Nancy Schram
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Colorado Christian University (USA)
B.Sc. Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies - Colorado State University (USA)
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate registered in Colorado, USA. Being a cross-cultural adoptee, born in Korea and raised in midwestern USA, I understand what it feels like to have the majority population assume I am a foreigner because I do not look like them, but I think like them. When living in certain parts of Asia, I am a hidden immigrant because I look like the majority but do not think like them. Identity is multifaceted and goes much deeper than one’s appearance which can make answering the simple questions, “Where are you from?” and “Where’s home?” a bit more complicated.
Cross-cultural individuals and Third Culture Kids (TCKs) face unique benefits and challenges including cultural adaptation and assimilation, being multilingual, assuming a transient lifestyle, experiencing greater stress levels, and having higher incidences of grief and loss. Since 2015, I have provided pastoral care and debrief to families and individuals aged 3 years old through adulthood living in 85 different countries. Common topics processed in debrief are how to tell one's story, paradox, transition, grief and loss, stress management, balanced life rhythms, identity, and healthy good-byes. I engage TCKs in interactive ways to process their unique lifestyle, as well as facilitate self-awareness, expand emotional language, strengthen relationship skills, and how to balance expectations.
In my former capacity as Director of Family Ministries for a large, family-friendly Christian organization, I provided oversight of all children and family programs including preschool, homeschool co-op, and parent education. Being an intergenerational community, my additional responsibilities included mediating conflicts between singles, families, and empty nesters, and drafting and implementing child protection guidelines. I was also a response team member for reports of abuse, sexual misconduct, and molestation.
My career focus is to equip and sustain cross-cultural individuals and TCKs so that they thrive while living cross-culturally. Depending on the needs and preferences of my clients, my holistic (mind, body and spirit) counseling approach integrates Attachment Theory with Adlerian, Emotion-Focused, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Existential Therapies. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy for clients experiencing complex trauma or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Whether the need is to pray, lament, grieve, question long-held beliefs or values, confess, lessen distress, fortify strengths, recovery, conflict resolution, or supportive decision-making, I am available to journey alongside you.
To contact Nancy:
email: admin@lifejourneycentre.com