Leigh
I aim to help you develop resilience and well being with intention and care.
Hi
I’m Leigh, an Australian
Counselling Psychologist and the Founder of Therapy in Barcelona.
I moved to Barcelona in 2011 after falling in love with my husband, a city native. Since then, I have become a partner in an intercultural marriage and a mama to a Third Culture Kid.
I know what it feels like to adapt to a new city and country. I’ve experienced how being an expat makes life messier. And I also looked for help.
Unfortunately, I didn’t find what I needed: an English-speaking professional therapist who could understand my situation as an expat.
That’s why I founded Therapy in Barcelona, to provide therapy services that speak to the international community.
I contributed my expertise in working with expat concerns to the 2021 anthology of expat women’s stories #LivingTheDream: Expat Life Stripped Bare
Registered Australian Psychologist offering services as a Therapist, Counsellor and Coach in Barcelona.
Mindfulness; Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Solution Focused and Client Centred Approaches
B.A.Psychology (Hons), University of Sydney Australia; Post Grad Cert.Psych Practice, ACAP; MAPS; AHPRA PSY0000965562
What does working with me feel like?
I am direct and honest with you in a gentle way. To create a real connection that will allow me to help you.
I create a non-judgmental space. So you can feel comfortable sharing thoughts and feelings with me.
I go out of my way to help you. I take your well being very seriously and go the extra mile to support you.
I steer you in the direction you need. I ask questions and give you space to find the answers.
I set optional “homework”. I send tasks, articles to read and videos to watch that will allow you to continue working at home.
I share tools and strategies. They will enhance your strengths and help you navigate life’s challenges.
Who do I help?
Expats and immigrants from all over the world with a wide range of issues such as:
Depression | Anxiety | Stress management | Burnout | Relationships | Assertive Communication | Adjustment to living abroad | Self-acceptance | Work-life balance | Building wellness | Communication issues | Grief and Loss
From an early age I felt things deeply. This triggered the need to understand my feelings and those of the people around me.
At 13, I read my first psychology book and was immediately fascinated by the brain.
Over the 18 years of my career to date, I have worked with clients of diverse ages, cultures and backgrounds. Of these, in the last 10 years, I’ve invested in helping Barcelona’s international community.
Previously, I worked in private and government hospitals, with psychiatric and cancer patients, twin research, and in a non-government organisation working with the LGBTQI community and people living with HIV/AIDs.
I was Supervisor to Masters in Counselling Psychology students for the University of Queensland and Psychologists-in-Training for the Australian College of Applied Psychology.
I opened my first private practice at the age of 29.
I accompany my clients with care and teach skills and strategies that help them cope with adversity and transitions, find meaning, and develop resilience and well being.
I accompany therapists who collaborate with Therapy in Barcelona in a supportive way and aim to help them hone and refine their skills. In this way, I help many more people than I can on my own.
See my LinkedIn profile.
So, how did I know psychology was my vocation?
3
details that shape me as a person and therapist
I love documentaries. I enjoy gaining deeper insights into other people, historical situations and current affairs. I am really interested in humans and our world.
I have lots of ideas all the time. So I have to choose. To do so, I measure my energy levels, discover how passionate I am about the matter, and whether it will leave a positive legacy behind me.
I am a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). It allows me to be deeply connected to others’ feelings and needs, be creative and conscientious, make thoughtful choices, and bring great ideas to the table.
Read Leigh's Commentary on Expat Women's Stories
In my clients own words... therapy with me
Leigh is absolutely amazing. She has helped me get through a really rough period and I am so so grateful for that.
Leigh is like a wise friend that comes with great feedback. My time with Leigh has helped me a lot!
Every time I came from a session I had such a big smile and felt really powerful and strong!
I got the tools to help myself and realise what I need to do to not get stressed. My time with Leigh has helped me a lot! Every time I came from a session I had such a big smile and felt really powerful and strong!
A perfect mixture of immediate coping mechanisms and long-term mindfulness.
I came with a couple of specific problems that are now, fortunately, significantly diminished.
Leigh is an incredible listener. I could talk to her about anything, from the specific to the general, without judgement and always leave feeling 100 times better.
Very comfortable environment and consultations.
Very high commitment from Leigh. Professional and respectful.
I achieved anxiety reduction and general overall happiness.
Considering I would never have previously organised to speak with someone, the rapport and connecting I had with Leigh was better than I expected which made it easier for me to come back after the first session, and keep coming back. [I achieved] many changes, too many to list.
I didn't know what to expect. I just want to solve my problems. I thought that we would focus more on my youth but the CBT focuses more on the here and now, which I like.
I feel that I'm progressing. I think that this is Leigh's strongest skill. She is very non-judgmental and I always feel comfortable sharing my concerns.
Leigh's Fees
If you need help to face your challenges or maximise wellness, reach out
Fill in the intake form and our Intake Coordinator will contact you within 24-48 hours.
I believe in people’s capacity to effect change in their lives. Our brain can change and so can we!
