• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Where Can I Live Logo White

Where Can I Live

  • How to Choose
  • Explore Countries
  • Planning
    • Visa Help
    • Health Insurance Quotes
    • Removalist Quotes
    • Transfer Money Internationally
    • Learn a Language
  • Articles
  • About Us

My Digital Nomad Life On The Road As A Therapist

Published November 13, 2018 | Last Updated November 07, 2022
Written by Alastair Johnson

Digital Nomad Sonia next to some rice fields

In today’s connected world you no longer need to sit in your psychotherapist’s office to get the help that you need.  Dr Sonia Jaeger realized that there was a large market for people who wanted help online. She provides just that to her clients whilst she travels the world living a digital nomad life.  In our interview below, Sonia talks about her own experiences as a digital nomad. She also gives advice to other Expats and digital nomads on mental health.  You can follow Sonia on Instagram and Facebook.

WCIL: Where do you originally come from?

I am German and French and grew up in Germany and lived there until four years ago. After finishing my PhD, I decided to take a break to travel the world.

WCIL: What made you decide to leave Germany?

My plan was to take 10 months off to travel the world before opening a private practice in Germany. About 6 months in, someone told me that they see their therapist online. That’s when I started looking into it that option and realised that it might actually be possible to work as a psychotherapist online.

 WCIL: Where did you first move to?

Trick question, I never actually move anywhere. I stay between a few weeks and a few months, but never long enough to open a bank account or deal with any other bureaucracy that comes with “moving”. I still have my residency in Germany and that’s also where I pay my taxes. I had a home base (basically a small room in a shared flat) until recently. But now all I have is a postal address there and a few things in storage. 

Smiling Sonia Jaeger, a digital nomad and therapist

 WCIL: What made you decide to become a nomad?

I really like the freedom of travelling! Good weather, food and plenty of places and cultures to explore. 

 WCIL: How do you support yourself whilst living the digital nomad life?

I am a psychotherapist and offer online counselling (in German, French and English) to expats, digital nomads and others who can’t or don’t want to go see a therapist offline. We usually do video sessions, but I also have some email counselling clients. I have more recently also started presenting offline workshops on mental health. These are focussed on the digital nomad life and other globally mobile. I am looking into doing more of that in the future as I also really like working with groups and interacting with people offline. 

WCIL:  Were you already a qualified therapist or was this a skill that you acquired whilst living the digital nomad life?

Yes. 5 years of psychology studies (the equivalent of masters), 5 years of psychotherapy training (in CBT) and a PhD in psychology. I had already worked for 8 years as a psychologist in Germany before becoming a nomad. 

Sonia doing yoga in Australia

WCIL:  How do you typically communicate and have sessions with your clients while you are travelling? 

Most of my clients choose video sessions as they are quite similar to face-to-face sessions. I usually also have a few clients who prefer email counselling. Having said that, it is very different and not for everyone. For instance, those who are into writing and self-reflection often love it. 

WCIL:  Are your clients other Expats and digital nomads or do you have a mixture of clients?

It’s a big mix, but most of them are Expats, some are digital nomads and some live in their home country but can’t go see a therapist offline (because of anxieties or accessibility or single moms with young children at home etc.)

 WCIL:  What mental health challenges do you typically see with Expats and nomads?

A lot of the same I see with everyone else (depression, anxieties, etc.). Having said that, those issues seem often increased or more acute due to the lack of routines, stability, social support system, etc. that often comes with an Expat life. A lot of loneliness too and a lot of “Expat wifes” struggling with their new role. Also, a lot of relationship issues, especially with intercultural relationships. They have special challenges that come with that, from language barriers to different expectations and values.

Sonia working remotely in a hammock

 WCIL:  What mental health advice can you give to other Expats and nomads?

Start with acknowledging the fact that mental health issues are very common among Expats and those living the digital nomad life. About 1/3 of the general population will suffer from a mental health disorder at some point in their life (WHO). There are some studies suggesting that the number might be much higher among Expats!

Create routines and a strong support network. Take care of yourself, practise self-compassion. Digital nomad life can be difficult, especially when you are far away and in a new environment. Additionally, it can be more difficult for friends and family back home to understand that yes, you can be depressed, even when you live in paradise… Reach out to friends and family whenever possible or get professional help. There is no shame in getting help. I mean, you go see a doctor when you break your leg, no? Online counselling even has the advantage, that apart from you and your therapist, no-one has to know…

WCIL:  If you could go back in time to before you became an expat or digital nomad and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

Go for it. It will work. And the digital nomad life will be as awesome as you imagine. It will also be much worse and much better in so many ways you can’t even imagine. 

 WCIL:  What have you learned about yourself in this digital nomad life?

That timezones are my worst enemy as a digital nomad, and wifi is really bad in Australia. Ok, seriously, I have learned so much about myself, about my need for routines and social interactions, about how much I love working as long as it is not 60 hours a week like it used to be. I have also learned, that in many ways it really doesn’t matter where I am, as long as there are cheese, wine and good bread (I am French and German after all…).

I love discovering new countries and cultures, but I can just as well stay inside a nice Airbnb (especially when it has a great view) for days without getting bored. I think my main take away is that my digital nomad life is really not that different today from what it could be back in Germany… I still like doing the same things and my days are still filled with a lot of work. Being a digital nomad is not really like being on holidays 😉

Digital nomad Sonia on the beach

WCIL:  Is there anything else you’d like to share about your digital nomad life?

One of the things I really like about the digital nomad life is that I actually get to spend more time with most of my family and friends than before. I didn’t live in the same city (or even country) as many of them and now I can visit them for weeks or months at a time. I am also very lucky to have friends and family who love to travel. They come to meet me all over the world. I do miss the occasional “Let’s just meet for a coffee”, but I have my digital nomad family for that. It turns out you can actually have Skype-dates with friends too, even if one of you is usually drinking coffee while the other is drinking wine, because, yes, time zones…

The best countries and visas for digital nomads?

See the Where Can I Live blogs to find the best places in Europe and Asia for digital nomads.

About Alastair Johnson

Alastair has lived in South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia and Spain. He's travelled and worked in more than 50 countries so far. He's an owner and founder of Where Can I Live, a company created to help you share in the joy and opportunity of living abroad.

If he's not researching the latest visa, immigration, and residency opportunities he's either hiking or scuba diving.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Julie Behnje says

    March 13, 2020 at 3:08 am

    Hi ,
    How Are you able to use license traveling around the world ? Do you bill private pay or Insurence ? How do you keep license requirements up to date ? Do you have to do anything to use your license anywhere you travel for it to be valid ?

    Reply
    • Sonia Jaeger says

      March 18, 2020 at 4:12 pm

      Hi, it all depends on where you are licensed and what the regulations around online counselling are in your country (and sometimes also the countries you visit or the countries your clients are in). Immigration questions might also play a role, depending on what type of visa you have while travelling. My business is based in Germany, so, what applies to me might not apply to other therapists out there. And, there are many ways to attend trainings online or in different countries – it’s one of the many advantages of this lifestyle and work actually!

      Reply
      • Maya says

        May 7, 2020 at 10:43 am

        Hey. This is so interesting. Thanks for sharing.
        I am an anthropology graduate who is looking at training in counselling and psychotherapy. My main goal is to be a ‘digital nomad’ at some point in the future. I am just wondering what your opinions are on how much time I should spend getting my credentials here in the UK. After one year masters I could be registered with the BACP. Or from your experience, do you think it is just better for me to accept that I should spend my 20s working and training (PhD etc) here so by the time I am a little bit older (30) I am able to set up well established counselling /psychotherapy services online?

        I feel an urgency to working remotely, however I can see the benefit of really building my resume and experience here in the UK. Any advice welcome.

        Reply
  2. Tatiana says

    June 5, 2020 at 6:17 pm

    Hi, I was glad to come across this article. Such an inspiration! I am also curious about travelling while offering video counselling. I was wondering about the therapy setting. How would you ensure privacy of your therapy meetings? Do you connect with your clients from the room you are staying in? I assume you go only to places where you have a strong internet? Thank you!

    Reply
  3. Logan says

    November 8, 2020 at 10:35 pm

    Hi! I am currently getting my masters in clinical mental health counseling and I want to live a nomadic life in a van when I graduate. However, I am worried about maintaining privacy during sessions while in my van. Could you please share how you manage to regulate your environment during video session to avoid outside noise or people interrupting or overhearing?

    Reply
  4. Scott says

    March 30, 2021 at 3:23 am

    Do you work as a consultant for others who are thinking about taking that same path? I’m a clinical psychologist licensed in several American states, but I’ve been thinking about stepping out and working remotely from Asia or Europe. I would love to hear how you would develop a game plan

    Reply
    • Alastair Johnson says

      March 31, 2021 at 11:57 am

      Hi Scott. Might be worth reaching out to Sonia directly – her details are on the top of the blog. We’re going to be publishing an article on the best places in the world for remote work in the next couple of weeks – sign up to our email list if you want to be updated. All the best, Alastair

      Reply
  5. Danika says

    November 23, 2022 at 6:11 pm

    I would like to do this! One thing I am worried about is how to have good internet. What do you do for internet? Do you buy a certain sim card? Or something else thanks!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Posts

Rhonda on Orkney Islands

Moving To The UK And The Orkney Islands

A Digital Nomad in Spain looking at her laptop

Spain Digital Nomad Visa >> New 2023 Guide

Digital nomad in a beautiful building in Portugal

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa >> 2023 Requirements & Application

Primary Sidebar

HI, WE'RE ALISON AND ALASTAIR

We're here to help you choose your next home abroad or make your move abroad easier! We’ve lived in six countries on four continents with countless moves, so we know what you are going through!

Sign up below for advice from other Expats, opportunities, and professional advice.

Latest Articles

  • People in Spain at sunset where you can get a Non lucrative visa
    Non-Lucrative Visa Spain >> Easy 2023 Guide
  • Rhonda on Orkney Islands
    Moving To The UK And The Orkney Islands
  • A Digital Nomad in Spain looking at her laptop
    Spain Digital Nomad Visa >> New 2023 Guide
  • Doing US Expat Taxes
    US Expat Taxes Guide – How to make it easier
  • Healthy Daughter and Father on staris in Spain
    Healthcare in Spain >> Public & Private Care Guide

Footer

Our Mailing Address:

Where Can I Live Ltd.
71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden,
London, United Kingdom
WC2H 9JQ

CONTACT US

© 2021 All Rights Reserved | Privacy & Terms

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2023 | All Rights Reserved

This site uses cookies to ensure an amazing experience! Read More ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT