Venue:  Online

Join us for an online workshop focused on the psychological impact of relocation and the effects of organisational and financial dependency on the mental health of many members. It’s a topic that every UNKLESA member has experienced. Still, few have the space to explore it openly.

Key topics may include:

• The identity shift from professional to dependent status

• Emotional challenges of financial and organisational dependency

• Early signs of burnout or silent grief in new postings

• Strategies for resilience and psychological autonomy abroad.

Facilitated by Olya Shumylo(Psychologist | Researcher). 

She has worked with diplomatic and expat spouses since 2018 through therapy, group facilitation, and academic research. Her recent paper explored the mental health impact of the first diplomatic posting on spouses, including the loss of professional identity and shifts in couple dynamics. It remains the only qualitative study to date focused solely on this unique life stage. Additionally, she is involved in policy discussions on how to better support accompanying spouses in international contexts.