Description:
English-Speaking Counseling for International Individuals, Couples, and Families
Karen Rigatti is a Certified Professional Counselor and member of the American Counseling Association and AssoCounseling, with extensive experience supporting the international community in Milan. Having lived in Milan from 2008 to 2025, she relocated to the east coast of the US in 2025. She continues to support ex-pats with diverse backgrounds through her online practice, bringing a deep understanding of the emotional and cultural challenges that come with building a life abroad.
Her approach is practical, empathetic, and grounded in real-life expat experience—helping clients navigate transitions, strengthen relationships, and regain a sense of clarity and control.
Counseling Support for Expats in Milan
Living in Italy can be rewarding, but it often comes with unexpected pressures. Karen specializes in working with expats who are facing:
- Cultural adjustment and identity shifts
- Relationship challenges within intercultural couples
- Family dynamics in bicultural households
- Stress, anxiety, and life transitions
- Feelings of isolation or loss of direction
- Parenting and major life changes abroad
Her work is particularly relevant for those who want to better understand their experience in Milan and develop effective tools to manage it.
A Counselor Who Understands Life Abroad
“I understand that life as an ex-pat can be challenging and that anxiety, self doubt and overwhelm can make you feel like you are struggling to get by. I’ve learned that facing new parenthood far from home requires education, perspective and support. I know that inter-cultural relationships have their own brand of hurdles and that parenthood for cross-cultural families can sometimes leave both parents feeling adrift. If you can relate and are having trouble coping, remember – YOU ARE NOT ALONE.”
What distinguishes Karen’s practice is her first-hand experience as an expat in Milan. She understands the nuances of integrating into Italian culture, managing expectations, and balancing multiple identities.
Clients often seek her support when they:
- Feel disconnected or overwhelmed after relocating
- Struggle to adapt to Italian systems or social norms
- Want to improve communication within their relationships
- Need a neutral, English-speaking space to reflect and reset
Living abroad can be challenging on many levels, and the emotional and psychological impact on yourself and your relationships is sometimes quite a shock. There are numerous and often unexpected cultural differences, some of which might include trying to understand where you fit into Italian culture, feeling accepted by the family of your Italian spouse, giving birth in Italy or navigating the particular challenges of having a bi-cultural family. Having an English-speaking counselor who has lived the experience and who has the training to teach you the skills to confront and better manage these difficulties can make a valuable difference.
Contact Studio Karen Rigatti for more information
karenrigatti@gmail.com
www.karenrigatti.com
