About
A Safe Space for Growth – About Your Therapist
About Dr. Villa Lyell
I am an expatriate living in Shanghai since 2018
I am an expatriate living in Shanghai since 2018. My career in mental health started in South Africa where I completed a Degree in Clinical Social Work and later pursued my Master and Doctorate in Psychology.
I initially worked in the NGO ( Non-Governmental Organisation) from 1996 to 1999 when I then moved into private practice where I enjoyed a fulfilling career.
I have over 25 years of practice experience. Being an expat is hard at times! Some moments are photography worthy, but not all. Expatriates face unique situations and so do third culture kids. Many challenges do not change when you change location.
Mental health challenges follow you. Factors such as work pressure, working in your local time zone and the time zone of your country of origin is a common stressor. Language barriers, isolation, settling the children into a new school, and uncertainty exacerbate pre-existing difficulties.
Family and friends are well intentioned when they offer words of advice, but they also have an emotional investment in the situation which may cause bias. Therapists hold advanced Degrees and need to meet the requirements of continued professional development to maintain their professional licences. As an expat myself, I not only have the professional experience, but I live the expat experience.
I have over 25 years of practice experience. Being an expat is hard at times! Some moments are photography worthy, but not all. Expatriates face unique situations and so do third culture kids. Many challenges do not change when you change location.
Mental health challenges follow you. Factors such as work pressure, working in your local time zone and the time zone of your country of origin is a common stressor. Language barriers, isolation, settling the children into a new school, and uncertainty exacerbate pre-existing difficulties.
Family and friends are well intentioned when they offer words of advice, but they also have an emotional investment in the situation which may cause bias. Therapists hold advanced Degrees and need to meet the requirements of continued professional development to maintain their professional licences. As an expat myself, I not only have the professional experience, but I live the expat experience.
Let's Schedule A Consultation
The first session is a good time for you to ask questions regarding the process of psychotherapy.
I do not see my role as an authority on your life and will not tell you what to do.
Together, we find resolutions and solutions that will strengthen your sense of agency and confidence in your own mind and ability.
What is Therapy ?
Therapy is a safe, confidential and neutral space where you can say the things that need saying and be facilitated towards growth and healing.
Therapy aims to empower you to live your life with healthier choices and decisions which maximise your functioning.
Therapy aims to respect your rights and knowledge about your world and needs, and it couples this with the expertise of the therapist.
Therapy allows you to “hear yourself think” in a non-judgmental environment.
