Psychotherapy & Counselling

The topic of “trauma” is very sensitive for psychologists because opinions vary. Yes, trauma is real, and yes, it can happen to any of us. However, some psychologists believe that everyone has experienced trauma in some form, and even a small event can be considered traumatic. Others believe that there should be clear criteria for an event to be classified as traumatic. We don’t want to get into this debate. What’s important is not to focus solely on the type of event, but rather on how you perceived it, how you feel now, and how your life has been affected by it. So, no, psychotherapy is not just for those who have experienced trauma. It’s for anyone who wants to explore their inner world, seek acceptance and mindfulness (or not), or for those whose lives haven’t been impacted by significant events that were properly addressed.

The simple answer is: if you want to. We all acknowledge that we are different, and for some of us, crying is difficult, while for others, it’s not. Our goal is not to make you cry, but if we dive deep into the process, emotions will naturally arise. As someone once said, “If a tear falls, it’s a sign that a value has been touched.”

Yes, everything is confidential. Even if you’re a teenager, the information you share in therapy stays between you and the therapist. We will communicate with your parents when necessary, but we won’t disclose anything about what you’ve said in therapy without your consent. The only exceptions to this confidentiality are situations where there is a risk of harm to you or others, in which case we are required by law to take action for your safety. The main goal is to create a trusting environment where you feel safe to express yourself openly.

The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in therapy. A strong connection with your therapist can make a big difference in how effective the process is. It’s essential that you feel comfortable, understood, and supported by your therapist. When choosing the right therapist for you, it’s important to consider factors like their approach, experience, and personality. You should feel that they listen to you, respect your boundaries, and create a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. If at any point you feel that the therapist isn’t the right fit, it’s okay to discuss it with them or even find someone else who might suit your needs better. The right fit can make all the difference in your progress. To make your journey easier, Ale and Raul offer the following:

The first session is free – this gives you the opportunity to meet and get to know each other, so you can decide if you feel comfortable with that person.
Ale and Raul have created some videos where they explain various topics. By listening to them, you can get a better sense of who you connect with the most. We like to say it’s a bit like “love at first sight” – you’ll either feel a connection or you won’t.
And remember, if during the therapeutic process you feel that you don’t want to continue with them, it’s completely your right to say goodbye and try with someone else. In the world of psychology, we really emphasize and talk about finding a therapist with whom you feel the best fit. So don’t be afraid to try seeing several therapists until you find the one you resonate with most. No therapist will judge you for doing this, and we truly understand the need behind it.

The number of sessions you’ll need depends on your individual situation and the issues being addressed. Some people may find relief in just a few sessions (around 15/20) , while others may require longer-term therapy (2/3 years). Each session lasts 60 minutes. It’s important to be patient with yourself and allow time for the process to unfold.