What to Expect in Therapy | A Supportive & Personalized Approach

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can help you feel more at ease. As a native English-speaking psychologist, I provide a compassionate, structured approach to online therapy for expats. This page will walk you through how sessions work, what you can expect from our work together, and how therapy can help you navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and confidence.

Your Therapy Experience: What to Expect in Sessions

What to Expect: Initial ConsultationWe will begin with a Zoom consultation (15–25 minutes) to establish a connection, clarify your needs, and ensure that you feel confident in my ability to support you. This is a space for you to ask any questions about my approach to therapy and how we can work together.
• Introduction and ConfidentialityI’ll introduce myself and explain confidentiality policies so you know that what you share is private and secure.
• Discussion of ConcernsYou’ll have the opportunity to discuss challenges you’re facing, whether they involve mental health symptoms, emotional struggles, trauma, life stressors or specific events you need help processing.
• Assessment of NeedsI’ll ask open-ended questions to better understand your background, emotional state and symptoms, ensuring we create a structured and individualized plan for your therapy.
• Explanation of Therapeutic ApproachI’ll introduce the evidence-based therapies I use (CPT, DBT, ACT, CBT) and explain how they will help you build skills and strategies to navigate challenges effectively.
• Questions and ClarificationYou’ll have the opportunity to ask anything about the therapy process, my experience or what to expect from our sessions.
• Setting Clear, Actionable Goals My therapy approach is pragmatic and goal-oriented. Together, we will identify specific, achievable goals that will guide our work. Every session is designed to ensure you’re actively learning, growing and making tangible progress toward healing.
• Next StepsIf we agree to move forward, we will schedule your first session, discuss fees and set expectations for future sessions.

What to Expect in Your Therapy Sessions: A Pragmatic, Goal-Oriented ApproachTherapy with me is about more than just talking—it’s about creating real, lasting change. Each session is focused on helping you learn, grow and actively apply new strategies to your life. Clients often share that they leave each session with practical tools, fresh insights or a new perspective that they can immediately use to feel more in control and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.• A Personalised Session PlanEach session is 50 minutes, conducted via a secure Zoom link. You are welcome to bring up any topics you need support with, but if you’re ever unsure what to discuss, I will have an individualized session plan ready, based on your goals.
• Follow-Up Support After Each SessionAfter each session, you will receive a detailed follow-up email that includes:
• Homework assignments tailored to your therapy goals
• Key psychoeducation points to deepen understanding
• Practical tools from CPT, DBT, ACT and CBT that you can start using immediately
Therapy Duration and Commitment
• Trauma-Focused Therapy with CPT
CPT is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy for trauma and PTSD/CPTSD.It requires a commitment of 12 structured sessions to achieve meaningful results.
• Short-Term TherapyMany clients who are committed to their growth and healing need only 5–8 sessions, followed by check-in sessions every 3 weeks as needed.• Longer-Term SupportClients recovering from complex trauma, anxiety, panic attacks, or ongoing life stressors often require longer-term therapy.• Ongoing Availability & Emergency SessionsI understand that healing isn't always linear, and challenges may arise between sessions. I am available via email to answer questions, provide additional guidance, and offer emergency sessions when needed.
Why Choose Therapy with Me? A Personalized, Results-Driven ApproachEvery session is tailored to help you gain new insights, learn practical tools, and make real, measurable progress toward your goals.• Proven, Effective TherapiesI use evidence-based methods like CBT, DBT, ACT, and CPT to help you manage anxiety, trauma, grief, and emotional regulation, ensuring that our work together leads to meaningful change. (See 'Therapeutic Approaches' for more info!)
• Flexibility & ConvenienceAccess therapy from anywhere in Europe, without the need to commute—making it easier for you to prioritize your mental well-being on your schedule.•  Support Tailored to ExpatsAs an English-speaking therapist with personal experience living in Europe since 2017, I understand the unique challenges that come with expat life. I’m here to provide the specialized support you need to navigate cultural transitions, life changes and everything in between.

My Approach

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Initial Consultation: Understanding Your NeedsWe’ll start with a brief consultation call where we can discuss what you’re looking for in therapy, address any questions you may have and ensure that I’m the right fit to support you.
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Collaborative, Goal-Oriented TherapyIn the first few sessions, I will take the time to truly understand your experiences, patterns, and challenges. Together, we’ll set clear, actionable goals that empower you to gain insight, develop practical coping strategies and create meaningful, lasting change in your life.
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A Personalized, Flexible Therapy PlanThe number of sessions will depend on your unique goals and needs. Some clients benefit from short-term therapy (5–8 sessions), while others—especially those dealing with complex trauma or ongoing anxiety—may need longer-term support. For those focusing on trauma recovery, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is often highly effective, and requires a commitment to 12 structured sessions for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do our therapy sessions take place and how long are they?
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Sessions take place online via Zoom. I will send you a secure Zoom link prior to our scheduled session. Each therapy session is 50 minutes.

What are the different types of therapy?
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In our work together, I’ll use a combination of evidence-based therapeutic methods that have proven success in helping individuals facing complex challenges. These approaches are tailored to meet your specific goals and improve your quality of life. If you prefer a specific type of therapy, we can incorporate it into your personalized plan. Here’s an overview of the therapies I may use to support you:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) CBT is a well-established, evidence-based approach that helps people address a wide range of mental health issues. It’s based on the idea that our thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and actions are all interconnected. In therapy, we’ll work together to identify patterns in your thinking and behaviors, and adjust them with new coping strategies. By building flexible thinking and implementing practical tools, CBT can help you achieve your goals and improve overall well-being.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)DBT is an evidence-based approach particularly helpful for individuals with complex emotional challenges. It focuses on helping you manage intense emotions and improve relationships. Through DBT, you’ll learn essential skills like mindfulness, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance—tools that help you handle life’s challenges more effectively and create healthier patterns in your emotional and social life.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)ACT is a powerful therapy that teaches you how to accept difficult emotions and move forward despite discomfort. By learning to observe your emotions without judgment, you’ll be able to commit to meaningful behavioral changes aligned with your values. ACT empowers you to face life’s challenges with clarity and resilience, allowing you to live in a way that is true to your authentic self.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)CPT is a specific form of CBT that helps you challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs related to past trauma. It’s a highly effective treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and what’s unique about CPT is that you don’t need to retell your traumatic experiences to heal. We’ll work together to help you process the impact of the trauma on your thoughts and beliefs, allowing you to move forward with a clearer, healthier perspective.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)Motivational Interviewing is a compassionate, goal-oriented therapy that helps you explore your motivations for change. Through collaborative conversations, we’ll identify what truly matters to you, uncover your personal reasons for making change, and strengthen your commitment to reaching your goals. MI is a great approach for those struggling with ambivalence or looking to make lasting behavioural changes.
Mindfulness Mindfulness is the practice of tuning into the present moment with awareness and without judgment. Whether through formal meditation or integrating mindfulness into daily life, this practice helps reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and foster self-compassion. In therapy, mindfulness can be a powerful tool to help you find peace in the present moment and cultivate a sense of ease and acceptance in your everyday experiences.
Yoga Therapy Yoga Therapy blends the physical benefits of yoga with therapeutic techniques to support both your body and mind. Through breathwork, movement, and mindfulness, yoga therapy helps calm the nervous system, improve emotional regulation, and deepen your connection to the present moment. It’s particularly effective for those dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma, or chronic pain, helping you foster balance, resilience, and a greater sense of well-being.

What is a 'trauma-informed' psychology practice?
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A trauma-informed practice means therapy is grounded in safety, compassion, and understanding. As a trauma-informed psychologist, I recognize that trauma can impact your thoughts, emotions, body, and relationships — whether from a single event or ongoing experiences.In our work together, I create a supportive space where you feel seen and respected. We’ll explore how trauma may be affecting your daily life, and I’ll offer tools and psychoeducation to help you understand and regulate your emotions.
The goal is to help you heal at your own pace, build resilience, and feel more grounded in your life and relationships.

What type of therapy is best for me?
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In our initial consultation and throughout our work together, we’ll focus on understanding your unique needs and goals. We will regularly check in to ensure that therapy is helping you make progress and that each session feels beneficial. To best support your growth, we may incorporate different therapeutic techniques, choosing the ones that best fit where you are in your journey. Together, we’ll find the right approach to help you achieve lasting change and emotional well-being.

How long will I be in therapy?
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The length of therapy depends on your goals and the issues you're working through. Some clients feel relief after just a few sessions, while others choose to continue longer-term to explore deeper patterns and create lasting change.
If you prefer a structured, goal-oriented approach, I offer evidence-based programs like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). These typically range from 8 to 12 sessions and include clear session plans, tools, and progress tracking.
We’ll decide together what pace and structure best fit your needs — therapy is always tailored to you.

What happens during the first session?
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The first session is a supportive starting point where we explore what’s bringing you to therapy—whether it’s anxiety, trauma, burnout, grief, or feeling stuck in life. You’ll have space to talk about your experiences, what’s felt overwhelming, and what you hope to change.We’ll also begin identifying your goals and discuss the structure of therapy, including whether a structured approach like CBT, DBT OR CPT might be a good fit for you.
This session is all about building trust, helping you feel safe and creating a personalised plan for healing and emotional growth, at your own pace.

What are the costs for working with you? What is your cancellation fee?
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The fee for one 50-minute remote session is €90. I understand that financial constraints can be a concern, which is why I offer a sliding scale fee for individuals residing outside of Western Europe, students, and clients facing financial hardship. We can discuss this option during our consultation to find a solution that works for you.
In addition to our 50-minute therapy sessions, I provide a detailed follow-up email after each session. This includes personalized homework, psychoeducation, journal prompts, and other practical tools to support your healing journey. These resources are designed to reinforce what we discuss in therapy and provide ongoing guidance between sessions.
Cancellation Fees:If you need to cancel or reschedule, please note the following:
• Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled appointment will incur a cancellation fee of 50% of the session cost.
• Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment will incur a cancellation fee equal to the full session cost.