Living abroad: migratory grief and homesickness · worksheet 48
When you left, you took visible and invisible things with you: objects, but also values, know-how, ways of being. You left others behind. And you are discovering new things. Let’s take an inventory of your suitcase.
Before you start
- What it is for: To connect your life before and your life here: what you took, what you left, what you are discovering.
- About 15 minutes.
- When you leave, you don’t leave everything: you take an invisible suitcase of customs, values, know-how and memories.
- This worksheet helps you see what is still with you, what stayed behind and what new things you are adding.
Prefer paper? Download the PDF to print (with a page for psychologists).
What to do with your results
The “I took” column shows what doesn’t change in you. The small gesture of continuity for the week is the most important part.
If you find it hard
If looking at what you left behind hurts too much, start with what you took and what you are discovering.
For psychologists
The PDF also includes a page for the psychologist: how to run the exercise in session, points to watch and scientific references. You are free to use it with your clients.
For psychologists: aim, audience and duration
Help the person identify what creates continuity between “before” and “now” (values, customs, objects, bonds), what they have left behind and what they are discovering, to build an identity that connects rather than cuts.
Life abroad, migration, returning home, repeated moves (“third culture kids”). Duration: 15-20 min in session.
References
Bhugra, D. & Becker, M. A. (2005). Migration, cultural bereavement and cultural identity. World Psychiatry, 4(1), 18-24.
Berry, J. W. (1997). Immigration, acculturation, and adaptation. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 46(1), 5-34.
These worksheets do not replace therapy. If you are in distress or having suicidal thoughts, call your local emergency number (112 in Europe; 3114 in France, free, 24/7).
Free worksheet for non-commercial use: you may share it with credit to the author, without modifying it (Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence).
