On the Radar: Ena, Psychotherapist & Chief Stew

Blending life at sea with support onshore, Ena brings a grounded, relatable approach to therapy for yacht crew navigating the highs, lows, and everything in between.

Ena splits her time between life onboard and offering therapy to crew — online and in person.

1. What brought you into yachting — and what inspired the shift into your current work supporting crew?

I spent my entire childhood sailing in Montenegro. I was part of the national sailing team and often travelled to regattas, racing in the Optimist and Laser 4.7 classes. After ten years of sailing, I had to step away when I graduated high school. It was a tough decision, but deep down, I knew I’d return to the sea one day.

My dad is a captain, so my sister and I grew up helping him during boat deliveries. We also had a small Beneteau Oceanis, and as a family, we’d prepare it together before charters. My mom and sister would handle the interior while my dad and I took care of the deck. I also spent a few seasons working as a docker in Porto Montenegro marina.

After graduating from university in 2020 during the pandemic, I wasn’t actively looking for work in my field because of the lockdowns. Then out of the blue, a friend called asking if I wanted to join a 58m motor yacht with a Turkish crew as a second stew. I said yes immediately. That summer was my first real season in yachting. I worked a lot of morning shifts, helped the chef in the galley, improved my Turkish, and learned what it’s really like to work at sea.

Following that season, I completed several certificates, including Powerboat Level 2, and went to Palma de Mallorca. After a month of dockwalking and short-term roles, I found a job as a solo stew on a sailing yacht.

In 2022, I began training in family and couples therapy. I’m now working as a chief stew on a 50m motor yacht, while also offering therapy sessions in person in Istanbul and online with my other clients.

2. What’s one thing you wish more yacht crew understood about mental health?

Just the other day, during training in Istanbul, our professor, a psychiatrist, said something that stuck with me: “Health first, then success.”

I’ve had moments in my own journey where I pushed myself too hard and neglected my well-being. When you live and work like that, it’s easy to burn out, and it becomes hard to stay in any role for an extended period.

Now, I also see how often we stay silent for too long. By the time we decide to leave a job or situation, people ask, “Is there something we could’ve done? Why didn’t you say anything earlier?”

Often, we avoid speaking up to escape uncomfortable or awkward conversations. But the truth is, one short and honest talk can change so much. Mental health isn’t a luxury, it’s a foundation, and it brings longevity to the crew. Not many people enjoy constantly switching jobs, adapting to new systems, and learning everything from scratch. This is why I emphasize the importance of crew meetings and encourage everyone to prioritize them.

3. What’s a small habit or mindset shift that can make a big difference during a busy charter season?

Listening to yourself.

• If you need a day to yourself, without distractions, take it.

• If you miss your family, call them and catch up.

• If you're dreaming of a road trip with your crew, suggest it and start planning.

• If your body needs fresh air, get off the boat and go for a walk.

• If you're tired, put your phone on airplane mode and rest- no alarms.

Ignoring your own needs is the fastest road to burnout. But small acts of self-care add up and help you stay grounded, even during the busiest seasons.

4. What do you love most about working with yacht crew?

There’s so much I could say. It’s fascinating how much we can learn about different cultures and mindsets without ever stepping foot in those countries. The yachting crew community is truly unique, diverse and dynamic.

I love the mix of cultures, personalities, and stories. There’s something special about supporting people who are always on the move. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of their support system: helping them feel seen, heard, and empowered.

It also feels especially meaningful to me because I come from a similar background. I can relate to their lifestyle and better understand the challenges and experiences they’re going through.

5. What’s one challenge crew often come to you with — and how do you usually start working through it?

To my surprise, working with crew has shown me how different and unique everyone is. I initially thought I’d see similar patterns, but every client brings their own world, shaped by culture, background, and personal story.

That said, one common theme is communication. It’s one thing to open up in therapy, but doing so in real life, especially in hierarchical or high-pressure environments, is another challenge altogether.

When we start working through this, I create a safe space for them to explore what’s been left unsaid: how it made them feel, whether it brought up any memories, if they’ve experienced something similar before, what they might do differently next time, and what steps can be taken moving forward. From there, we begin building their confidence to express themselves more openly, both inside and outside of therapy.

6. If a crew member is hesitant to reach out for support, what would you say to them?

It’s completely normal to feel hesitant. We’re all a bit unsure when stepping into something new and unknown.

Most people don’t come to therapy with a perfect script or a clear starting point, and that’s absolutely okay. I often begin by saying, “There’s no right or wrong way to do this.”

In the first session, I take the pressure off. I introduce myself, explain how I work, and let them know this first meeting is more of an introduction: a space to explore what brought them here and how they’re feeling, without needing to have it all figured out.

I also let them know that the first 3–4 sessions are a period of getting to know each other, an introduction to the deeper work ahead. It’s a time to begin listening and sensing what’s going on underneath, and to check in with each other to see if we feel comfortable working together, because therapy is a shared space, and the connection matters.

I ask simple questions like, “What made you reach out?” or “What would you like to get out of therapy?” From there, we take it step by step. Some people talk a lot, others very little, I adapt to whatever they need. Just showing up is already a huge first step. The rest, we build together.

7. When a crew member sits down with you for the first time — maybe unsure of what to say — how do you help them begin to make sense of what’s going on?

That’s actually why I made a post on my crew.sessions account explaining the first therapy session step by step, so it’s easier for people to feel prepared.

What I usually offer is a chance to do 3 or 4 sessions together to get a sense of what therapy feels like and whether it’s a good fit for both of us.

Here’s a general structure:

• Introduction to therapy — how sessions work and what to expect.

• Past therapy experiences — if any, how long, and what it was like.

• Health and lifestyle — habits, routines, physical and emotional well-being.

• Relationships and social life — family, partner, friends, support system.

• Therapy expectations — what you’re hoping to get from the sessions.

• Reasons for seeking therapy — this helps shape the focus of our work.

• Significant life events — sometimes mentioned early on, or whenever they’re ready.

The first session is always introductory, a space to begin exploring, without pressure.

8. Describe your therapy style in three words.

Confidential, accepting, and supportive.

You can book a session with Ena through your WaveWellness app.