FAQ’s
Starting therapy often comes with questions. Sometimes, these are practical questions about schedules, fees, and format. Other times, they are more personal concerns, such as whether now is the right time, if what you’re going through is “serious enough,” or if you’ll feel comfortable with the therapist.
On this page, you’ll find straightforward answers to help you understand how I work, what you can expect from the therapeutic process, and how to confidently take that first step.
About My Background and Whether I'm a Good Fit For You
This is one of the most important questions, and it can make us feel the most uncertain when choosing a therapist. Therapy works best when there is a good balance between the following three things:
- Personal connection: feeling safe, heard, and accepted.
- Professional fit: your reason for seeking therapy falls within my area of expertise.
- Methodological fit: the approach and therapeutic framework is helpful to you.
During our initial meeting, we’ll briefly discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, answer any questions you may have, and determine if I’m the right professional to support you.
If, during that first conversation, I determine that your situation requires a different type of intervention, such as a specific area of expertise, urgent care, or different resources, I’ll be transparent with you and help guide you toward the most appropriate professional or service, if possible.
Do you work with adults, teenagers, and couples? What issues do you usually deal with?
Yes. I work with adults and adolescents, and I also provide couples therapy.
I specialize in supporting individuals with issues related to:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood
- Self-esteem, boundaries, and self-criticism
- Relationship difficulties and recurring patterns
- Recovery from narcissistic abuse and coercive control
- Emotionally complex relationships
- Recovery from high-control groups
- Cultural adjustment, living abroad, and life transitions
In the case of adolescents, the approach is tailored to their age, situation and emotional needs, always ensuring a safe and professional environment.
Do you work with people who live outside Spain or with expats*?
Yes. I work with people living in Spain as well as with people living in other European countries.
Online therapy allows me to support:
- Expats/migrants or people who have moved to a new country
- People working internationally
- People living far from their support network
- People who need continuity in their therapy even if they travel or move
Living abroad can have a significant impact on one’s emotional well-being, including feelings of loneliness, stress, a sense of not belonging, difficulty asking for help in another language, or even cumulative exhaustion that sets in over time. Therapy can play a supportive role in navigating this process.
*In this context, the term ‘expat’ is used in a general sense, acknowledging its ties to social, economic, or racial inequalities and biases, as it is often used to refer to migrants from Western countries or those with greater financial means. Those who undergo similar migration processes from less privileged countries are more frequently referred to as ‘immigrants’. For this reason, I prefer the term «migrant», as I consider it more neutral and applicable to any of these migration experiences.
Do you offer therapy in Spanish and English? Can I switch languages during the therapeutic process?
Yes. I offer therapy in Spanish and English.
Language plays a crucial role in the therapeutic process. Sometimes, we need to speak in the language in which we think, feel, or recall certain experiences.
If you are bilingual, you can switch between languages during therapy if you need to. Therapy should adapt to you, not the other way around.
Regarding the Reasons for Consultation
Which situations can therapy help with?
Therapy can be beneficial in a variety of situations. Some people come because they feel overwhelmed. Others come because they feel that something isn’t quite right, even though ‘on the surface’ everything seems fine.
Therapy can help you, if, for example:
- You are experiencing anxiety, stress or constant worry
- You find it hard to switch off or relax
- You feel sad, emotionally empty or depressed.
- You feel stuck, numb or unmotivated
- You find it hard to set boundaries or prioritise yourself
- You feel guilt, insecurity or constant self-criticism
- You are going through a break-up or a personal crisis
- You have experienced manipulative, emotionally abusive or controlling relationships
- You find it hard to adjust to living away from home, or you feel lonely and unsupported
- You are worried about repeating patterns in your relationships
In therapy, we focus both on alleviating distress and on gaining a deeper understanding of what causes it.
How do I know if what I experienced was an unhealthy relationship dynamic, emotional abuse, narcissistic abuse or coercive control?
It’s very common to feel uncertain, especially when someone is gaslighting or manipulating you. Many people come to therapy feeling confused, guilty, or like they’re overreacting.
It’s not always easy to pinpoint what you’ve been through, and you don’t need to have a clear understanding of it to get started.
In therapy, we can work on:
- Identifying relationship patterns
- Understanding the dynamics of emotional manipulation
- Distinguishing between normal conflict and psychological abuse
- Recognising signs of control, isolation or devaluation
- Regaining confidence in your own judgement
Labeling things “for the sake of it» isn’t the goal. The goal is to help you understand what has happened, regain emotional clarity, and build self-confidence moving forward.
Can I start therapy if I’m still in a difficult relationship or if I’m still in contact with that person?
Yes. Many people start therapy while they’re still in a difficult relationship or when they’re unable to cut off contact (for example, if there are children, shared family ties, or a professional or financial connection).
Therapy can help to:
- Regain clarity and perspective
- Understand the dynamics that are affecting you
- Strengthen your personal and interpersonal boundaries
- Reduce guilt, confusion, and emotional exhaustion
- Make decisions in a more mindful and confident way
The goal isn’t to push you toward a specific decision, but to support you so that you can regain your emotional autonomy and feel more stable and confident when choosing your own path.
About the Therapeutic Process
What is the initial consultation like, and what happens during the first session?
The initial consultation is free and without obligation. The purpose of this first step is to allow you to:
- Briefly explain what brings you to therapy
- Ask questions
- Learn about my approach
- Discuss availability and format (online or in-person)
This isn’t an initial session, but rather a space to help you decide whether or not to start therapy. The first session will then be a therapeutic space where we’ll begin by understanding your current situation, what’s on your mind, what you’d like to achieve, and what you need right now.
My priority in the first few sessions is for you to feel safe, heard, and supported.
What is your approach to therapy?
My approach is integrative and evidence-based.
This means that I don’t strictly follow just one model. The therapy is customized to each person, and I combine tools from different psychological approaches that have been proven to work together, depending on your situation, your history, and your goals. My approach is mainly based on two types of therapy: CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy) and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy).
I work from a perspective that is:
- Respectful and non-judgmental
- Clear and structured when necessary
- Flexible and tailored to your pace
- Focused on both alleviating symptoms and understanding their underlying causes
What is the frequency of the sessions, and how long does the therapeutic process last?
Typically, sessions are conducted on a weekly or biweekly basis, especially at the beginning. As the process moves forward, we can adjust the scheduling to accommodate your needs.
The duration of the therapeutic process depends on many factors:
- The reason for seeking therapy
- The current level of distress
- Personal and relational history
- Therapeutic goals
- Your pace and availability
Some people need a shorter process, while others need more ongoing support. We’ll assess this together, honestly and without making the process longer (or shorter!) than it needs to be.
How will I know if I'm making progress or if the therapy is working?
This is a very common question, and it’s important to address it.
Progress in therapy isn’t always linear, but it often shows up in the following ways:
- Less anxiety or a better ability to cope with your emotions
- Greater mental and emotional clarity
- Less guilt and more self-compassion
- A better ability to set boundaries
- More stability in your relationships
- Greater confidence in yourself and your decisions
- Less of a feeling of being stuck in repetitive patterns
- A stronger commitment to your own values
We will also review the process on a regular basis to make sure you feel that the therapy is helping you.
What if I have trouble opening up or don't know what to say during the session?
This is really common and totally normal.
Many people worry that they won’t be able to express themselves, that they’ll have nothing to say, or that they’ll feel vulnerable. You don’t need to «get it right» or find the perfect words.
Part of the therapeutic process specifically involves:
- Expressing thoughts and feelings that are difficult to put into words.
- Recognizing and identifying emotions.
- Dealing with situations that seem confusing.
- Moving forward and making progress, even when you feel stuck.
I’ll be there to support you so you can open up at your own pace, without any pressure.
What if at some point I want to stop or feel like it's not the right time?
This is also valid.
Therapy isn’t an obligation, and the process should always respect where you are in life. If at any point you feel you need to take a break, space out the sessions, or end the process, we can talk it over.
The most important thing is that the conclusion is mindful and thoughtful, so that you walk away with clarity and resources – not a sense of having abandoned the process.
Online and in-person formats
Does online therapy work the same way as in-person therapy?
Yes. Online therapy provides the same level of structure, depth, and quality as in-person therapy.
Current scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of online therapy for a variety of concerns. In my professional experience, I have found online therapy to be particularly beneficial for the following reasons:
- People living abroad
- Expats/migrants
- People with demanding schedules
- Those seeking continuity even if they move or travel
What matters the most is that you have a private, stable, and safe space for the sessions.
What do I need to participate in online therapy, and how do you ensure confidentiality?
To take part in online therapy, you’ll need:
- A private space where you can speak freely
- A device with a camera and microphone (phone, computer, or tablet)
- A stable internet connection
Confidentiality is respected in the same way as in in-person therapy. Sessions are not recorded, and the process takes place in a professional and secure environment.
Additionally, I can help you with recommendations to improve privacy (for example, headphones, location, etc.) if needed.
Common Emotional Barriers
I'm not sure if my situation is “serious enough” to warrant therapy. Is it worth reaching out?
Yes. In fact, this is a very common question.
Many people downplay their distress because of beliefs like:
- “There are people who are worse off”
- “It shouldn’t affect me this much”
- “I have to handle this on my own”
However, therapy isn’t only for times when you feel overwhelmed. It’s also intended to help:
- Achieve a more profound self-awareness.
- Prevent distress from becoming chronic.
- Regain emotional stability.
- Learn to set boundaries.
- Break free from harmful relationship patterns.
If something is bothering you deep down, even if it seems “minor” on the surface, it deserves attention.
I've tried therapy in the past and it didn't work for me. What would be different this time?
This is something many people experience and it doesn’t necessarily mean that therapy isn’t right for you.
There are many reasons why a previous therapeutic process may not have helped you:
- You didn’t connect well with the therapist
- The approach wasn’t suited to you and your situation
- It wasn’t the right time in your life
- There was a lack of structure or clarity
- The reason for seeking therapy changed
- You didn’t feel you could talk directly and openly about your concerns.
During our first meeting, we can discuss your past experiences and what you’d like to see done differently this time. Therapy can be approached in a different way.
I'm embarrassed to talk about what's going on with me. How do you approach that in therapy?
Shame is a very human emotion, and it often comes up when we have been invalidated, judged, or have had experiences where we don’t feel safe expressing ourselves.
In therapy, feelings of shame aren’t forced out into the open or tackled all at once. They are addressed with care.
The goal is for you to feel as though you’re in a space where:
- you don’t have to prove anything
- you can speak without fear of being judged
- you can take it step by step, at your own pace
You don’t have to share everything right from the start. Trust is built over time.
I'm afraid that if I revisit certain things, I'll feel worse. Is that normal?
Yes, that’s a perfectly natural and valid concern.
Sometimes, when you start therapy, emotions that have been bottled up for a long time come to the surface. That doesn’t mean you’re taking a step backward; it means you’re getting in touch with what needs to be addressed.
The aim of my approach isn’t to stir things up just for the sake of it. The process adapts to your pace and is conducted safely, ensuring that:
- You have coping mechanisms
- The work is gradual
- You feel supported
- You can safely process whatever comes up
Crisis Support and Limitations to My Scope of Practice
Do you handle emergencies or emotional crises? What should I do if I need immediate help?
Therapy sessions are available by appointment only, and I do not see patients for emergencies outside of scheduled appointments.
If you are experiencing a crisis or need urgent help, it is important to contact emergency services:
📞 112 – General emergencies
📞 061 – Medical emergencies
Or go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital.
If your situation is urgent, please seek immediate attention.
Practical Questions
What are your rates and how does payment work?
In-person and online sessions have the same price.
- Individual session: €65 (50–60 minutes)
- Couples session: €95 (60–90 minutes)
Payment must be made at least 48 hours before the session via bank transfer, by card or in cash.
Feel free to ask for an invoice if needed.
Do you have a cancellation or rescheduling policy?
I understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. In order for me to organise my schedule, make the most of the time set aside and ensure that I can offer each spot to someone, cancellations or changes must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
In the event of a cancellation made at shorter notice, the session will be charged in full, except in cases of unavoidable circumstances.
Is therapy confidential? Are there any exceptions?
Yes. Confidentiality is a fundamental principle of any psychological intervention.
Everything shared during therapy is kept strictly confidential in accordance with the professional code of ethics and current regulations.
There are very specific legal exceptions (for example, serious and imminent risk to you or to others) which are always handled with the highest level of care and professional responsibility. Before we begin, you will be able to review all the exceptions in the terms and conditions of the informed consent form.
How can I book an appointment, and how long does it take for you to reply?
You can book an initial consultation by contacting me via the form on the website or by email.
I try to respond within approximately 24–48 working hours (except in specific cases where I am out of the office).
If you haven’t received a reply within this amount of time, please check your spam folder or try contacting me again.
If you still have questions after checking out this FAQ section, feel free to reach out. I’d be glad to help clear them up.
Therapy in English and Spanish · Online and In-Person · Services in Spain and Europe
