{"id":3009,"date":"2021-05-21T20:23:41","date_gmt":"2021-05-21T20:23:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/?p=3009"},"modified":"2021-05-26T14:04:15","modified_gmt":"2021-05-26T14:04:15","slug":"getting-an-immigration-evaluation-where-to-start-and-how-to-manage-stress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/psychotherapyandcounselingservices.com\/en\/getting-an-immigration-evaluation-where-to-start-and-how-to-manage-stress\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting an Immigration Evaluation: Where to Start and How to Manage Stress"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Getting an Immigration Evaluation: Where to Start and How to Manage Stress\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Posted by Soribel Mart\u00ednez, LCSW<\/em><\/p>

\"Sad,Child,Wears,Protective,Mask,Due,Coronavirus,Pandemic,,Sick,Unhappy\"

Just getting started can be confusing. Perhaps you\u2019re not sure how to locate someone who can provide the evaluation. You may not know what will happen at the evaluation or what will be expected of you.<\/p>

Ask Your Immigration Lawyer<\/h3>

If you are working with an immigration lawyer, a good place to start is to ask them for their recommendations. They are probably familiar with several mental health professionals who can provide evaluations.<\/p>

Look for Evaluators with Special Training<\/h3>

\"Close,Up,Lawsuit,Folder,Of,Immigration,Law,With,The,Judge\"

As you locate potential professionals to complete your evaluation, don\u2019t hesitate to ask them questions about their training and experience.<\/p>

Likewise, don\u2019t be afraid to ask them about their fees. Many evaluators will work with you to create a payment plan if you\u2019re not able to afford all of their fee at once. Some may be able to provide pro-bono work as well.<\/p>

Gather Information<\/h3>

\"Information,Gathering,Sign,In,The,Green,Book.\"

You may need to gather medical records or financial records, for example.<\/p>

This is also a good time to reflect on the circumstances that have led you to get an evaluation. As best as you can, try to remember those physical, emotional, or other situations that have been traumatic. Your evaluator will need this information when you meet with them.<\/p>

The Process<\/h3>

Your evaluator will hold several hours of interviews with you. These are usually broken up into different sessions to avoid fatiguing you.<\/p>

Remember that your evaluator is not the person making the decision about your case. They are not judging your decisions or your history.<\/p>

\"Man,And,His,Daughter,Are,Happy,To,Receive,Us,Passports.\"

A well-trained evaluator will also be very knowledgeable about how trauma and separation from family can affect you. Even if you can\u2019t remember all the details, your evaluator will know what psychological signs and reactions to look for during your interview.<\/p>

How to Manage Stress<\/h3>

It\u2019s completely normal to experience a great deal of stress as you prepare to have your evaluation and then as you wait for your case to be heard and a ruling received.<\/p>

It\u2019s important, though, to take steps to manage your stress. These tips are simple, straightforward things you can do on your own.<\/p>

Deep Breathing<\/h3>

People often forget to breathe deeply when they\u2019re under stress. Practice taking deep, slow breaths throughout the day. If you can, set aside five minutes to sit quietly and focus only on your breathing.<\/p>

Physical Exercise<\/h3>

Physical exercise is also very helpful. Take walks or runs around your neighborhood. It doesn\u2019t have to be involved or time-consuming. Even small bits of activity can help.<\/p>

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