Therapy for Expats — Psychological Support When Living Abroad

Relocating to another country can be one of the most enriching but also emotionally complex experiences a person can go through. Beyond the surface excitement of a fresh start, many people encounter hidden challenges: the loss of familiar routines, feeling disconnected, or questioning one’s identity.

 

As a UK trained and registered clinical psychologist and counselling psychotherapist with a EuroPsy Certificate, I am qualified to provide high-quality, internationally recognised psychological care. I am also fully insured and authorised to offer online therapy for clients living in Spain, giving you access to professional support, no matter where you are.

 

The Unique Challenges of Expat Life

While moving abroad is often portrayed as an adventure, for many people it brings a very real sense of loss, adjustment difficulties, and emotional strain.

 

Common issues I support expats with include:

 

• Loss of familiar support networks — missing family, friends, and the everyday social connections from your home country.

• Relationship difficulties — couples often experience added strain when adjusting to life in a new culture or environment.

• Separation and divorce — ending a relationship abroad can feel especially isolating and destabilising.

• Loneliness and isolation — even when surrounded by others, you may still feel disconnected or 'not quite at home.'

• Identity and belonging — feeling caught between cultures, or unsure where you truly belong.

• Ageing abroad — facing your own ageing or supporting ageing parents from a distance.

• Parenting in a different culture — adjusting your parenting style, managing children’s adaptation to a new environment, or dealing with separation from older children.

• Unprocessed grief and trauma — which often surface more sharply when familiar distractions are gone.

 

Expat life often adds an extra layer to everyday difficulties

It is important to recognise that these challenges often come on top of the normal emotional difficulties people may already face, such as:

 

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Low self-esteem

• Stress and burnout

• Loss and bereavement

• Life transitions, such as menopause, retirement, or career changes

• Past trauma

• Parenting challenges

 

Living abroad may intensify or complicate these issues, making it harder to manage without support.

 

I Understand — From Professional and Personal Experience

Like many of my clients, I have personally experienced the process of moving countries and adjusting to a new way of life. I am English but have also lived in Spain, so I understand, from lived experience, the emotional ups and downs that often come with relocation. This helps me to work sensitively and authentically with expat clients.  I also know how hard it is to get good quality English speaking therapy in Spain, which is why I have chosen to gain my Europsy certificate and to offer this service.

 

Therapy in Your Own Language

Being able to express yourself fully, including sharing your feelings, history, and emotional experiences, is vital for effective therapy. I offer therapy in your native language, making sure you don’t have to search for words when you need them the most. Therapy becomes safer, more comfortable, and more meaningful when you are understood in your own language.

 

My Approach

My work is:

• Culturally sensitive — I am familiar with the emotional complexity of living between cultures.

• Trauma-informed — I work carefully with both past and present difficulties.

• Collaborative — Therapy is tailored to you, your circumstances, and your goals.

• Flexible — Online therapy means you can access support wherever you are in Spain.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you qualified to work internationally?

Yes. Please check out the about me page to see my qualifications.  I hold the EuroPsy Certificate, which is a European standard of competence in psychology and means I am more than qualified to offer this service. I am also fully insured to provide online therapy in Spain.

 

Can online therapy be as effective as in-person therapy?

Yes. Many clients find online therapy to be just as effective, and sometimes even more accessible and convenient, especially when living abroad. I use secure, encrypted platforms to protect your confidentiality.

 

Do you offer therapy for children, couples, or families?

Yes. I am experienced in working with individuals of all ages, including children and families. I also work with couples who may be navigating the challenges of living abroad together.

 

Can I combine therapy for expat-related difficulties with support for anxiety, depression, or other issues?

Absolutely. Many people come to therapy with multiple concerns, and I will work with you to address all the areas of your life that are affecting your well-being.

 

Do you work with Spanish health insurance?

Sadly, not currently.

 

Fees

My fees for expats are detailed below.  I can take payment in pounds or euros – please see my fees page if you wish to pay in pounds. 

 

• Initial assessment – €200.00 – per session - this includes paperwork, psychometrics and initial consultation​

• ​

• Subsequent online psychology sessions (adult) - €150.00 – per 50-minute session​

• ​

• Subsequent online psychology sessions (child 8-18) - €175.00 – per 50-minute session​

• ​

• Couples/Relationship therapy session - €200.00 – per 60-minute session​