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Services

Therapy in English

Bilingual psychotherapy in Spain and Europe

Finding a psychologist who speaks English in a non-English-speaking country can be challenging, especially if what you need isn’t just to “speak in English,” but to feel truly understood in a safe, professional, and non-judgmental space.

If you are experiencing anxiety, stress, or mood difficulties, facing cross-cultural challenges, or recovering from narcissistic abuse, coercive control, or other emotionally complex relationship dynamics, therapy can help you process these experiences. It can assist you in articulating your experiences, identifying the factors that are impacting you, and starting to regain clarity, emotional autonomy, and well-being in a culturally sensitive environment.

I provide services to adults and adolescents in Spanish and English. I offer in-person and online sessions in Spain, as well as online therapy for people living in other European countries.

What Are the Benefits to Doing Therapy in Your Own Language?

Language isn't just a means of communication. It is an integral part of how we think, feel, and make sense of our experiences.

In situations where we are dealing with issues related to anxiety, relational trauma, or other emotionally complex experiences, the ability to articulate ourselves in a language we feel comfortable with can facilitate a deeper level of emotional connection, leading to enhanced therapeutic outcomes.

In some cases, even individuals with strong proficiency in Spanish (or another language) may opt for therapy in English due to it being their language or because it is the language they have grown accustomed to speaking. In other cases, there are Spanish-speaking or bilingual individuals who wish to work in English for personal or professional reasons.

Therapy should adapt to you, not the other way around.

Who is Therapy in English For?

Therapy in English can be a particularly helpful option if:

  • You live in Spain (or another European country) and English is your language
  • You live in Spain (or another European country) but feel more comfortable expressing yourself in English
  • You have been living outside your home country for some time
  • You are going through a period of change or life transition in a different cultural context
  • You have trouble finding psychological support in your own language
  • You have experienced complex relationships or emotional situations that have left you feeling confused, insecure, or distressed
  • You want a professional space where you can express yourself clearly, without having to mentally translate

I work with adults and adolescents, tailoring therapy to each stage of life and to each person’s specific needs.

Common Reasons for Starting Therapy in English

Everyone's motivations for seeking therapy vary, but there are some issues that come up frequently, especially in situations where language and cultural context play a significant role. If any of these topics resonate with you, we can address them in therapy:

  • Cross-Cultural Issues

    Difficulties or considerations that arise from cultural differences and have the potential to influence communication, understanding and interactions among individuals or groups from diverse cultural backgrounds.

  • Anxiety and Stress

    Constant worry, physical and mental tension, a feeling of being on edge, difficulty unwinding or resting, repetitive thoughts, or a sense of being “in survival mode.”

  • Depression and Other Mood-Related Concerns

    Lasting feelings of sadness, apathy, irritability, lack of motivation, a sense of emptiness, or difficulty enjoying things as much as before.

  • Self-esteem, Feelings of Guilt, and Difficulty Setting Boundaries

    High expectations for yourself, guilt, insecurity, fear of making mistakes, difficulty setting boundaries, prioritizing yourself, or trusting your own decisions.

  • Complex Relationships and Relationship Dynamics

    Difficulty forming secure relationships, emotional dependence, fear of abandonment, frequent conflicts, or a feeling of being trapped in repetitive patterns.

  • Recovery From Narcissistic Abuse

    Confusion, guilt, gaslighting, emotional exhaustion, emotional dependence, or a loss of self-confidence following a relationship marked by manipulation, invalidation, or psychological abuse.

  • Coercive Control and Emotionally Abusive Relationships

    Isolation, fear, control, manipulation, threats, restrictions on your freedom, or relationships in which you feel you’ve gradually become smaller or lost your emotional autonomy.

  • Living Abroad, Cultural Adjustment, and Loneliness

    Difficulty adjusting, a sense of not belonging, isolation, culture shock, lack of a support network, stress, or grief resulting from migration or major life changes far from home or country of origin.

What is my Approach to Therapy?

My therapeutic approach is integrative and evidence-based, with a primary focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This means that I tailor the process to you, your background, and your goals, combining tools from different psychological approaches based on what you need at each stage.

In therapy, we’ll work gradually, at a pace that feels comfortable to you, so that you can:

  • Understand your current emotional and relational patterns.
  • Regain emotional clarity and autonomy.
  • Build your self-esteem and establish healthy boundaries.
  • Build more secure and healthy relationships.
  • Feel more stability and connection to yourself.

The goal isn't to force you to “get better quickly,” but rather to provide you with solid support so that the change is real and sustainable.

Online Therapy in English Throughout Europe

I offer online therapy in English (and Spanish) for people living in Spain and other European countries.

Online therapy offers the same care, depth, and professional support as in-person therapy. It is a particularly useful option if:

  • You live outside of Spain
  • You travel frequently
  • You have a demanding schedule
  • You want to maintain continuity in your therapy even if you move to another city or country
  • You prefer to work from a familiar environment

Confidentiality and security are just as important in an online format.

FAQs

Are you a native English speaker?
Yes. I am originally from Vancouver, Canada, and I work in both English and Spanish. I adapt to my clients’ linguistic and cultural needs so that they can express themselves comfortably and without constraint.
Do you work with people who live outside of Spain?
Yes. I offer online therapy to people living in various European countries, maintaining the same quality and depth as in-person sessions.
Does online therapy work in the same way as in-person therapy?
Yes. Online therapy offers the same structure and depth. It’s a flexible, convenient, and effective option, especially if you live far away or have a busy schedule.
Do you work with adolescents?
Yes. I work with adolescents, adapting the therapeutic process to their developmental stage, emotional needs, and family and social context.
Can I switch languages during the process?
Yes! You can freely express yourself in English or Spanish at any point. The therapeutic process should be flexible and centered on your needs and well-being.
How do I get started?
Feel free to reach out to me for an initial conversation, with no obligation. During that first exchange, we can briefly discuss what’s bringing you to therapy, and you’ll have the chance to ask me any questions you may have before we begin.
Nira McLaughlin, Licensed Psychologist

Contact

Want to talk?

If you're at a point where you feel that something needs to change, you want to understand yourself better or you want to find or regain a sense of calm and levity, I'd be delighted to support you.

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A first, no-obligation contact · Online and in person · Across Europe