What is your therapeutic approach?

In my approach, I integrate psychological, somatic and spiritual modalities. Every human being is a complex miracle - thinking, feeling, sensing, believing - and I welcome their whole being into a session. The foundation of my approach is in Gestalt therapy, polyvagal theory, trauma treatment, and non-duality meditation. I aim to help you connect to and activate the natural self-healing properties of your body and mind. Attention to feelings and sensations in the body helps us to create meaning that is experienced and felt, not only known. Together we explore the best ways for you to achieve emotional and physical grounding and form a loving relationship with yourself.

What is Gestalt therapy?

Gestalt therapy is based on the assumption that we are all born with all the necessary resources to self-regulate and relate to ourselves, to other people and the world, and lead a satisfying life. However, at some point in our lives, we might develop some adjustments, certain defence mechanisms that at a time helped us to survive and to respond to the circumstances but are no longer serving us, entrapping us in fixed patterns, limiting beliefs or rigid responses. We discover how our present behaviour is related to unresolved issues from our past, we face the neglected and rejected parts of ourselves and we integrate them to become a conscious whole again. 

In Gestalt therapy, we explore the reality of here and now rather than the past. We expand the awareness of ourselves in the present moment and we realize how we play part in creating our reality. We assume our responsibility for our thoughts, emotions and actions, thus gaining control over our life. We connect with our spontaneous self, the one able to differentiate authentic needs from neurotic desires and respond to the world in a creative, respectful and rewarding manner.

What is the polyvagal theory and trauma?

The polyvagal theory was developed by dr. Stephen W. Porges and first presented in 1994. Focusing on neurobiological mechanisms of psychological disorders, it describes the adaptive functions of human reactions to traumatic events. It helps us understand how the autonomic nervous system influences mental, behavioural and physiological processes when we find ourselves in a traumatic situation. 

Trauma is not a stressful event that happens to us but our physiological and mental response to the event. Not everybody will react in the same way when they find themselves in the same situation. Trauma can be defined by an overwhelming feeling of helplessness and lack of control. Treating and healing trauma can be one of our biggest challenges and there are various modalities, both somatic and psychological, that offer corrective experience opportunities.

What are nonduality and nondual meditation?

Nonduality is derived from the Sanskrit Advaita, meaning ‘not two’. However, it is not as simple as “an opposite to duality”. The word ‘nonduality’ transmits the essential oneness (wholeness, completeness, unity) of life, a wholeness which exists here and now, before any apparent man-imposed separation occurs. True Advaita is not a philosophical concept or something gained from learning. It does not mean sync or connectedness or togetherness. It is not even experience but a state of being. Although we may try to explore the concept of oneness intellectually, it must be directly lived to be known. It’s an experience beyond words. Nondual meditation explores the nature of experience, the existence, the nature of ‘I’, in the here and now, before concepts and labels appear.

How long does the therapy last?

The length of the therapy is a very individual matter. I believe that the main goal of a therapeutic alliance is to empower the client - you - so therapy should last only as long as the external support of a therapist is needed, usually several months, sometimes longer.

What is the frequency of the sessions? 

It is important to build a certain rhythm and set up sessions at the same hour and on the same day of the week, this helps to build a sense of safety, trust and sense of agency.

What is the investment?

The decision to start therapy means an investment of your time, emotions, energy and money. We can discuss the financial aspect of your investment and work out the best solution in your situation.

How do I know that it works?

If you feel drawn to psychotherapy, then probably it is a modality for you. However, you are the only expert who can claim whether it works or not. There have been numerous studies on the matter whether psychotherapy works. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “Research shows that most people who receive psychotherapy experience symptom relief and are better able to function in their lives. About 75 per cent of people who enter psychotherapy show some benefit from it. Psychotherapy has been shown to improve emotions and behaviours and to be linked with positive changes in the brain and body. The benefits also include fewer sick days, less disability, fewer medical problems, and increased work satisfaction. Numerous studies have identified brain changes in people (including depression, panic disorder, PTSD and other conditions) as a result of undergoing psychotherapy. In most cases, the brain changes resulting from psychotherapy were similar to changes resulting from medication.”

Remember that therapy is a collaborative effort. To benefit from it, stay open and honest and commit to completing any assignments between sessions (these might include writing in a journal or practising what we’ve talked about.)

What does confidentiality in therapy mean?

Confidentiality means protecting your privacy by not revealing the content of the therapy, as well as the fact that you are in therapy. There might be exceptions of the confidentiality that require your permission, such as: 

• when I discuss my work with my supervisor (an experienced therapist who acts as my counsellor to help me to review my work with clients, my professional development, and my personal development as well) who is bound by the same code of conduct and confidentiality as myself;

• if I believe you’re at risk of harming yourself or others (I would always discuss it with you first);

• if required by a court of law to give evidence.

How to prepare for the first session?

Therapy or counselling is a space to meet yourself, reflect on yourself and grow your self-awareness. I would recommend finding a spot where you would not be disturbed and taking some time to think through the following questions:

• What is the biggest difficulty in my everyday life?

• What would I like to change?

• What kind of behaviour do I want to avoid?

• When did I start to feel discomfort?

• When does my discomfort become stronger?

• Do I experience moments without the discomfort?

• Does anybody in my family suffer from similar issues?

• Is anybody in my family in psychotherapy?

• How do I usually relate to the important people in my life?

• What are the similarities between people who I have good relationships with?

• What are the similarities between people who I have unsatisfactory relationships with?

• What do I expect from the therapy? What is my aim in therapy?

• What would I describe as the desired state, what would be a sign of improvement? 

• How would I know that the goal of the therapy has been achieved?

How is it different to have a therapy face to face and online?

The length of the session online and face-to-face is the same. When choosing a session online, you call me at a time we previously agree on. For some people, online sessions are more comfortable because they let them be more flexible with their time and the place from where they connect with me. Sometimes this is the only option if we live in different cities or countries.

Am I going to feel better and when is it going to be better?

There is no one answer to this question. Each therapeutic relationship and process is different, everybody has their unique personality, rhythm and needs. Some people might see effects after a few first sessions and some after a few months. You might start feeling better and then experience as if you were taking steps backwards - this is also normal, such moments give us some perspective and distance to the process. There might be moments that you feel stuck and there might be moments when the distress increases. This is all ok, it can happen but it doesn’t have to happen, and it is part of the growth process. A therapeutic session is a space to explore any issue important to you, and how you feel in therapy and with the therapist are as important issues as anything else that happens in your life.

How do I know that therapy is good for me?

It is important to describe the goals and expectations of the therapy in the first few meetings. We also want to describe what will indicate the required change for you. The essential thing, however, is for you to decide how you feel in therapy, whether you want to commit to it and if you feel safe and comfortable with me as your therapist. You have the right to look for the right therapist for you as long as you need.

What is the embodiment?

Sometimes we have a very clear idea of how we want to be in the world, the meaning we want to put to our actions, what attitude could bring us peace and joy and yet we do not know how to translate all that into part of ourselves. The concepts stay in our mind but do not form part of our being - this is why we want to embody them - make them perceptible, felt and deeply comprehended with all our senses rather than just known.

Do you follow any professional code of ethics?

Yes, I follow the code of ethics for Gestalt therapists of AETG (Spanish Association of Gestalt Therapy), you can find it here. Additionally, I attend regular supervision in order to develop the best possible psychotherapy practice for my clients.