Christina Maragkaki MSc

02/10/2025

Loneliness Among Expats in Luxembourg: A Silent Struggle

Moving abroad is often painted as an exciting adventure — a chance to grow professionally, explore new cultures, and create fresh opportunities. Yet for many expats in Luxembourg, this journey also comes with an unspoken challenge: loneliness.

Away from familiar support systems, family traditions, and long-standing friendships, many find themselves feeling isolated. And while loneliness might appear “invisible,” its psychological impact is very real. It can amplify stress, fuel anxiety, heighten self-doubt, and even affect physical health — from sleep disturbances to weakened immunity.

From my perspective as a therapist, addressing loneliness requires a holistic approach. We are not just minds living in bodies, but whole systems where thoughts, emotions, relationships, and physiology intertwine.

- On the mind level: Understanding and gently reshaping the narratives you tell yourself about belonging, worth, and connection.
- On the body level: Supporting nervous system regulation through practices that ground, soothe, and restore balance.
- On the system level: Exploring the relational patterns and social ecosystems you are part of, and finding healthier ways to connect, even in unfamiliar environments.

The truth is: loneliness is not simply about being alone. It’s about feeling unseen, unheard, or unanchored. And healing it is not about “fixing” yourself, but about restoring alignment within — so that connection to others can feel safe and fulfilling again.

If you are an expat in Luxembourg and these words resonate with you, I invite you to take the next step toward support. Sometimes reaching out is the most powerful way of saying yes to yourself.

You can contact me at christinamaragkakitherapy.com

06/02/2024

Embracing the Shadow Self: Unraveling the Impact of Childhood on Self-Perception

02/10/2023

"Unlocking Your Potential: The Magic of 'AND' Over 'BUT'"
Welcome to a world where "BUT" takes a backseat and "AND" takes the wheel. It's a world of endless possibilities, where your dreams and realities can coexist harmoniously.

29/09/2023

In the hustle and bustle of life, we often find ourselves juggling flaming torches of responsibility, hoping they won't burn us out before we reach the grand finale. Welcome to the world of burnout—a state where the flames of stress threaten to engulf us, leaving us yearning for a cool, refreshing oasis amidst the desert of exhaustion. Let's dive right in!

In the vast sea of life, we often find ourselves sailing on unpredictable waters. Just as a ship can face turbulent storms, so too can our minds and bodies be overwhelmed by the tempest of burnout. Burnout is a pervasive issue in our modern world, affecting individuals across all walks of life. Imag...

27/09/2023

Anxiety: The Sneaky Mind Ninja and How to Kick It to the Curb

Your mind is a bustling stage, and anxiety has landed the lead role in an unexpected, never-ending drama. It's like having a hyperactive squirrel running through the corridors of your thoughts, tossing your peace of mind into a whirlwind of doubt and unease. But fear not, for this article is your backstage pass to understanding anxiety, learning its tricks, and discovering the most entertaining ways to kick it off the stage.

We've all been there, right? You're peacefully sipping your morning coffee when suddenly, out of nowhere, your mind starts doing its best impression of a circus acrobat on a caffeine high. Welcome to the wonderful world of anxiety, where overthinking, worry, and self-doubt come together for the ulti...

26/09/2023

"Unlocking Success: The Art of Seamless Communication for Busy Professionals"

16/09/2023

"Conquering Fears: A Comprehensive Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapy (CBH) and Exposure Therapy for Phobias"

The Power of Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapy and Exposure Phobias, irrational and intense fears of specific objects or situations, can severely impact a person's quality of life. Whether it's a fear of flying, spiders, heights, or social situations, phobias can limit daily activities and lead to a...

15/09/2023

"Supporting Adolescents in Crisis: Psychological Solutions for Drug Abuse"

Teenagers and Drug Abuse Teenage drug abuse is a pressing issue that affects countless families and communities worldwide. As caregivers, it's crucial to understand the gravity of the situation and empower our teenagers with the necessary tools to combat substance abuse. Today, we're shedding light....

29/06/2023

Embrace Boundaries for a Fulfilling Life.

In the journey of personal growth and self-discovery, one powerful approach that can help us navigate life's challenges is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). An essential aspect of this approach involves setting healthy boundaries. Boundaries act as guideposts, empowering us to protect our well-being, nurture authentic connections, and create space for growth.

Let's explore the concept of boundaries in the context of ACT and discover how they can enhance our lives.

Understanding Your Values: Boundaries start with a deep understanding of our values, what truly matters to us. Take a moment to reflect on your values—those core principles that define who you want to be and how you want to live. By clarifying your values, you lay the foundation for setting boundaries that align with your authentic self.

Self-Awareness: Developing self-awareness is vital in recognizing when our boundaries have been crossed or need adjustment. Pay attention to your emotions, physical sensations, and thoughts when interacting with others or facing challenging situations. Listen to your intuition, as it often serves as a valuable guide for setting appropriate boundaries.

Communicating Your Boundaries: Clearly communicating your boundaries is essential for maintaining healthy relationships. Express your needs, limits, and expectations openly and respectfully. Remember, effective communication allows others to understand and respect your boundaries, fostering healthier connections based on mutual understanding.

Saying No: It's okay to say no when something doesn't align with your values or overwhelms you. Practice self-compassion and understand that saying no is not a rejection of others but a way of honoring your own needs. Remember, by saying no, you create space for saying yes to things that truly matter to you.

Embracing Discomfort: Boundaries can bring about discomfort, especially when others challenge or disregard them. Embracing discomfort is an integral part of ACT, as it encourages growth and resilience. Recognize that discomfort is temporary and part of the journey towards living a more fulfilling life in line with your values.

Reevaluating and Adjusting: As life evolves, so do our boundaries. Regularly reassess and adjust your boundaries to reflect your changing needs, growth, and personal development. Be open to learning from your experiences and be flexible in adapting your boundaries accordingly.

Self-Compassion: Throughout the process of setting and maintaining boundaries, remember to practice self-compassion. Accept that it's natural to encounter challenges and setbacks. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, embracing imperfection as you navigate the journey of boundary-setting.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you can book a session HERE: https://www.doctena.lu/en/doctor/christina_maragkaki-1547541 #21238

13/06/2023

"Learn six simple things you can try each day, for deeper connection and understanding, with your teen"

Decoding Teenager Communication with Parents using Dialectical Behavior Therapy - DBT by Christina Maragkaki Parents, do you find it challenging to understand and communicate effectively with your teenager? Are you looking for strategies to bridge the communication gap and build a stronger relations...