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Elena Padurariu

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Life Between Cultures

Life Between CulturesFinding Calm & Balance

· 3 min read

Standing in the Dust: What a Classic Novel Teaches Us About Expat Resilience in Vienna

Yesterday, I revisited the opening chapter of John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath. There is a beautiful scene where, after the corn is destroyed by the dust, the women and children watch the men. They aren't looking at the ruins of the crop; they are looking at the faces of the men to see if they will break. Steinbeck writes that as long as the men were angry, they were safe. It was only if they became silent and despairing that the real danger began. As a psychotherapist working with the...

Life Between CulturesStronger Relationships

· 3 min read

How to Embrace Differences and Build Connections in a Bicultural Relationship

Bicultural relationships are becoming more and more common as people partner across cultures and countries. These relationships can be enriching, offering opportunities to learn and grow together, but they also come with their own set of challenges—especially if you’re living abroad. As a couples therapist, I’ve worked with many bicultural couples over the years. While every relationship is unique, I’ve noticed some common struggles that often come up, such as missing family and friends back...

Life Between CulturesGrowing With Confidence

· 2 min read

Don’t let the dirt in!

In my psychotherapeutic praxis, many of my clients are expats and other internationals. I am deeply concerned to see teens and young adults complaining about being bullied in school. Moreover, I am saddened to hear that some students are avoiding going to school altogether out of fear of their schoolmates and teachers. I am surprised to hear from adults with different cultural backgrounds complaining about their difficulty adjusting to Austrian work culture or being victims of discrimination....