Psychology across cultures

Helping families
feel at home,
wherever life
takes them

Psychological support for children living abroad, and for adults who have relocated for their partner’s career. A space to work through emotional difficulties, navigate change, and explore questions of identity and belonging.

Find support ↗
Marina Porto
IN PERSON & ONLINEENGLISH · PORTUGUÊS · ESPAÑOL
01 · ABOUT ME

Psychologist, researcher and professor

Marina Porto

For more than 20 years, I have been studying emotions, behaviour and human development. My master's research focused on children growing up across cultures, while my PhD in Psychology explored women's creativity. Most recently, my postdoctoral research examined the experiences and challenges of accompanying spouses and children in expatriate families.

Alongside my academic work, I have had the privilege of supporting families from more than 40 cultural backgrounds through my practice in South America, Europe and Africa. These encounters have shaped how I work: with curiosity about each family's story and attention to the relationships and environments that influence wellbeing.

This work also connects with my own life. I have also lived across countries as an accompanying expatriate spouse and I am raising third culture children. Moving between countries, languages and communities is part of my family's everyday experience, with its opportunities, uncertainties and many small adjustments.

CRP-09 / 20290

CredentialsLatest papers ↗
“Living abroad can be a privilege and still feel challenging. You and your children deserve support with both sides of that experience.”
Ways to find support

Three ways to begin

Whether you are seeking support for yourself or your child, we begin with a conversation about your needs and what you hope to address.

TRACK ONE

Therapy for children

A careful assessment of your child’s needs, followed by personalised therapeutic support.

See the steps
  1. Meeting with parents to discuss your concerns, your child’s history and family context.
  2. Two or three individual meetings with your child to explore their experiences, feelings and needs.
  3. Written feedback for parents, sent by email, outlining initial observations, findings and recommendations, including suggested therapy goals where appropriate.
  4. Feedback meeting with parents to discuss the findings and agree on a personalised therapy plan for your child, if appropriate.
  5. Therapy with your child, if recommended, with regular communication with parents to share relevant updates and hear about your child’s experiences outside sessions.
TRACK TWO

Consultation for parents

Practical guidance for supporting your child, especially during an international move.

See the steps
  1. Meeting with parents, supported by questionnaires for parents and your child’s school.
  2. Personalised recommendations and practical tools, sent by email two weeks after the initial meeting.
  3. Follow up meeting with parents to discuss the recommendations, answer questions and explore how to apply them at home.
TRACK THREE

Therapy for adults

Individual psychological support to explore your concerns, navigate life abroad and work towards personal goals.

See the steps
  1. Initial questionnaires to share information about your background, current circumstances and reasons for seeking support.
  2. An initial consultation to discuss your needs and expectations, explain my therapeutic approach and explore how we might work together.
  3. A follow up meeting to deepen our understanding of your concerns and agree on therapeutic goals and a personalised plan.
  4. Individual therapy, with space to explore your experiences, develop ways of addressing difficulties and review progress together.
WHEN SUPPORT CAN HELP

Finding your place in a new country can take time

Whether you are concerned about your child or seeking support for yourself, we can explore what feels difficult and what might help.

When daily life is affected

When anxiety, sadness, fears or emotional difficulties interfere with school, work, relationships or everyday life.

Beyond “I’m fine”

When your child seems to be struggling beneath the surface, or you find it difficult to acknowledge your own feelings while helping everyone else settle in.

When finding your place feels difficult

When friendships, cultural differences or questions of identity leave you or your child feeling lonely, misunderstood or unsure where you belong.

04 · When your own plans need attention

When moving for your partner’s career changes your professional path or independence, and you want space to consider your own needs and goals.

05 · Before a move, while settling in or returning

When you or your child need support with goodbyes, unfamiliar surroundings or the prospect of starting again.

FAQ

If you still have questions

How can I book an appointment?

Complete the questionnaire, which opens in a new tab, or email marina@marinaporto.com and briefly let us know who the support is for and what brings you here. Our team will get in touch within two business days to discuss the next steps.

How many sessions will I or my child need?

The duration of therapy depends on individual needs and the goals we agree on together. We review progress along the way and discuss whether continued support would be helpful.

Do you offer individual support for accompanying spouses and partners?

Yes. I work with adults who have moved abroad in connection with their partner's work. Sessions focus on your own concerns, which may include adjustment, loneliness, changes in identity or career, relationships, and personal goals. You do not need to have children to seek this support.

When might my child benefit from seeing a psychologist?

Support may be helpful when emotional difficulties affect daily life, relationships or school, or when a move brings challenges with adjustment and belonging. An initial conversation can help us understand your concerns.

How long does each session last?

Each session lasts 50 minutes.

Do you offer online sessions?

Yes. Online sessions are available for parents and for children over 12.

What does the therapeutic process involve?

The starting point depends on whether the support is for a child, for parents or for an adult. You can explore each process in Three ways to begin above. We agree on goals and review the next steps together.

Can I book a consultation without my child?

Yes. Consultation for parents offers guidance and practical tools without your child attending therapy. It includes an initial meeting, personalised recommendations and a follow up meeting.

How will I be involved in my child’s therapy?

Parents take part in the initial consultation and feedback meeting. During therapy, we keep regular communication to share relevant updates and hear about your child’s experiences outside sessions.

What languages do you offer sessions in?

Sessions are available in English, Portuguese and Spanish.

Get in touch

For more information, please email me:

marina@marinaporto.com

If you would like to begin the therapeutic process, please complete the form below.

Before we meet ↗

Clicking this link opens the questionnaire in a new tab.