Confidential | Professional | Tailored for Yacht Crew
In recent times, we have seen a new movement of crew coming through who no longer see seeking help as a sign of weakness. Moreover, I have an equal ratio of men and women who utilise my counselling service. What we need to realise is that mental health struggles are just as real as physical injuries. Would you ignore a broken arm? Then why ignore stress, anxiety, or depression?
According to the 2024 Yachtie Minds Matter survey of yacht crew:
All sessions are 100% confidential
A safe, judgement-free space to talk about what you can’t say onboard. Crew come to counselling when they’re: Running on empty but feel they have to “push through” Anxious, low, overwhelmed, or emotionally numb Struggling with burnout, panic, or constant pressure Using alcohol or other coping habits to switch off Carrying grief, loss, or unresolved experiences from sea or home Sessions are confidential, grounded, and tailored to you — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Guidance on handling difficult crew dynamics, communication breakdowns, and workplace conflicts. Counselling support for: Ongoing tension with a crewmate or HOD Feeling isolated, excluded, or targeted Communication breakdowns that escalate fast in close quarters Power imbalances, boundary issues, or inappropriate behaviour Replaying situations in your head and not knowing how to move forward
“Being tough” isn’t the same as being well. Support to help you: Regulate stress and calm your nervous system Set boundaries without guilt Rebuild emotional resilience after long seasons or toxic boats Understand your triggers and early burnout signs Stay grounded in an industry that rarely slows down
Planning your next steps? We’ll help you navigate career changes, post-yachting life, and finding balance. Support for crew who are: Unsure if they want to stay in yachting Preparing to leave but feeling lost or scared Navigating identity shifts post-yachting Balancing ambition with wellbeing Wanting clarity without pressure to decide right now We slow the noise, unpack what matters, and help you move forward with intention.
I am the founder of The Crew Coach and an experienced counsellor and advocate for crew wellbeing.
A former superyacht Chief Stewardess turned qualified counsellor and mental health educator, I know firsthand the unique challenges of yachting, the long hours, intense pressure, and the feeling that you always have to “keep it together.” But the truth is, you don’t have to handle everything alone.
Prior to being the Director of The Crew Coach, I worked in maximum security prisons across Australia providing individual and group therapy as well as wrote bespoke programmes in the field of psycho-education.
Whether you’re struggling with stress, burnout, anxiety, workplace conflict, or personal challenges, I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can talk openly and find practical solutions.
PACFA-registered counsellor with a Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology and Organisational Psychology, and postgraduate qualifications in counselling and business.
Years of Experience in the counselling profession
Worked in maximum security prisons across Australia before bringing that experience to yacht crew
"I know first-hand the unique pressures that come with working in yachting.My mission is to create a space where crew can say the thing they haven't said to anyone else and know it stays there".
I use a mix of evidence-based therapies to help crew navigate personal and professional challenges, including:
Manage negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.
A compassionate, crew-focused approach tailored to your needs.
Find practical steps to resolve challenges and move forward with confidence.
Focus on strengths, resilience, and overall well-being.
I came to Karine overwhelmed, burnt out, and unsure of my future. Working with her has been genuinely life-changing. She helped me understand myself, my values, and the importance of boundaries. I now have clarity, direction, and emotional balance I never thought possible.
Any yacht crew member who needs mental health support
Yes. Counselling is strictly confidential.
Nothing you share is reported to your captain, management company, or employer. Sessions are private, discreet, and held to professional ethical standards.
Many crew worry about confidentiality because of industry overlap, that concern is valid. Your privacy is protected.
No. Most crew book counselling before things reach breaking point.
Common reasons include:
Feeling constantly overwhelmed or on edge
Struggling to switch off
Questioning whether yachting is still right for them
Replaying situations or conversations in their head
Feeling “flat,” burnt out, or emotionally exhausted
You don’t need a diagnosis to deserve support.
If you’re asking the question, it’s usually worth a conversation.
You don’t need to be certain. You just need to be open to support.
Try a free 15-minute discovery call to explore your options with no commitment.
No. Seeking support is not a weakness and does not go on any record.
Counselling is a personal, confidential resource, not a professional mark against you. In fact, many crew find that counselling helps them show up more grounded, clearer, and emotionally regulated at work.
You can talk about:
Conflict with crewmates or HODs
Feeling targeted, isolated, or undermined
Power dynamics onboard
Communication breakdowns
Inappropriate or uncomfortable behaviour
You won’t be told to “just toughen up” or “let it go.” We work through it thoughtfully and safely.
Yes, without judgement.
Many crew use alcohol or other coping strategies to decompress after long, high-pressure days. Counselling offers a space to explore what’s going on underneath and look at healthier, sustainable ways to cope at your pace.
That’s more common than people admit.
This support is:
Practical, grounded, and real-world
Informed by the realities of life at sea
Trauma-aware and non-judgemental
Focused on helping you function and feel better, not analysing you endlessly
If something doesn’t feel helpful, we talk about it.
Yes and it’s one of the most common issues crew bring.
Burnout often shows up as:
Emotional numbness
Irritability or shutdown
Constant fatigue
Loss of motivation or joy
Feeling trapped or resentful
Counselling helps you understand what’s happening in your nervous system and how to recover, not just “push through.”
Yes. This support is tailored to the unique pressures of the superyacht industry long hours, close quarters, hierarchy, isolation, and high expectations.
You won’t need to explain or justify your world. It’s understood.