Feel the Fear, Begin Again: Therapy & Career Change with Alina Yarova

What happens when a healthcare strategist moves to France, launches a coaching service, and begins training to become a therapist — all in pursuit of deeper service and personal truth?Alina Yarova’s career spans consulting, health tech, and now a bold new chapter: embracing therapy not just as a personal tool, but as a professional calling. In this episode, she reflects on immigration, identity, and the courage to feel the fear and begin again.She opens up about:• Growing up in Ukraine and adapting to life in the U.S.• Her lifelong connection to therapy — receiving, advocating, and now studying• Why she launched Project Pivot to help others navigate change• The emotional and logistical realities of moving to France• How small gestures can leave lasting marksEpisode Chapters00:00 Introduction and Reconnection02:38 Alina’s Background and Early Journey06:00 Immigration and Its Impact — From Ukraine to the U.S.13:44 Feeling Like an Outsider and Adapting to a New Culture17:49 Eight‑Year‑Old Alina and 2025 Alina19:42 Her Lifelong Connection to Therapy — Receiving, Advocating, Studying26:56 Why Seeking Therapy Is a Sign of Strength29:22 Financial and Fit Barriers to Accessing Therapy31:57 Mark’s Personal Therapy Story34:01 Cultural and Systemic Change in Mental Health Education37:49 Deciding to Become a Therapist42:15 A Deep Desire to Be of Service46:11 Embracing Change — Moving to France50:40 Navigating the Shadow Side of Change — Feel the Fear, Dance Anyway56:10 Trusting Values and Following Curiosity58:11 How to Reach and Connect with Alina01:00:10 Small Gestures, Big Impact — A Moment Mark Never Forgot01:06:05 Closing Reflections and Audience EngagementDiscovery OptimizationThis episode explores therapy as a personal and professional calling, career change, immigration, identity, starting over, emotional courage, and the realities of moving abroad. Listeners interested in reinvention, mental health journeys, values‑based decision‑making, and navigating major life transitions will find deep resonance in Alina’s story.