A Portable Identity
(20th Anniversary Revised Edition)
You don’t have to lose
yourself in the move.
Take charge of
change—wherever life takes you.
Purchase copies of A PORTABLE IDENTITY at your local bookstore or online retailer HERE.
What happens to your sense of self when life is totally in flux?
When you move abroad to support a partner’s career, or to pursue an opportunity across borders, the most profound change isn’t geographical or logistical. It’s internal.
ABOUT A PORTABLE IDENTITY
A Portable Identity is a vital resource for anyone living a globally mobile life. Discover the emotional, psychological, and cultural shifts that determine whether international transitions merely happen—or truly succeed.
"This book was exactly what I needed for my first relocation as an accompanying spouse. It is a helpful guide for anyone going through a similar transition, offering practical strategies, relatable stories, and meaningful questions for reflection and action. The book didn’t just support me through the move—it gave me portable tools for life."
— Lu Shijia, Singaporean based in South Korea
You’re not alone.
International relocation is often framed as an adventure or a privilege. But beyond the flights, visas, and checklists, many people experience:
- A quiet loss of identity and confidence
- Emotional strain, isolation, or resentment
- A sense of being invisible or undervalued
If this sounds familiar, be reassured that these experiences are normal, often overlooked, and have nothing to do with personal failure.
"A Portable Identity is a compelling and heartfelt exploration of the emotional roller-coaster that accompanies moving to a new country. The authors masterfully dive into the highs and lows of this transformative experience, offering vivid portrayals of the challenges and triumphs. Rich with personal anecdotes, tips, and insights, it guides travelers, couples, partners, or individuals alike. A celebration of resilience and personal growth, it serves as a reminder that while the path to acclimation may be fraught with obstacles, it is also filled with opportunities for profound positivity, self-discovery, and enrichment."
— Ben Voegele, Author, Speaker, TCK, ex-Expat, and Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC)
Identity is the hidden link to global mobility success.
Whether this is your first international move or your fifth, A Portable Identity is your essential companion for navigating the inner transition that accompanies life abroad.
This book goes beyond traditional relocation handbooks to explore what truly shapes outcomes:
- How identity evolves under sustained change
- Why adaptation is emotional as well as cultural
- What people need in order to stay grounded, engaged, and resilient
Global Individuals
Does this sound like you?
- You have relocated—or are preparing to relocate—internationally
- You feel a loss of identity, confidence, or purpose after a move
- You are navigating emotional strain, culture fatigue, or isolation
- You want to build a meaningful life abroad, grounded in self-awareness
Global Organizations
Ready to protect your investment?
- Set your globally mobile employees up for success
- Ensure smoother relocations and stronger engagement
- Raise retention of global talent
- Save money from unexpected repatriations
- Send a clear signal that you support the whole expat family
Take charge of change—wherever life takes you.
"This book explores territory that no other book does. It deals with the reality of moving overseas when life is radically shifting. I have lived overseas for most of my adult life, and I believe this book is a huge contribution to the expatriate experience. It addresses every aspect of the impact of the move: mind, body, and spirit."
— Kacie Campbell-Liput, PhD, LCSW
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Debra R. Bryson
MSW, LCSW, CPC
Debra is a licensed therapist and life coach who helps clients navigate transitions with clarity. Drawing from her experiences living in Bangkok, Thailand, Washington, D.C., and Austin, Texas, she offers a relatable, heart-centered approach to overcoming identity challenges and relocation stress.
Charise M. Hoge
MA, MSW, CPC, BC-DMT
Charise is a prolific writer, holistic coach, and board-certified dance therapist dedicated to the healing arts. Having lived in Panama City, Paris, Bangkok, and the Washington, D.C. area, she uses her global perspective and creative background to help others navigate the complexities of identity and change.
Sundae Schneider-Bean
MA, PCC, MCC
Sundae is an intercultural strategist, multicertified coach, and podcast host, dedicated to helping others flourish through "life quakes." She draws on social science, her client experience and own moves between Switzerland, Burkina Faso, and South Africa to help individuals and organizations in transition.
“If you don’t want to wake up one day and ask yourself, ‘Where did my life go?’—read this book.”
— Amel Derragui, Founder of Tandem Nomads and The Time Is Now