Stew Post
For this week’s interview, Senior Communications Officer Stew Post sat down with Fatima Bensalem, Founder of Sophrologie FB, to discuss her journey from corporate management to Cambodia’s growing wellness sector.
Fatima shared how sophrology, a mind-body discipline rooted in mindfulness and movement, offers practical tools for stress management, emotional balance, and inner harmony — and how she hopes to introduce this holistic approach to individuals and companies across Cambodia.
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Stew: You have had a diverse career in advertising, management, and social development before launching your own sophrology practice. Could you briefly introduce sophrology and tell us what motivated you to start your entrepreneurial journey in Cambodia?
Fatima: I have recently settled in Cambodia after several years of professional activity in France in the field of sophrology. Through Sophrologie FB, I aim to offer a simple and practical approach to well-being, adapted to each person’s rhythm.
Sophrology is a mind-body discipline that combines breathing, relaxation, visualisation, and gentle movement techniques. It helps develop balance between body and mind and strengthens emotional stability.
My motivation also comes from a desire to share a method that promotes self-awareness, emotional balance, and a sense of harmony in everyday life. Sophrology offers practical tools to help individuals reconnect with themselves, manage stress more effectively, and cultivate inner calm.
Listening, Communication, and Adaptability
Stew: Moving from a structured corporate role to a well-being practice is a bold decision. What lessons from your previous professional experience have been most valuable in creating Sophrologie FB?
Fatima: My previous experiences taught me the importance of listening, communication, and adaptability — all essential qualities in supporting people through personal growth.Project management and teamwork also provided me with strong organisational skills, which are now key in developing my own practice.
Stew: As a small business owner in Cambodia’s growing wellness sector, what have been the main opportunities and challenges you’ve encountered?
Fatima: I have just arrived in Cambodia and am beginning to explore the first opportunities available here.
At this stage, I would like to work primarily with French-speaking expatriates in my native language, and gradually offer sessions in English.
The main challenge is raising awareness of sophrology, which is still relatively unknown here. However, this also represents a great opportunity, as the country is open, curious, and evolving.
Wellness Sector Is Growing Rapidly In Cambodia
Stew: What types of clients do you usually work with in Cambodia, and what changes have you noticed in how local and expatriate communities approach mental well-being?
Fatima: As mentioned earlier, I have just settled in Cambodia and do not yet have direct local experience.
In France, I have worked with different groups — adults and students — both in collective workshops and individual sessions. Each time, sophrology has been perceived as a method that provides practical tools for individuals to regain autonomy in their pursuit of well-being.
This is the approach I wish to gradually introduce in Cambodia, adapting it to the local context.
Stew: The wellness sector is growing rapidly in Cambodia, especially among young professionals and expatriates. What role do you think sophrology plays in this evolving context?
Fatima: I believe sophrology can play a complementary role in this growing wellness movement.
It offers a structured yet gentle method that helps manage stress, improve focus, and strengthen resilience — skills increasingly needed in today’s fast-paced professional environments.
Stew: Looking ahead, what are your ambitions for Sophrologie FB, and how do you see your role in Cambodia’s broader wellness landscape?
Fatima: My goal is to develop my activity with companies and educational institutions interested in supporting the well-being and balance of their teams or students.
I also wish to consolidate and expand other partnerships in the future.
