This latest edition to our LIT Interview Series features Eva-Maria Merboth, a psychotherapist, online psychological counsellor and LIT Community member from Germany, who shares what it’s like to be working online across cultures.
In this interview, Eva-Maria shares why she chose to dive into location independence, the pros and cons of working in this way, and some of the travels she’s embarked on (and is planning) thanks to the flexibility of this lifestyle.
Tell us more about your work and who you support in your practice.
I work with both individuals and couples who are navigating life across cultures – whether they are Germans living abroad or expats who have moved to Germany. I primarily work with adults in their late 20s to 40s who are exploring questions of identity, relationships, and life direction, and who want to feel more authentically connected to themselves and others.
The people I support are often caring, thoughtful, and perceptive – yet may struggle with people-pleasing, self-doubt, or the sense that they are not fully living from their true selves. They are eager for personal growth and meaningful change, and feel ready to understand themselves on a deeper, more compassionate level.
1:1 Client Work
In my individual work, I draw on depth psychotherapy, along with emotion- and attachment-focused approaches, to explore the subconscious patterns that shape how we show up and relate. We work toward increasing self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and self-compassion, so that meaningful and lasting change can unfold in the present.
Couples Counselling
In my work with couples – particularly intercultural and expatriate couples – I use Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) to help partners understand and respond to each other’s emotional needs with clarity and care. I support couples who feel disconnected, stuck in recurring conflict cycles, or overwhelmed by cultural differences in rebuilding a secure, supportive, and resilient bond.
What do you like most about your work?
I truly enjoy helping people understand themselves more deeply and supporting couples in reconnecting and reactivating the love that brought them together. This is one of the most rewarding parts of my work as a therapist, witnessing moments of clarity, compassion, and emotional closeness.
Working online allows me to connect with clients from many different cultures and backgrounds, which brings a richness to the work. I value the diversity of the stories, perspectives, and life experiences that my clients share. In many ways, I learn as much from my clients as they do from me.
What do you like least about your work?
One of the reasons I decided to step away from working as a classical psychotherapist within the German healthcare system was the lack of flexibility I often experienced, both in terms of administrative requirements and the limitations placed on the therapeutic process itself. I found that the bureaucratic framework sometimes restricted what clients and I could explore together.
Working as a psychological counsellor in a location-independent, online setting allows for a more spacious and responsive way of working. It gives my clients and me the freedom to shape the therapeutic process according to their needs, rather than according to insurance guidelines. I deeply value this flexibility; it supports authenticity, consistency, and the ability to meet clients where they are, both emotionally and geographically.
Why did you want to have a location independent business?
The reason I chose to build a location-independent practice is simple: I love to travel, and living in an intercultural relationship myself, I value the flexibility to visit extended family or move between countries with ease. Working online across cultures and borders gives me the freedom to live the life I want.
I also find that the online setting is a great fit for my clients. It removes the stress of commuting and allows them to participate in sessions from a space where they feel comfortable and safe. This flexibility supports a more relaxed and focused therapeutic experience, making it easier for clients to engage fully in their personal growth or relationship work.
Where are you living right now?
Currently, my home base is in Germany, but over the next year, I plan to spend more time in Asia and explore different countries. In the long term, I may even shift my home base entirely. This mobility is made possible by my location-independent practice, which allows me to continue supporting my clients wherever I am, while staying fully present and connected in our sessions.
What languages do you speak?
I speak German, English, and Dutch, and I am currently learning Bengali. At the moment, I offer counselling in German and English.
What countries have you lived in so far?
Living in Germany, the Netherlands, and Japan has been a valuable experience that positively influences my work with clients. Experiencing these diverse cultures firsthand deepens my understanding of different perspectives and ways of being, which allows me to connect more authentically and empathetically with the people I support.
Where would you like to travel to next?
There are always travel plans on my mind. At the moment, I am planning trips to Southeast Asia and the Americas in the coming months. This love of travel and exploration complements my location-independent practice, allowing me to continue supporting clients while experiencing new cultures and environments firsthand.
If you could only eat three things for the rest of your life, what would they be?
I’m a big foodie, so choosing just three favourite foods is nearly impossible! But if I had to pick, I’d say I cannot live without rice, a good Thai curry, and ice cream.
How did you hear about the LIT Community?
A few years back, I completed the Onlinepraxis Bootcamp with Sonia, during which I learned about the LIT community.
What lead you to join the LIT Community?
Working online as a therapist is still unfamiliar to many people, and I joined this community to connect with like-minded professionals who share my love of travel. I wanted a space where I could ask questions, share experiences, and discuss the challenges and joys of working in a location-independent, online setting. Being part of this community provides support, inspiration, and a sense of belonging in a field that can sometimes feel isolating.
What’s your favourite part of the LIT Community so far?
Being part of the LIT Community allows me to feel connected and understood in my own challenges. It offers the opportunity to learn from others’ experiences while also sharing my own struggles and successes with people who truly understand the journey. I especially value the warm, supportive, and non-judgmental way members communicate with one another, it creates a space where growth and connection feel natural and safe.
Find out more about Eva-Maria and how to work with her here:
If you want to find out more about Eva-Maria, stay up to date with her work, or enquire after her services, here’s where to find her:
- Read her publications on Medium
- Follow her on Instagram
- Connect on LinkedIn
- Follow her on YouTube
- Visit her LIT Directory profile
- Or visit her website here
We hope you’ve find this interview inspiring! Are you thinking about starting your own location independent therapy practice and working online across cultures and borders? Let us know in the comments!
And if you’re looking for more support, join us inside the LIT Community! You’ll get access to all our live events to support both the business and clinical aspects of your practice, and a network of like-minded colleagues with whom to share the journey.
