In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Olfa Hafsa, a naturopath, nutritionist, and counsellor who has called Brisbane home for the past 12 years. Olfa initially came to Australia as a consultant, drawn by the promise of the so-called Australian quality of life. Through her personal health journey, she developed a profound interest in alternative medicine and the impact of lifestyle choices on health.

In 2016, after four years in Australia, she made a leap of faith and transitioned careers to become a practitioner, focusing on nutrition, naturopathy, and counselling to help others achieve better health.

During our conversation, Olfa shares of course her Australian story with its highs and lows. We discuss candidly the effects of expatriation on both physical and mental well-being. Together we dive into the impact of a life far away from the motherland on our emotions and because it is all related, on our bodies.

We also talk about the wellness industry in Australia, our approach to it and how it compares to France. Finally, we take some time to reflect on the question many of us ponder regularly: should I stay or should I go?

Thank you, Olfa, for such an enlightening, emotional, and sincere conversation. I hope you all enjoy listening to it as much as I did.

This podcast was recorded on the lands of Meanjin, Brisbane and Naarm, Melbourne. We respectfully acknowledge the tradition of these lands the Jagera people and the Turrbal people, and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their Elders, past and present.

Contact Olfa:

Grounded Mind Therapies

contact@groundedmindtherapies.com

Follow Olfa on Instagram

Episode guide:

05:00 – Olfa’s Presentation Dive into Olfa’s background and the focus of her presentation.

08:15 – The Australian Dream Explore what drew Olfa to Australia and what made the country appealing to her.

10:20 – Olfa’s First Months in Australia A look at Olfa’s initial experiences during her early months in Australia.

15:20 – Career Transition: From Consultant to New Horizons Discover Olfa’s decision to pivot from a high-stress consulting career to a new professional path.

19:45 – Australia’s Role in the Wellbeing Industry Examine Australia’s leading position in the wellbeing sector compared to France.

24:00 – Olfa’s Path to Becoming a Practitioner Follow Olfa’s journey and the steps she took to establish herself as a practitioner.

26:25 – Migration’s Impact on Health Discuss how moving to a new country affects both mental and physical health.

32:10 – The French Community and Counselling in Your Native Language Explore how being part of the French community in Australia and receiving counselling in one’s native language can make a difference.

35:00 – Considering a Move Back to France Why Olfa is considering a move back to France in the near future and what does it mean for her career?