As the year winds down, I’ve been reflecting on the experiences that have shaped me and how they influence the way I work with couples, families, and individuals today. At the heart of it all is my curiosity about people—their stories, their connections, and how they make sense of the world. I’ve always been fascinated by anthropology, the study of humans and culture, and how different people give meaning to the same events, traditions, or relationships.
Growing up, I was always interested in learning about others. That curiosity led me to take on new challenges, including my first big adventure in high school when I spent four years learning Japanese I also had 2 exchange students stay with me and it was quite an adventure. It was not always easy we had different ideas of normal, from what we ate for breakfast to how we communicated. I learned a lot. My interest in the language [sad to say i don’t remember much of my Japanese] led to an exchange program, and living in Japan was an unforgettable experience. Being in a completely new environment taught me to be open, to ask questions, and to appreciate how people experience the world differently. The food was delicious [ I’m sure you sense a theme here with my love of food] Additionally, an exchange to Greece, living in a university city on the island of Crete, provided insights into how Greek migrants from all over the world celebrate their heritage. I love Crete its where my family is from and being able to explore it on my own and develop my own connection to the language was amazing. I loved it so much I even studied modern Greek as a diploma of languages at uni for a year.
At 18, I took another leap and travelled to Ecuador to teach English. I didn’t know much about the country apart from what I’d learned in biology about the Galápagos Islands, but I was drawn to the adventure of it all—the chance to explore somewhere unfamiliar. I got off the plane not knowing a single word of Spanish. NADA. Â
Ecuador didn’t disappoint. It was full of new experiences, and one that has stayed with me was trying guinea pig, a traditional dish there. For me, it was completely unfamiliar, but for the people around me, it carried cultural significance. It was a way of celebrating and honouring their traditions. That experience taught me how important it is to stay curious and to recognise that things we see as unusual or strange can have deep meaning to someone else.
While in Ecuador, I had the chance to visit the Galápagos Islands and meet Lonesome George, the last giant tortoise of his subspecies. Meeting George was unforgettable. His story—a symbol of loss and the need for conservation—reminded me of how important it is to protect the things that matter, whether it’s the environment, relationships, or cultural traditions.
These experiences have shaped how I approach my work today. When I sit with clients, I bring that same curiosity I’ve carried with me through my travels. I want to know their stories, how they see the world, and what’s meaningful to them. No two people are the same, and no two relationships are the same. What works for one family or couple might not work for another, and that’s okay. My role is to help people understand each other’s perspectives and create stronger, more meaningful connections.
What I’ve learned is that we all attach different meanings to the things we do, the traditions we hold, and the ways we connect with each other. By staying curious, asking questions, and being open to new ways of seeing the world, we create space for real connection and understanding.
As the year comes to an end, I’m reminded of how much these experiences—both in life and work—have shaped me. They’ve taught me the importance of listening, of asking questions, and of appreciating the unique perspectives that each person brings. These lessons are at the heart of what I do, and they inspire me to keep exploring and learning every day.
P.S. Here’s a photo of me with Lonesome George, the last giant tortoise of his subspecies. Meeting George during my time in Ecuador was a moment I’ll never forget. His story is a reminder of how unique and diverse the world is, and how important it is to protect what matters most—whether that’s our environment, relationships, or cultural traditions.
