One of the most meaningful connections I have today is with someone nearly two decades my junior and based in a different continent. I met Katia Stringari in a way that blows my Gen X mind a bit.
We were brought together by a shared interest in a YouTube channel. We were both part of its global WhatsApp community. During a virtual meetup of a smaller subgroup, only she and I showed up. There was another girl, but she was at work and barely able to join the conversation, so it really ended up being just the two of us. I didn’t mind at all, since I don’t really enjoy big hangouts. We spent the hour getting to know each other. I was happy to learn that she was a therapist, which meant mental health was another thing we could bond over.
How One Conversation Turned Into an Ongoing Connection
Many times throughout our chat, she apologized for her English. She explained that she doesn’t really use the language, it’s purely her native French for her day-to-day. There’s no one around her she can speak English with regularly. Her speech was a bit hesitant, you could tell she was searching for words. But it wasn’t bad at all, nothing that more practice wouldn’t improve.
So a couple of weeks later, I reached out to her to ask if she would consider practicing English with me. She was thrilled with the idea, and we set up a call to explore the arrangement further. Three years later, we’re still at it! And I couldn’t be more thankful.
Mutual Exchange
We continue to learn about each other’s cultures. I’m the first Filipino she’s ever interacted with so she’s always intrigued by the bits and pieces I share about the Philippines. One time, she stumbled upon a video of people dancing the tinikling and sent it to me, asking about it. I was touched by her curiosity. We follow each other on social media, and I always dig into the details of her exciting posts.
Katia thrives outdoors. She has a bold, curious spirit and is always eager to explore. (Photo from Katia)
Most of the time though, our practice sessions lean into a therapy context. She wants to be more proficient in using English for her job. Lucky for her, I’m never short on issues and she’s up-to-date on every single one. I’d often say that our talks are about me helping her improve her English, and her helping me improve how I do life. Whatever the topic, we both come away from our virtual calls with something new.
What Makes Katia Stringari a Great Therapist
Katia has raised the bar for what I expect from a therapist. She has a deep toolkit of exercises and a wealth of resources. She gives suggestions for books to read, videos to watch, and podcasts to listen to. She is highly attuned to emerging approaches in the wellness space so she’s constantly introducing new terms into my vocabulary around it. And because of her vast arsenal, she can be flexible in her recommendations and be sure they align with her client’s needs. Despite being only in her early thirties, she brings a broad perspective to her practice. Her empathy and compassion are exceptional and never feel put on.
Since 2018, she has been supporting individuals navigating life transitions, helping them find clarity to move forward with ease and confidence. She got into this space after hypnosis changed her life. “It had a big impact on me, so I wanted to help others experience it too,” she explains. “I noticed that a lot of people aren’t happy and are dealing with depression. As a child, you naturally feel joy. But as you grow up, it’s like that feeling slowly fades. Where does the joy go when you become an adult? We’re usually told we need to be serious,” she observes.
Aside from hypnosis, Katia’s approach also utilizes Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. In addition, she is certified in Nonviolent Communication (NVC), which helps people identify and express their needs clearly so communication becomes less defensive and more cooperative.
One of Katia’s recommendations was the book “Nonviolent Communication” by Marshall Rosenberg, the psychologist who developed the framework. It’s a must read!
My Most Important Takeaway
The biggest lesson that I learned from Katia is to listen to myself, identify my needs, and honor them. “It’s the first step before you can take any action,” she emphasizes. “It’s not easy for everybody, but you have to ask yourself every morning, every day, what do I feel and what do I need? It’s really important because the body is a big messenger, and we have a lot of responses in our body. When we ask this question, we can regulate and adjust a lot of things.” She tirelessly reiterates that when I find myself in an environment where my needs are dismissed or ignored, I’m not meant to be there.
Expanding Her Work Into Movement
Last year, Katia added another feather to her cap with a Professional Qualification in Sports Education and a certification in Movement Practice. She spent almost a year studying and training to become a Movement Coach. Now she leads classes on the Art of Movement (for a body that is more mobile, more responsive, and more confident) and Body Expression (which combines movement and introspection). She also conducts workshops on Breathwork and Cold Exposure. These are only offered face to face in France, but for therapy, she sees clients online.
Her long-term goal is to create courses that will combine therapy and movement. “In our society, we separate everything but you can’t separate mind and body. There are so many tools for both and it is a pity if we can’t make the most of what’s available,” she says.
Best Part of Her Job as a Therapist and Movement Coach
No doubt, she gains fulfillment from being of service to others, but what she loves most about her job is the opportunity to build relationships. “It’s about human connection. I like having that connection with someone, listening to them explain what they feel or experience. And sometimes I can share my opinion or perspective on something,” she reveals. “Like what you and I do,” she quickly points out.
Katia and I marvel at how we ended up as friends, and we are never remiss in expressing our gratitude for how we’ve enriched each other’s lives.
Shoutout to Yes Theory
Thomas Brag, Tommy Dajer, Ammar Kandil, and Staffan Taylor of Yes Theory (photo from Yes Theory)
We definitely owe a lot to Yes Theory, the YouTube channel that served as the bridge between us (same reason I discovered the Yes Fam Book Club). Their motto is “seek discomfort,” and their videos are about engaging with strangers with openness and curiosity, showing that meaningful connections can form anywhere. Through spontaneous conversations, shared experiences, and a willingness to say yes to the unknown, they demonstrate that strangers are often just friends you haven’t met yet. Katia and I are a testament to that!
If you think you could use Katia’s help, you may find her at katiastringari.fr and on LinkedIn. She is also on Instagram @katiastringari and @mon_petitcoaching.
