Free · Private · 20 minutes
Listening
Sessions
Immigration uncertainty can affect every part of a person's life.
Beyond the legal questions and practical decisions, there may be fear, grief, anger, isolation, financial stress, separation from loved ones, or the feeling that everything familiar has suddenly been taken away.
For some people, the United States has become home and a place of safety, stability, and independence. Returning to another country may mean starting again from the ground up, losing that independence, facing an uncertain future, or returning to circumstances that were once unsafe or traumatic.
During moments like these, mental health may not feel like the most immediate priority. You may be thinking about where you will live, whether you will be safe, how you will support yourself, or whether anyone will be waiting for you. But your emotional well-being matters, too.
Listening Sessions were created to offer a welcoming, judgment-free space where you can pause, breathe, and talk to someone about how you are doing.
What is a Listening Session?
A free, private conversation with Dr. Smana Seradieu, DSW, LMSW.
You may use the time to:
- Share what you have been experiencing
- Talk about fear, grief, separation, displacement, or uncertainty
- Describe what returning to your country has been like
- Reflect on losing stability, independence, or a sense of home
- Think aloud about what comes next
- Bounce around ideas or possible next steps
- Vent without being judged or pressured to have a plan
- Simply have someone present with you in the moment
You do not need to prepare anything. You do not need to know exactly what to say. You may arrive with a plan, without a plan, or simply needing someone to listen.
You may not know what comes next, but for 20 minutes, you do not have to sit with it alone.
About the initiative
One small way I can be present.
For the past six years, I have worked as a crisis counselor, providing compassionate, in-the-moment support to people during difficult and uncertain experiences. As a Haitian immigrant and social worker, I understand that displacement and immigration uncertainty carry an emotional impact that is often overlooked while people focus on safety, housing, employment, family, and survival.
This initiative is one small way I can be present. I cannot solve every problem, provide immigration representation, or replace ongoing care, but I can offer my time and listen.
Learn More About Smana ↗What to expect
- Sessions are free and approximately 20 minutes long.
- Sessions are intended for adults age 18 and older.
- There is no expectation or requirement to schedule another conversation.
- You may use your preferred name or an alias.
- You may keep your camera off.
- You are not required to disclose your immigration status.
- No immigration documents or proof of status will be requested.
- Conversations will not be recorded or shared publicly.
- Sessions may be available in English, Haitian Creole, or French.
- Availability is limited and appointments must be scheduled in advance.
When you feel ready
Would You Like Someone to Listen?
Choose an available time for a free, 20-minute Listening Session. Please share only the information needed to schedule the conversation. You will never be asked to upload immigration documents or prove your immigration status.
The calendar link will be added after the language, privacy information, scheduling settings, and professional safeguards are approved. Availability will be limited to the appointment times shown.Information the scheduling form will request
- Preferred name or alias
- Email address or safe contact method
- Preferred language
- Country and general location during the session
- Confirmation that you are at least 18 years old
- Optional: What would help you feel most comfortable during our conversation?
It will not request immigration status, identification numbers, legal documents, detailed immigration history, diagnoses, medical history, or a written description of trauma.
Before you book
Clear boundaries help create a safer space.
Listening Sessions offer brief emotional support and human connection. They are not psychotherapy, mental health treatment, case management, immigration representation, or legal advice. Participating does not establish an ongoing therapist-client, attorney-client, or case-management relationship.
I cannot advise you about your immigration case, determine your legal options, or intervene with immigration authorities. If you need immigration guidance, please contact a qualified immigration attorney or accredited legal-services organization.
This is not an emergency or crisis service.
Listening Sessions are not monitored continuously. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency in the United States, call 911 or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. If you are outside the United States, contact the emergency or crisis service available in your location.
Your privacy matters.
Sessions will not be recorded or used for social media, marketing, testimonials, research, or public storytelling. Please note that legal and ethical limits to privacy may apply when there is an immediate safety concern or when disclosure is required by law. Additional privacy and participation information will be provided before the session begins.