Hi Sonia, Please tell us a bit more about you and your journey as online Psychologist.

Where are you from? or where did you grow up?
German + French nationality, grew up in Germany

Where are you currently located?
France for the next few months, then probably South East Asia and Australia.

Tell us a little bit about you and what made you start travelling in the first place?
I went on a sabbatical because I really needed and wanted a break after finishing my PhD in psychology. I fell in love with the nomad lifestyle and recently celebrated my 3 year nomad anniversary.

Tell us 3 things you love about your new lifestyle and what do you miss from your home country or your last destination.
I love the flexibility, freedom, meeting new people and cultures.
Right now I miss the great Vietnamese food I had while staying in Vietnam earlier this year.

Tell us about your current business/project – how did that come about?
I provide online counselling as a psychologist and psychotherapist.
Basically, I took my offline career online and mostly work with expats and people who for one reason or another can not go see a therapist face-to-face. I work with clients who suffer from a wide range of mental health issues, depression, anxieties and relationship issues.
Most of my clients are German-speaking, but I also work in French and English.
You can find out more about my counselling at www.sonia-jaeger.com (the English version is a bit limited at the moment, if you speak German, switch language!). Of course, I am also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/drsoniajaeger/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/drsoniajaeger/

As a foreigner, was it easy to settle down in your current location and start your own business / or work remotely?
Actually yes. I haven’t really settled, as I move every few months. Starting an online business is always a challenge, but mine went very well and I really love it.

What advice would you give to anyone willing to become a digital nomad or set up his or her own business overseas?
I would recommend to try it and check in with yourself after a few months or a year to make sure that this is really what you want.
Have realistic expectations, starting a business is a lot of work, even if you live in paradise.
Also, from my own work with expats and digital nomads: do not do this to run away from your problems, they will follow you no matter where you go. And yes, you can be depressed in paradise.
Finally, connect with like-minded people and reach out and get help if you need it!

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Thank you very much, Sonia for sharing your story with us and I invite my readers to get in touch with you if they ever feel the need to consult with a therapist while living abroad.

Want to read more Expat Entrepreneur Stories? Make sure to check out my other Interviews here.