Counselling services for yacht crew
With over 15 years’ experience in yachting, I have developed a deep understanding of what it’s like to live and work on board. I have also experienced the reality of leaving the industry and forging a life on land.
If you’d like to talk to someone who understands the demands of life as a crew member, I offer a confidential and effective yachting-specific counselling service which can be accessed online at times that suit your schedule.
flexible sessions
To give the work the best possible chance of success a regular commitment is necessary.
We can decide on shorter-term counselling (e.g. 6 or 12 sessions) to explore a specific theme, issue or crisis, or longer-term/open-ended therapy to explore deeper aspects of yourself and your life.
I understand that whilst on board, your schedule is often dictated by people and events which are outside of your control. Whilst a set day and time each week is preferable, I am able to be flexible, working together to find a day and time that suits you each week.
Addressing crew-specific issues
Relationships and crew dynamics
This can be one of the most challenging aspects of working on board.
Emotions can spiral, with obsessive thinking and out of proportion responses creating significant blocks to your enjoyment as a member of the crew. To get along with others it can be necessary to adopt a mask. This seemingly necessary but disingenuous way of being, over time, can undermine mental health.
We will look at and explore relational dynamics, gaining the insight necessary to soften your responses to others and yourself.
Alcohol and drug use and abuse
Alcohol and drugs are often used as a crutch to cope with other problems. Using alcohol and drugs can be a fun, connecting and relaxing experience. For many, it is a part of life. However, when their use and abuse undermine your emotional equilibrium, relationships, physical health, reputation, finances and ability to carry out your duties, what was once ‘fun’ can begin to erode your sense of self and happiness.
Together we will focus on how to treat, recover from and manage addictions to drugs and alcohol and deal with the root causes.
Mental Health
The boat is a demanding environment. Expectations to perform are high and opportunities to engage in activities that nourish and replenish low. This combination can trigger or worsen depression, anxiety and various stress-related conditions.
I invite you to explore and gain insight into your mental health, seeking understanding and clarity, whilst developing habits that will help steady the ship.
Burnout
Back-to-back charters, disturbed sleep, wishing time away, pressure to perform, resentment towards others, lack of freedom and consistently unmet needs are all common experiences for yacht crew.
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. It is caused by constantly feeling stressed or overwhelmed in the workplace. Your body starts to feel drained or depleted, while your mind has difficulty concentrating or feeling motivated.
We will look at ways of lessening the impact of burnout and how to spot the signs and symptoms of this state of exhaustion commonly felt by crew.
Seeking a life on land
A career in yachting offers financial reward, kudos, status, a feeling of belonging, adventure, travel, and a sense of identity that can elevate and set you apart.
For a time, these external factors may seem validating but what about the internal? What about you?
There will come a moment when your time on board has run its course. As one season ends, another begins and only a life on land can meet your ever developing and maturing needs (a relationship, kids, friends, life?).
Golden handcuffs refers to the challenge that leaving the industry can present. It can be a huge effort to let go of your yachting identity, relinquish the ‘perks’ and embrace a new way of living.
You may find it helpful to look at and explore what leaving yachting means to you and how you might go about living the life you’d like to lead on land.
“Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”
Dolly Parton
Partners & resources
Yachtie minds matter
Yachtie Minds Matter is a new non-profit organisation that will provide resources to nourish and bolster the mental health of the yachting community. This includes raising awareness, offering education and providing funding for yacht crew to access professional therapeutic services.
From 2025 I will be providing online counselling services in collaboration with this important and exciting initiative.
yachting financial solutions
Emotional resilience and financial means are both important factors in creating the life you’d like to lead. Having a financial framework in place to help reach your goals can bring peace of mind and a renewed sense of purpose to your time on board.
