Pittwater to Provence: A Humorous Leap
Join us on a journey from the beautiful shores of Scotland Island to the golden fields of Southern France. From language faux pas to cultural curiosities, we're sharing our transition with a healthy dose of humour and the professional perspective of a registered psychologist.
I’m an Australian Registered Psychologist who has a slight tendency to do things in an unconventional order.
I retrained as a psychologist later in life (because why make things easy?), have lived on a water-access-only island, and at various points have played in a rock band — rotating between instruments with enthusiasm if not always technical brilliance. A classic case of jack of all trades, master of none.
I’m also a parent of three and live in a proudly neurodivergent household, which has shaped my neuroaffirming approach both personally and professionally.
After 27 years in Australia — every minute of which I genuinely loved — I had often talked about the idea of escaping the Aussie winters and spending time in the south of France.
What I hadn’t quite planned on was doing it quite so… definitively.
It seems I may have manifested this particular life change a little earlier (and more comprehensively) than intended.
So here I am — navigating a new country, a different culture, and the small but significant challenges that come with it.
This blog is a reflection of that experience — part observation, part psychological perspective, and occasionally a gentle reminder that even when things feel slightly chaotic, they are usually still manageable.
The €1 car reservation (and other lies I told myself)
An Aussie, a French dealer, and a car you can own but apparently not take home.
Chronicles of Australian grit meeting French bureaucracy, with just enough humour and rosé to keep us sane.
Arrival in France (or how everything went slightly wrong all at once)
A freezing arrival, two missing dogs, one electric car… and absolutely no clear plan
Next instalment coming soon
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The Overwhelm is Real
When everything looks familiar on the surface – but nothing feels quite the same underneath
Transitioning from the idyllic Scotland Island in Australia to the pastoral charm of Provence isn't just a lifestyle shift—it's a psychological adventure. As a registered psychologist, my aim is to provide professional insight with a humorous, supportive perspective for anyone navigating their own 'lost in translation' moments. Whether it's managing the stress of a French administrative loop or finding balance in a new culture, I'm here to share the tools (and the laughter) needed to thrive in your transition.
Coming soon
coming soon
Coming soon
coming soon
Comment or Connect
Email me at max@maxpower.com.au
New Life • New Challenges • New Humour • New Life • New Challenges • New Humour