Therapy Options for Expats

Living abroad is filled with all kinds of stress.  There is no way around it and there is no shame it it. Instead of turning to online forums that only feed the insanity, may I recommend therapy as a far more productive option.

As a former Social Worker and a current teacher, I wish everyone spent more time in therapy. Mental health is a critical part of well being; like going to the gym or getting a haircut. It's something to embrace and enjoy on a day off. Of course the issue for us, as Expats in the Korean countryside, is that - at a time when we nee it most - it's harder than every to access.

It you are an expat struggling with relationship issues, culture shock, depression, fear or anxiety - PLEASE - reach out and ask for help. Therapy is awesome. It's so much cooler than you think and way less costly than binge drinking or eating all the food. If you ask me, this is one of those times you save money (and relationships, sanity, your life) by spending money.

In Korea there are a few options available to you. Since it's therapy I can't really try them all (as much as I secretly want to) but I can tell you about them all so you know where to turn.

• Adaptable Human Solutions 
• Counseling in Korea
• Family Counseling Center
• Therapy in Korea

The one drawback to this list of therapist is that they are located in Seoul and most of us countryside dwellers can't get there on a regular basis, so I recommend googling online therapists and giving a few a try until you find the right fit. Many offer free 30 minute initial consultations and affordable rates so you have nothing to lose except your fear and stress. Some are even expats themselves and understand your unique issues and situations. Sure, in person therapy is dreamy, but sometimes it's just not possible.

The point of all this is that, if you are struggling, don't wait until the last minute to reach out for help. Don't be down on yourself for not being able to do it all alone. That's just ridiculous. We all need extra support sometimes and we need to reach out for it early, not late. Ideally we catch ourselves as we stumble instead of after we hit the ground.

Strength is about more than hanging on the longest, it's about knowing when it's the right time to ask someone for help and let them catch you.

Chiropractic Care in Cheonan

Dr. Richard Lee

천안시 서북구 성정동 624-7

010-7702-2206

When I was young, due to the extreme lifestyle that I've mentioned, chiropractic care was a big part of my life. However, as an adult I've mostly fallen back on massage and yoga to manage pain and rehab my body after injuries and accidents. However, now that I am... well... *clears throat and cringes* middle aged... *shakes head and cringes some more* ... I'm facing the fact I might need extra help getting the old body fully functional again.  So, upon the new massage therapist's referral, I headed down to Cheonan to meet Dr. Richard Lee. 

Dr. Lee's office is located an easy cab drive from Dujeong Station across from a huge Lotte Mart downtown one the third floor in a small but well equipped office.  This space is his private practice where he sees his own patients on Mondays and Thursdays until 8pm.  He also treats patients in Seoul but you will be paying triple the price so I didn't even ask about all that.

Having studied in Atlanta, Georgia - Dr. Lee speaks excellent English and does a very thorough examination. I felt like he listened well to my pain and the diagnosis was consistent with what I have had in the past so I felt confident in his analysis.  While I was there I also witnessed a constant coming and going of English teachers who had obviously been using Dr. Kim on a regular basis and all of them were very excited about their results. It was encouraging to see so many happy patients following through on their treatments and feeling confident with the experience.

The cost per session is 50,000 won. You can buy a 10 session card and get two free sessions wish drops the price to just over 41,000 per visit. An small price to pay for pain relief. He recommends that you come with a full spine x-ray which you can get at a local hospital for about 15,000 plus 1,000 to have it put on a CD to take with you. (If you are asked to pay over 30,000 go to a different hospital.)

As an added convenience, Dr. Lee's office is also located next to both a Subway and a Starbucks and across the street from extensive shopping. So you can just make a day of it if you want too.  

The trip from Pyeongtaek Station to Cheonan is only about 20 minutes so this is vastly more convenient and less stressful than going to Seoul where the same service is 150,000 won per visit.

Since my first visit already improved my quality of life, I'm looking forward to my next two.

Maison de Creme

This place is so precisely sensual I would eat here just for that fact. 

The fact the food is also excellent just adds to it's dreaminess.

Sometimes, when I'm ordering, I ask myself, "Why am I spending all this money on this food. That's just a little cookie. That's just some meat on some rice." 

But then I eat said cookie and I eat said meat on rice, at which point I think, "Please, just take all of my money. Why didn't I give them more money?"

Maybe it's just me, but it tastes perfect. As perfect as the table setting and placement of each item in this cuter than cute cafe. Everything is just so spot on. The owners of Maison de Creme are obsessed with perfection and you see it and taste it.

In all honestly, I'm obsessed with their obsession.

It has nothing to do with it even being the best in Pyeongtaek,

I'd dig this place any where, any time, any place.

Address: 경기도 평택시 비전2동 871-6 1층

Cafe CF

Have you always wanted to find a desert cafe where everything looks as good as (or better than) the pictures? Well, we found it.  Cafe CF in Songtan (main street in front of base, across from the bank) has amazing, giant desserts that are a feast for your eyes and your belly.  Don't come here if you aren't ready to gorge yourself on sugar.

To make it easier to order, they even have photo menus where you can see what each desert looks like. Usually these types of things leave me feeling horribly disappointed, but not here.  The have flavored sodas, shakes, bingsu, juice, coffee, etc.  Something for everyone.  After we pig out for dinner or lunch in Songtan, this is almost always were we end up after.

FYI the fruit desserts, like the one pictured above, are usually seasonal.  During winter they will not be available. Don't panic, there are many other options.

El Gitano

With great delight, I welcome El Gitano to the neighborhood. For five years I've dreamed about having something like this in my life again, so by next Wednesday I will have eaten there four times in their first week. Yes, I'm that excited. Since I'm not in the military, I haven't been to the US in three years, and go to Seoul only twice a year - having this open near me is a life changer.

Based on the Chipotle concept, El Gitano/s ingredients selections include: two kinds of beans, two kinds of rice, fresh cilantro, a variety of specially prepared meats, fresh guacamole (which is an extra charge), fresh salsas, pico, homemade sour cream, queso, corn salsa, Craftworks on tap, an assortment of imported beers, etc.

For those from base, you may be shocked by the cost of the guacamole, please don't complain too much.  I'm begging you. Based on the price of both the limes and avocados (which have only recently become available on a regular basis at any kind of "reasonable" price) the additional cost is to be expected. Even at 3,000 won for the add on it's likely their profit margin is minimal. So, when customers complain about the price of guacamole restaurants usually just take it off the menu and stop offering it because they can't afford to drop the price. 

As someone who desperately wants guacamole on her burritos, again, I'm begging you not to complain too much. Not all of us (Koreans, teachers, foreign spouses, etc.) have access to the privileges of the commissary and we really need this. Even at 3,000 won it feels like the guac gods have finally taken pity on us and we are thankful.

Name: El Gitano

Located: Anjeongri, walking distance from main gate

Near Black Box/ UHair building down the street from Bang,

If you walk East from the car gate in front of Humphreys, a few blocks down there is a Chinese restaurant on your left. Turn left there. El Gitano will be on your right at the next intersection.