Embarking on therapy is a courageous step toward personal growth and healing. For internationals in Barcelona, the experience comes with unique challenges, from cultural adjustments to language barriers. Whether you’re seeking individual support, couples therapy with a couples therapy therapist, child therapy or adolescent therapy, family therapy, sex therapy, or in office or online therapy sessions, being prepared for your first therapy session at Therapy in Barcelona can set the stage for meaningful progress. 

Download our free checklist: How to Prepare for Your Therapy Consultation or read on. This guide by Therapy in Barcelona’s Founder and Director, Australian Registered Psychologist Leigh Matthews, can help you make the most of your journey with your therapist at Therapy in Barcelona.

1. Understanding Therapy: What to Expect

Therapy is a collaborative process where you and your therapist explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviours to foster well-being. It’s a brave, confidential space to discuss your concerns without judgment. At Therapy in Barcelona, we offer various therapeutic approaches tailored to your needs.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns to improve emotional regulation and develop personal coping strategies.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages accepting negative thoughts and feelings rather than fighting them, and committing to actions that align with your values.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) explores different ‘parts’ of yourself to achieve inner harmony and self-understanding.

Existential Therapy addresses concerns about existence, such as meaning, choice, and responsibility, to help you live more authentically.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) concentrates on finding solutions in the present time and exploring your hope for the future.

Person-Centered Therapy emphasises providing a supportive environment where you can lead the discussion and discover your own solutions.

Somatic Therapy integrates the mind-body connection by focusing on bodily sensations to address psychological issues.

Art Therapy utilises creative processes to help express and process emotions in therapy, beneficial for those who find verbal expression challenging.

Mindfulness-Based Therapies include practices such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to increase awareness and manage stress.

Schema Therapy addresses deeply ingrained patterns of thinking and behaviour.

Psychodynamic Therapy explores unconscious processes and their impact on present behaviour.

Positive Psychology focuses on strengths, resilience, and fostering a sense of well-being.

Ego-State Therapy resolves conflicts by working with different “parts” or “states” of oneself.

Systemic Therapy examines family or group dynamics to address broader systemic issues.

Imago Couples Therapy and the Gottman Method Couples Therapy help partners improve communication and connection with their couples therapy therapist.

Understanding these approaches can help you identify which resonates with you, but your therapist will guide you in choosing the most suitable method.

2. Clarifying Your Goals

Reflect on what you hope to achieve through therapy. Are you aiming to manage anxiety, find strategies to alleviate mental health concerns like feelings of depression, improve relationships, or cope with the stress of living abroad?  Maybe your are ready to level up and engage in self-development?

Clarifying your goals helps your therapist tailor the sessions to your needs. It’s perfectly fine if your goals are not well-defined; part of therapy is discovering and refining them together.

3. Differentiating Between Therapists and Psychiatrists

It’s important to understand the distinction between therapists and psychiatrists. Therapists at Therapy in Barcelona are trained psychologists who provide therapeutic support but do not diagnose mental health conditions or prescribe medication in Spain. Psychiatrists in Barcelona, being medical doctors, can diagnose and prescribe. If you require medication or formal psychological assessments, we can refer you to appropriate psychiatrists in Barcelona or psychologists in Barcelona.

4. Being Open to the Process

Therapy requires openness and vulnerability. Prepare to discuss topics that may be uncomfortable or painful. Remember, it’s a process, and it’s normal to take time to fully open up. Trust that your therapist is trained to guide you through this journey with empathy and professionalism.

5. Commitment is Key

Think of therapy as personal training for your mental health. Just as physical fitness requires regular exercise and commitment, mental and emotional well-being requires consistent effort and engagement in the therapy process. Whether it’s online therapy or in office therapy in Barcelona, be prepared to commit to regular sessions and to do some work outside of them, such as reflective exercises or practicing new skills.

6. Cultural Sensitivity

As an international in Barcelona, you might face unique cultural challenges. It’s important to choose a therapist who is culturally sensitive and understands the complexities of living in a foreign country. At Therapy in Barcelona, our team of therapists are internationals themselves, offering a shared understanding of your experience. We provide therapy in English and all the other languages our therapists speak (currently French, Polish, Afrikaans, German, Swedish, Swiss-German, Portuguese, Spanish, and Catalan). This multilingual approach makes it easier for all clients to express themselves and feel understood.

As internationals and immigrants, we understand our clients’ journeys. International clients deserve a therapist who ‘gets’ the challenges of living abroad even if we’re working on other challenges in therapy.

7. Preparing Logistically

For your first counselling session, ensure you know the time, location (if in-person), or platform (if online). Gather any necessary documents or information you might need to share with your therapist, such as your medical history or previous therapy experiences.

8. Setting a Comfortable Environment

If you’re attending an online therapy session, create a comfortable, private space where you won’t be disturbed. This helps in maintaining confidentiality and allows you to be more open with your therapist during your session. Read more about online therapy here.

9. Reflecting on Your Journey So Far

Consider writing down a brief history of what brings you to therapy. Reflect on significant life events, challenges, and your current situation. This reflection not only helps you articulate your thoughts during the session but also provides valuable insight to your therapist.

10. Identifying Support Systems

Recognise who your support system is—friends, family, or communities in Barcelona or elsewhere. While therapy is a personal journey, having a support system can be beneficial for moments when you need extra encouragement or understanding.

11. Managing Expectations

Understand that therapy is a gradual process, and significant change doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient with yourself and the process. Trust that with time, effort, and the guidance of your therapist, you will progress towards your goals.

12. Embracing Self-Compassion

Approach therapy with self-compassion. Recognise that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Be kind to yourself as you navigate through the ups and downs of the therapeutic journey.

13. Post-Session Reflection

After your first session, take some time to reflect on your experience. How did you feel during and after the session? What insights did you gain? This reflection can help you understand your therapy journey better and guide future sessions.

14. Understanding the Scope of Services

While our therapists are trained psychologists, at Therapy in Barcelona, we focus on providing therapeutic support and do not offer formal psychological assessments or diagnoses. Our aim is to create a supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings and work towards your personal goals.

15. Exploring Different Therapy Formats

Depending on your preferences and needs, Therapy in Barcelona offers various formats. Individual Therapy involves one-on-one sessions focusing on your personal concerns. Couples Therapy is designed for partners looking to improve their relationship dynamics. Online Therapy provides convenience for those who prefer virtual sessions or cannot attend in person.

Our commitment to personalised care is another hallmark of Therapy in Barcelona. We emphasise personalised matching between clients and therapists, ensuring a tailored approach that considers each client’s unique background and needs. This personalised matching process is key to optimising the chances of positive therapeutic outcomes for our clients and therapists.

16. Taking the First Step

Acknowledging the need for support and reaching out for help is a significant achievement. At Therapy in Barcelona, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for individual therapy, couples therapy, or the flexibility of online sessions, our compassionate and skilled therapists are ready to help.

We pride ourselves on offering excellent customer service, ensuring that every interaction is smooth and supportive, especially when life feels complicated due to cultural differences. We strive to make Therapy in Barcelona feel like home, with an easy matching process and the great sensitivity of our therapists and intake coordinators. Our goal is to provide a sanctuary where you will feel comfortable and supported, allowing you to thrive in your new environment.

Ready to begin your journey toward healing and personal growth? Contact Therapy in Barcelona today to schedule your first session with a therapist who understands the unique challenges of living abroad. Book a free no-obligation discovery call to explore your options. Your journey starts with a conversation—let’s take that step together.