This week we are joined by chartered psychologist and The Magic Stork founder Dr Valeria Giannuzzi, as we discuss the myriad challenges of moving abroad.
If you have ever felt overwhelmed with your relocation to Luxembourg – or even if you've been here a few years and are starting to wonder "is this it?," then this is the episode for you! One of the main reasons I wanted to start the "Mom Life in Luxembourg" podcast is because when I moved here I felt like I couldn't properly function as an adult. I wanted to create a resource for other English speaking parents who might be experiencing similar things.
Even though I lived abroad before as a married person, moving here was a difficult time in my life. I couldn't speak any of the three official languages. Like zero words. People would come to my house to fix something and I couldn't communicate. I couldn't read anything either. Luxembourg likes to send hundreds of official documents in the mail – about getting set up here or signing your kids up for school – not in English. On top of that I had three kids to manage, zero friends or support systems, and a husband who was suddenly gone in an office all day. Does that sound familiar?
Enter Dr Valeria Giannuzzi, chartered psychologist, Associate Fellow at the British Psychological Society, and founder of The Magic Stork. She has a PhD in Social Sciences with specialisation in Migration Studies, and offers support to migrants before, during and after their journey. She calls her company The Magic Stork because the stork is culturally known to bring babies, and when you arrive in a new country, she thinks in a lot of ways you are like a newborn. From needing to learn and adapt to new invisible societal norms and cultural expectations, to understanding humour and meal times, these nuances can be challenging yet rewarding lessons during one's migratory journey.
Dr Giannuzzi offers services for individuals and families at various stages of their migratory journey – from preparation before the move, to support during settlement, and guidance through adaptation phases. Her approach emphasises the importance of recognising personal grief and loss, facilitating a space for exploration and growth.
Dr Giannuzzi shares her journey as an Italian who found herself living in the UK after various adventures across the globe. Her experiences in Mexico, Spain, and the Netherlands provided her with unique insights into the migratory experience, ultimately leading her to pursue her PhD. Through these rich experiences, she has developed a deep understanding of the psychological and cultural challenges faced by migrants and expats alike.
Please give it a listen and let me know what you think. To learn more about Dr Giannuzzi and her services, please check out The Magic Stork. And as always, you can email me at momlife@rtltoday.lu or find me on Instagram and Facebook at momlifeinluxembourg.
