My services

I offer individual psychotherapy in English for late adolescents (16+) and adults.

Counselling vs. Treatment

These terms are sometimes used interchangably and many times they are intertwined. Personally, I refer to counselling when I am helping a client with emotional or psychological distress that may be transitory. My role is that of an active listener that is there to help process life challenges by organizing thoughts and ideas.

I see psychological treatment as a more structured and targetted process, which most of the times is directed towards a diagnosable psychological disorder.

As a clinical psychologist, I am trained to deal with the entire spectrum of psychological suffering (from mild to severe). Not all psychologists or psychotherapists have been trained to do this.

I might be able to help, if

You need support to handle major life stressors or life transitions, such as changes in living conditions (e.g., significant financial change, unemployment)
You have lost an important relationship
You are adjusting to a new culture or country
Something does not feel right all of the sudden (crisis counselling)
Your routines, interests, and motivation are changing in a negative direction
You experience increased irritability, frustration, or guilt
You have difficulties with the regulation of emotions (e.g, too intense, too variable, too flat).

Know or suspect to have:

An anxiety disorder or phobia, inlcuding panic disorder, social anxiety, generalized-anxiety disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Depression, dysthymia, or another mood problem

It does not matter what we call it, what is important is to get help

Consultation space @ Ryesgade 29, 3th

My Approach

I rely on three main approaches to therapy:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Humanistic approaches (e.g., client-centered), and
Emotion-regulation therapy principles.

To the extent that is possible, I guide my therapeutic work on scientific evidence. Psychology has evolved significantly in the past 70 years and has become a scientific field on its own right. Psychology researchers have produced a wealth of knowledge about many psychological processes, and have developed and tested various treatments for psychological problems. Therefore, I base my therapeutic decisions on the best available research relevant for the problem at hand.

However, science is not the only important element in therapy. It is extremely important to establish a safe relationship with my clients. I offer a space where they will be listened and supported, and a space where information will be kept confidential. My goal is to provide the clients with useful tools to move forward while in the context of a supportive therapeutic relationship.

How do I work?

A major advantage of private practice is that we can meet the clients’ needs in a more individualized manner. However, to give you a general idea, the therapeutic process may unfold as follows:

1) Initial assessment. The first session will always be more focused on getting to know you, and into understanding your major concerns. For this reason, you may experience that I make many questions in the first and second sessions.

2) Setting goals. Early on we will agree on some priorities and major goals for the therapy. I might have very concrete suggestions for you or “a plan” that we can work on together. We will discuss how to move forward. It is also possible that the goals change over time, and that is fine. You should always feel comfortable to voice your concerns and priorities.

3) Focused active work. A more active stage will come in which we employ the therapy time to target those goals. This stage may vary greatly from one person to the next.

4) Termination. There may be many reasons for which you may consider ending treatment, and you are always encouraged to share your perspective. On occassion, psychologists may also suggest closing up. Ideally, the decision is taken collaboratively.

Language in therapy

My first language is Spanish. However, because all my clinical and research work has taken place in English, I am proficient in this language.

I work with clients from many countries of origin. Some are native English speakers, some are not, just like me. In my experience, this has never been an obstacle to work together.

A note on adolescence and young adulthood. Mental health concerns among youth are on the rise. It is during adolescence that many emotional and psychological problems start showing and may develop into problems that are more serious later on. For this same reason, this stage of life is also a major opportunity to help young people to cope with difficult situations, regulate emotions, and change specific behaviors. In working with young individuals, I am aware that some of the challenges and priorities presented are unique to this life stage. Therefore, when working with young individuals in therapy, I am sensitive to the uniqueness of this life stage.

If you are strugguling with any of the problems listed above, contact me. Everybody is welcome!