My Journey as a Remote Counsellor, Mother of Three and Grateful Wife in Barbados
If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be doing therapy sessions from a veranda in Barbados, barefoot, surrounded by palm trees, with three kids, a dog, and a Thermomix always on the go—I probably would’ve smiled politely and dismissed the idea completely.
But here I am.
Sun-kissed, sometimes overwhelmed, always learning—and incredibly grateful that we made this leap.
I’m a UK-registered counsellor currently working with BetterHelp. I support clients online from all over the world. But the journey to get here—relocating our family from Jersey to Barbados, adapting my practice, helping my children adjust, and supporting my husband’s own remote work life—wasn’t simple. It’s been messy, magical, and everything in between.
I wanted to share a bit about how it’s all unfolded—for any therapist, mother, or dreamer wondering if something like this might be possible for them too.
So… Why Barbados?
We moved under the Barbados Welcome Stamp—a remote work visa that allows people to live on the island while working for companies based elsewhere. It was a great fit. My husband could continue his work, and I could keep counselling via BetterHelp.
But the real truth is this: I wouldn’t have done this alone.
This move, this whole adventure—it started with my husband. His heart has always been a bit wild (in the best way), and he’s the one who said “Why not?” when I was still tangled in all the reasons we couldn’t.
He saw something in me that I hadn’t quite owned yet—the courage to do something different. Being with someone like that… someone who chooses you and keeps choosing you… it changes you.
Being a Counsellor Abroad: The Practical Bits
🛡️ Insurance & Registration
I kept my UK-based indemnity insurance. Just because my therapy room now opens onto a mango tree doesn’t mean the standards change. I also kept an eye on my BACP registration—they do have conditions if you’re living abroad, so I made sure I ticked all the boxes.
💻 GDPR & Data Protection
Data privacy doesn’t disappear when you leave the UK. I use encrypted systems and GDPR-compliant platforms to keep my clients’ info safe, just like I would if I were still working from an office in Jersey.
🕒 Time Zones & Client Work
Barbados is usually 4 or 5 hours behind the UK. That means I’ve had to shift my schedule a bit—and be really upfront with clients about how I work. I don’t share every travel detail, but I do let people know: I’m a therapist who works online, from wherever I am, and I bring consistency and care to everything I do.
Honestly? Most clients have found that honesty refreshing.
The Beauty of Working with BetterHelp
One of the biggest blessings of working through BetterHelp is the flexibility. In the early weeks of the move, when we were sorting school runs, setting up the house, and just figuring out how to live again—I scaled things back.
And when I was ready, I slowly took on more again.
If life got in the way (and it does—especially when you move with three kids), I knew I had support and tools in place to reschedule sessions or refer clients when needed. I never had to feel like I was letting anyone down.
Raising a Family on a Tropical Rock
The first few months were chaos. New school, new culture, different rhythms—it was a lot.
But kids… kids are incredible. They adjust. They laugh. They fall into new patterns without overthinking it like we do.
Now they surf most days, know all the local dogs by name, and drop bits of Bajan slang into conversations with complete confidence. Watching them grow into this life has been one of the best parts of the move.
Keeping My Practice Alive & Growing
Even from Barbados, I continue my CPD through:
- BetterHelp’s Relias platform
- Courses with The Counselling Tutor
- Workshops—some online, some in person when I can
I’ve also started exploring new interests, like somatic therapy and acupressure, inspired by Nadia Volf’s work. Her approach blends acupuncture and neuroscience in a way that really resonates with me. I’m also a big fan of Marion Kaplan and her work around food, vitality, and emotional health.
Therapists Need Therapy Too
One thing I absolutely love about working with BetterHelp? Access to therapy for therapists.
We hold so much for others—it’s easy to forget to hold space for ourselves. Having my own therapist keeps me grounded, clear, and human.
Yes, even therapists need therapy. Especially when living across the ocean with three kids and a surfing husband!
Clean Eating, Cooking Local & My Trusty Thermomix
Food has become a huge part of how I care for myself and my family. Living in Barbados means fresh, seasonal produce—and I make the most of it.
I use my Thermomix nearly every day. It helps me whip up everything from nourishing soups and stews to homemade sorbets and fermented foods. Cooking this way keeps me connected—to the island, to our health, and to my own rhythm as a mum and a therapist.
Clean eating isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention. Food affects mood, sleep, mental clarity… everything.
Finding Ways to Give Back
Now that life is more settled, I’ve started exploring volunteering opportunities on the island—maybe in schools, maybe in rescue centres, maybe in nature-based programmes. Giving back, even in small ways, makes me feel more rooted here.
Final Thoughts: This Life Is Possible
Our move wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t even fully planned. It was a leap—of love, courage, and yes, a little madness.
But I’m so glad we did it.
To any therapist or mum wondering if this kind of life is realistic: it is. Especially when you’re not doing it alone. Being with someone who lifts you, supports you, and walks beside you… it makes everything feel more possible.
So here I am—still working, still learning, still evolving. Often with the sound of waves behind me. Sometimes with a rooster interrupting a therapy session. And I wouldn’t change a thing.