For this edition of our LIT Interview Series, we’re excited to introduce Eric Castonguay, a nomadic therapist from the US. Like many of us in the LIT Community, Eric was drawn to the flexibility of online therapy—not just to support his clients more effectively but also to explore the world while doing so.
In this interview, he shares his journey into location independence, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and his advice for others thinking about making the leap.
Building a Nomadic Therapist Practice
Tell us a bit more about yourself and your work, Eric!
I’m a licensed mental health therapist providing relationship and sex therapy. While my specialty is sexual health, my practice extends to a broad range of relationship-related issues and sexual functioning concerns.
I’m also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, fire performer, river kayaker, archer, and most overtly, a world traveller. All of these factors inform my worldview, lifestyle, and clinical lens.
In addition to my private practice, I work with tribal communities in the US, teach graduate classes from time to time, and I’m currently developing a Couples Retreat program.
What inspired you to take your practice online?
Simply put, I want to see as much of the world as possible as a nomadic therapist before “the lights go out.” I knew that an online practice would give me the flexibility to do that while still serving my clients.
Where are you based now, and where’s next on your travel list?
Right now, I’m in New Mexico, USA. So far, I’ve traveled to 21 different countries, and my next destination is Thailand!
The Ups and Downs of the Nomadic Therapist Lifestyle
What do you love most about your work?
Helping people love one another in the way they truly want to be loved.
And what’s the most challenging part?
Insurance billing. Definitely not my favorite task!
What were the biggest challenges of becoming a nomadic therapist?
Early on, the challenges were mostly logistical—figuring out time zones, finding suitable workspaces, managing payments, and ensuring strong WiFi connectivity. Over time, I developed systems that work for me, so these obstacles have become easier to manage.
That said, I haven’t traveled extensively yet, so I expect new challenges as I venture further into the world and discover new adjustments I need to make.
What do you wish you had known before starting your journey as a LIT?
I wish I had started sooner! I spent a long time thinking about the idea of location independence before taking the leap five years ago, just before the Covid 19 impact. For a long time, I didn’t realize that you could build a location independent practice gradually. I wish I’d known this earlier, as it may have helped me start my LIT practice sooner.
Finding Community as a Nomadic Therapist
How did you hear about the LIT Community, and why did you join?
I first discovered the LIT Community through an interview the co-founder, Sonia Jaeger, was involved in. What drew me in was the like-mindedness of other therapists, the professionalism of the platform, and the valuable resources available.
What’s been your favourite part of the LIT Community so far?
I really enjoy the interactions—it’s great to connect with other therapists navigating similar challenges. The recordings on various topics have also been a huge resource for me, offering valuable insights into different aspects of running a location independent practice.
Work-Life Balance as a Nomadic Therapist
How do you maintain balance while running a remote practice?
I treat my practice the same way whether I’m at home base or on the road—I stick to my set work hours and schedule my routines, like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, around them.
Each time I travel, I establish my essentials: workspace, WiFi, daily routines, and where I can train. Once those are in place, everything falls into rhythm. It just takes effort and consistency.
What’s been your biggest achievement as a LIT?
The biggest achievement has been the freedom to see more of the world – something that has been a long-term goal for me. It’s an incredible lifestyle which has enriched my life and therefore my practice along the way. Plus, working online has allowed me to connect with clients across the U.S. and all around the world.
Advice for Aspiring Location Independent Therapists
What advice would you give to therapists who want to go location independent?
Be thoughtful, but don’t wait. There’s no perfect time to start – it sounds cliche, but it’s true. Just take the first step, even if it’s small. The more you lean into it, the more realistic and achievable this lifestyle becomes.
Connect with Eric
If you’d like to get in touch with Eric or follow him online, you can find him here:
🌍 Website: Nomadic Therapy Services
📷 Instagram: @Nomadic_Tx
📘 Facebook: Nomadic Relationship & Sex Therapy
Are you thinking about starting your own location independent therapy practice? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re looking for more support, start your 1-week free trial and join us inside the LIT Community!
