we can feel disconnected from our communities of origin
• Entire identities can be formed around ‘helping others’, but what about looking after your own needs and wants?
• As has been seen recently, the funding and long term stability of such work can be unpredictable, which can make it difficult to plan our lives and futures
• The toll such work can take on your family and close relationships

I believe that my experience of working in this sector and overseas gives me some unique insights into these challenges, and I believe that counselling can provide a safe and non-judgmental space to ask questions that are often not considered in this work.

I also have an interest, again formed by my own history, in what it means to live and work in another country and culture. This can be an incredibly exciting and enriching experience, but it can also come with challenges. I have supported clients with issues such as:

• Adjusting to a new culture and language
• Feeling isolated, alienated or homesick when adjusting to a new environment
• Adjusting existing relationships now that you are geographically distant from loved ones (eg. navigating a long distance relationship)
• A desire to embrace the challenges and opportunities you have at your disposal, but finding it hard to do so in practice
• Role changes in your relationship if you have moved overseas for one of your jobs
• Issues which can emerge when growing up as a third culture kid