Unpacking Transitions: Coaching for Expats & the Globally Mobile

I sat down with Linda Mueller, who was a previous Co-Host for the Re-Entry Series.  Linda is an experienced ExpatPartnerCoach and we dived into the benefits of coaching for people who live in the international and global communities.

Together, we explored what it really means to thrive as a global nomad, especially as an accompanying partner. We cover everything from wrestling with issues of purpose and identity to maintaining relationships and overcoming guilt. Linda shares her hard-earned wisdom and actionable tips for navigating life across borders through coaching.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why High-Achievers Need Coaches Too
  • Even the most accomplished expats can feel “stuck” or in transition, and coaching can be both a lifeline and a proactive tool for growth and clarity.
• Overcoming Resistance to Coaching
  • Linda discusses building trust, offering a safe, non-judgmental space, and the importance of vulnerability for clients who may shy away from coaching.
• The Real Pressures on Expat Partners
  • From managing expectations back home to redefining purpose, the accompanying spouse’s journey is uniquely demanding and often misunderstood.
• Coping Strategies for Expats
  • Practical tips like setting healthy routines, taking small steps for momentum, and practicing self-kindness can be powerful tools during challenging times.
• Identity, Home, and Belonging
  • The conversation delves into how expats define “home,” manage the feeling of being in liminal spaces, and foster a sense of belonging and connection.
• Technology & Global Coaching
  • Linda explains how technology has transformed coaching for global nomads, making support more flexible, connected, and accessible than ever before.
• Coaching vs. Therapy: What's the Difference?
  • Linda outlines the distinction between coaching (action-oriented, future-focused) and therapy (healing from the past), and emphasizes the importance of working with certified professionals.
• When to Seek a Coach
  • The best time? Whether you’re in crisis, stuck in a rut, or planning a big transition, coaching is for both the reactive and the proactive expat or nomad.

Notable Quotes:

• “Sometimes people don’t even know where they want to go...I give them the confidence that I can sort of build this container, this environment, so they can express themselves.” — Linda Mueller
• “A lot of times we feel like we’re the only one. We feel lonely, we feel isolated. But there really are other people out there.” — Linda Mueller
• “Therapy is like archaeology...coaching is like architecture.” — Doreen Cumberford

Connect with Linda at:

https://www.theexpatpartnercoach.com/

Thanks for lending us your ears! Please share this podcast with another expat or nomad!

https://www.nomadicdiariespodcast.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Life-Camel-Lane-Embrace-Adventure/dp/0578607352
www.doreenmcumberford.com

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