My story

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Ever felt like you're straddling different worlds, fitting in everywhere and nowhere all at once? That's been my life in a nutshell. I'm on this incredible journey as a counsellor and psychotherapist, and my passion? It's all about empowering people like expats, digital nomads, and global citizens – basically, anyone living that vibrant international life.

So, here's a bit about me:

I've always been this curious soul, totally fascinated by different cultures. My mum's from England, my dad's Lebanese (they had this romantic chance encounter in a cafe in Paris), and I grew up in Saudi Arabia. Talk about a cultural cocktail, right? My childhood was this amazing mix of International British school days with kids from over 50 countries and cosy holidays in Northern England.

But things got really interesting when we moved to Beirut at the end of the civil war,  when I was 14. Suddenly, I'm grappling with who I am – feeling English in Lebanon, Lebanese in England. And my sister? She's over there feeling Saudi! It really got me thinking: how do we figure out who we are and where we belong in this crazy, mixed-up world?

I remember overhearing my mum and her friends, sharing laughs and tears as they navigated life and their often intercultural marriages in a new country. And then, watching a wave of expats arrive in Lebanon – some stayed and fell in love with the place, others left. It sparked this burning question in me: why do some thrive in new lands while others struggle?

Fast forward through high school, and psychology was calling my name. I just knew I wanted to help people, to be there for them through their ups and downs.

Post-uni, I was off to Australia, ready to explore and start working. My work in Child Protection,  and community mental health psychology were rewarding, but something was missing. I longed for that international vibe again. Even after 15 years in Australia, which I adore (my daughter was born there!), my heart still skips a beat for those global connections.

When my daughter came along, I hit pause on my career to be with her. But then, I dived back in, this time as a school counsellor in international schools, starting in China. And let me tell you, COVID-19 was a game-changer. I saw firsthand the struggles expats faced – getting stranded, financial worries, intercultural couples having to choose between which home country to go back to, and the panic of having to rush back to their home countries. It's tough feeling like a stranger in your own homeland.  

But here's the thing: their stories, as unique as they were, felt familiar. I've seen it in my own life – the challenges, the joys, and everything in between of living away from your 'home' country.  

And now, digital nomads are joining the collective, sharing their own tales of transition and culture shock. It's not always easy, even if it looks glamorous from the outside. 

All these experiences, they resonate with me. They're why I decided to start my online practice, specifically for people like us experiencing that unique space of  belonging and not really belonging, while being homesick and at home at the same time. I get it – the overwhelm, the self-doubt, the feeling of being lost. 

Double the stress and worry when you have kids to settle in to a new school and navigate a new career or life as a trailing spouse (yes, I’ve worn both hats). 

The anxiety, the loss of enjoyment of all things you once loved-if you’re not careful. And I'm here to help, to connect, to make sure your story gets the attention it deserves. No cookie-cutter solutions here, just heartfelt, personalised support.

So, that's a bit about me. If my story strikes a chord with you, I'm here, ready to embark on this journey together.