Supervision and therapeutic Consultancy services
for professionals supporting people living internationally
Increasing professional confidence in supporting people living internationally.
I work with professionals who support people living, working and studying internationally. I offer a range of services, drawn from over thirty years experience working overseas as a supervisor, coach and counsellor. Whether you are looking to develop your professional practice, strengthen your confidence, or expand your knowledge and skills, my work offers tailored support informed by intensive personal experience.
I work with
Discovery Sessions
If you are considering using my services , and want to find out more, I would encourage you to arrange an initial 30 minute Discovery Call via video. It is important for us to understand as much as we can before working together. A Discovery Call would allow us to have a conversation about what you need and to establish if I am the right person to work with you and/or the young person you are supporting. There is a small charge for this meeting, however I believe it is money well spent if it allows you to make a crucial decision about your next steps. If, at the end of the session, it’s decided you need something different, it is hoped that you will learn enough during our Discovery Call to help you gain more clarity about what you need. As these sessions are designed from a personal consultancy basis rather than a therapeutic one, a signed working agreement is not needed. By booking an appointment, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy set out on this website.
Single/One-At-A-Time Sessions (OAAT)
Single/One-at-a-Time Sessions encourage you to bring to the table anything about your Expat Life that is currently important to you, without entering into a long-term working relationship. A Single Session may be all you need to confidently explore any challenges, changes, and choices you need to make or goals you would like to set. There is no weekly commitment or set number of sessions. Engaging in a Single Session does not have to mean that we can only meet once. Single sessions can be booked One-at-a-Time as and when needed. As these sessions are designed from a personal consultancy basis rather than a therapeutic one, a signed working agreement is not needed. By booking an appointment, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy set out on this website.
Short/Longer Term Sessions
There are occasions when you realise that more time and support is needed to manage your expat life. Or perhaps you would like to be proactive as you approach an important milestone such as moving to a new country, to boarding school, university or starting out in the working world. Each expat life chapter can bring a flurry of conflicting emotions that range from excitement to overwhelm. To manage this, you may want to think about my short/longer term option. Below is my own model that I sometimes use to guide us. It allows us work along the counselling/coaching continuum to help young people understand their life experiences, take stock of where they are and gain clarity on what they want for their future selves. Short term work involves around six sessions, longer term is open ended. It is important that you book a Discovery Call first to discuss your needs and the processes involved if you are thinking of engaging in Short/Longer term sessions. This will provide us with an opportunity to create a working agreement that will help you gain the greatest benefit from our sessions together.
CPD and Information Sessions
Throughout many years living and working within expat communities, I have learnt that the wellbeing of Expat YP’s is best supported when the adults around them have an in-depth understanding of both the challenges this lifestyle presents together with an awareness of how to develop the protective factors needed to manage it. It is vital that all adults who engage with young expats, including school personnel and parents, companies, employees and their families, and health professionals dedicate time to understanding the needs of this unique population. I offer a range of CPD, Presentations, Workshops and Information Sessions to facilitate this. As these sessions are designed from consultancy basis rather than a therapeutic one, signed working agreements are not needed. By booking and/or engaging in these sessions you agree to the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy set out on this website.
Therapeutic Consultancy
It is sometimes wise to glance backwards to move forward
One of the most important lessons we can learn is that as life continues to unfold, so do we. There is always an opportunity for us to change, to grow, to move forward. My Integrative Therapeutic Coaching model is designed specifically to navigate life’s continuous transitions in a healthier way.
The EMeRGE Model will provide a framework for you to:
EXPLORE
Glance backwards to make sense of your story.
ME
Understand how your expat life has shaped you, the challenges it has afforded you and how to use the gifts and talents you have accumulated along the way.
RESCRIPT
Leave behind barriers to success, and carry forward what continues to serve you.
GOALS
Understand what is important for you now, and in moving forward.
ENGAGE
Invest in yourself by putting into practice what you have learnt about yourself.
CPD, Presentations and Workshops
I am pleased to offer high-quality research and experience based Professional Development focused on supporting the wellbeing of young people at various stages of their international journey. Sessions can be delivered online and where possible, in person.
Contact Kathy using the contact form below for more information about individual training needs.
Coming Soon : Watch for upcoming online CPD, Presentations, Workshops here.
- Understanding and supporting the Wellbeing of Children and Young People in International Schools.
- Counselling, Coaching and Mentoring in International Schools.
- Creating Transition Programmes that Support International School Communities.
- Counselling Third Culture Students: understanding the needs of this unique population.
- Successful Repatriation for Expat Families.
- Supporting Early Career Teachers in International Schools.
Supervision Services
International assignments are key to global expansion, however the failure rate of expatriates posted to foreign shores remains high. Approximately four out of 10 expatriates will underperform, resign midway, or complete an overseas contract without further desire to accept a subsequent foreign post. On average, expatriates cost two to three times more than companies would invest in an equivalent position back home. Hiring expatriates is a lengthy process to get the right person in place however, companies often underestimate the needs of family members. A spouse or young person who is struggling to settle into their new environment can have a significant impact on an employee’s performance and willingness to complete an assignment. Providing ongoing support to families is vital to improving expatriate success. This can be achieved when companies increase their knowledge and commitment to expat wellbeing and provide opportunities for employees and their families to deepen their understanding, acquire tools and develop strategies to manage their expat experience. During my time overseas I have worked with companies to provide a range of opportunities designed to promote the wellbeing of employees and their families.
Contact Kathy using the contact form below for more information about individual training needs.
Coming Soon : Watch for upcoming online CPD, Presentations and Workshops here.
- Onboarding Support for your Expat Employees and their Families.
- International Teachers on the Move: supporting staff through international transitions.
- Encouraging Healthier Transitions: helping expat families move well.
- Moving On: strategies for helping children and young people manage change.
- The Emptying Nest: building the support systems and coping strategies needed when young people leave to attend boarding school/university.
- Preparing International School students for University
- Boarding Ready: Welcoming Third Culture Boarders.
Frequently Asked Questions
My name is Kathy Swords and I trade as EXPATeez, a service dedicated to professionals who support people living, studying, training and working overseas.
I am an accredited BACP counsellor and EMCC Accredited Coach at Senior Practitioner Level. Being dual skilled to a high-level means that I can work safely and effectively across the counselling/coaching continuum. I hold an advanced certificate in clinical supervision, which includes additional training in working online and via telephone. Having worked in several international schools, and communities, I have extensive counselling and coaching experience working with expats worldwide. I have lived overseas for 30 years, bringing up my family within the expat communities we have called home for so long. This has helped me gain a deeper insight into the challenges the expat lifestyle can bring and how to mediate for these.
The services I offer cover both online and, where possible, face to face sessions. Online sessions are conducted through Zanda, which is a cloud-based private practice management system designed to meet the needs of healthcare practitioners wishing to offer flexible, accessible and efficient services. To protect all parties, Zanda is ISO 27001, HIPAA and GDPR compliant. Please visit their website here to read their Privacy Policy.
Current fees for services are set out below.
Supervision: 60 mins - £60
Supervision: 90 mins - £90
Therapeutic Coaching / Consultancy: 60 mins - £80
Therapeutic Coaching / Consultancy: 90 mins - £120
Online presentations / workshops: individually priced
Professional Development: Please contact me for rates at: kathyswords@expateez.com
My location
From my base in Staffordshire, I work online both in the UK and internationally.
Sessions take place via video call hosted by my personal Zoom platform. Wherever you are in the world, it is easy to look at my availability to see if you can find a time that will suit us both.
Workshops/Presentations can take place online however, where possible, I welcome the opportunity to work face to face both in the UK and internationally.
About Kathy
I'm an accredited BACP counsellor and EMCC Accredited Senior Practitioner Level Coach with extensive experience in UK and international schools. My career began in education as a PE Teacher and, for the last seventeen years, I have worked as a counsellor, coach and consultant. My expertise lies in supporting individuals navigating the challenges of high mobility associated with living, studying, training and working overseas. With qualifications in both counselling and coaching, I am able to respond flexibly and safely to each person's unique needs. My approach helps people reflect on how their overseas experiences have shaped them, leaving behind what no longer serves them, while carrying forward what strengthens their life.
I also work with adults who play a vital role in supporting expats. I believe that informed and knowledgeable support leads to the best outcomes, which is why I provide consultancy services to raise awareness including: supervision, CPD, workshops and presentations. These are high-quality, research-driven and experience-based, delivered online and in-person both in the UK and overseas.
Consultancy and Conference Speaking:
- Families in Global Transition Conference (Amsterdam),
- International Psychological Conference (Dubai),
- Student Wellbeing in International Schools Conference (Qatar),
- BSME Pastoral Care Conference (Qatar)
- MENA Inclusion and Wellbeing Conference (Dubai)
- Shell Outpost Services (Qatar)
- International Schools Group (Saudi Arabia)
- Hamad Corporation (Qatar)
- Wellington College Counselling Conference
- BACP Conference Newport
Contact Kathy
Let's start a conversation...
If you are looking for a supervisor who understands educational settings, international communities, and the complexities of supporting children, young people and adults through transition and change, I would be pleased to hear from you.
I offer a free introductory conversation to explore your supervision needs. Please feel free to use the contact form or email me at: kathyswords@expateez.com
The BOOK AN APPOINTMENT button will allow you to see my availability, book and pay for a short 30 minute Discovery Call or a Full Session. You will receive a confirmation of your booking and an encrypted video link.
I look forward to meeting you
*Before you book a session please read through this website's privacy policy and terms and conditions.