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 CPTCPT 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

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.

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.

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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All therapy sessions take place online via a secure Zoom link, ensuring confidentiality and convenience. Each session is 50 minutes long. Online therapy allows you to access support from the comfort of your home, no matter where you are located in Europe or beyond.

What are the different types of therapy?

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In our work together, I use a combination of evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to your specific needs. Here's an overview of the therapies I offer to help you navigate complex challenges and improve your mental health:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): An effective, evidence-based approach to help you understand and change negative thought patterns. Through CBT, we identify harmful thoughts and replace them with healthier, realistic perspectives. This therapy is widely used to treat anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Particularly helpful for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and increasing emotional regulation. DBT offers essential tools like mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): A therapeutic approach that helps you accept difficult emotions and move forward, even when discomfort arises. ACT is great for building resilience and living in alignment with your values, regardless of external challenges.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): A specific form of CBT, CPT is especially effective for trauma-related conditions like PTSD and CPTSD. This therapy focuses on challenging and reframing unhelpful beliefs that stem from trauma, helping you process and move beyond past experiences.

Motivational Interviewing (MI): A goal-oriented therapy designed to explore your motivations for change, uncovering personal reasons and strengthening your commitment to positive change. It's especially helpful for those feeling ambivalent or uncertain about making life changes.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Involves tuning into the present moment to increase awareness and acceptance. Mindfulness helps you reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and cultivate self-compassion.

Yoga Therapy: Combines physical yoga practices with therapeutic techniques to calm the nervous system, improve emotional regulation, and reconnect you to your body. It is especially effective for those dealing with trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress.

What is a 'trauma-informed' psychology practice?

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A trauma-informed approach means that therapy is provided with an understanding of how trauma impacts your thoughts, emotions, body, and relationships. My approach centers on creating a safe and supportive environment where you can explore the effects of trauma, learn tools for emotional regulation, and work toward healing at your own pace. I offer trauma-informed care to help clients feel safe, seen, and respected.

What type of therapy is best for me?

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During our initial consultation, we will discuss your unique needs and goals. Based on your experience, we will determine the most suitable therapeutic approach, which may evolve as we work together. Whether you need trauma recovery, emotional regulation, or help with relationship dynamics, I’ll guide you through a personalized plan that aligns with your healing process.

How long will I be in therapy?

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The duration of therapy depends on your unique needs and goals. Some clients may find relief after just a few sessions, especially when working on specific issues or challenges. Others may choose to continue therapy for a longer period to explore deeper patterns or address more complex concerns.

For example:
‍Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)Typically, this structured trauma-focused therapy lasts around 12 weeks. It's ideal for those dealing with trauma, PTSD, or trauma-related symptoms.
‍Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)This approach is often a longer-term commitment, with a typical program lasting 25 weeks. It focuses on emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance, making it well-suited for individuals managing complex emotional challenges.
‍Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)The length of CBT depends on your individual needs and goals. Some clients may complete their therapy in 8 to 12 sessions, while others may extend their work if they’re addressing ongoing anxiety, depression, or behavioral patterns.

Ultimately, therapy is a personalized journey, and we'll decide together what pace works best for you. Whether you're looking for short-term support or longer-term growth, we’ll ensure the therapy process is tailored to meet your specific needs and objectives.

What happens during the first session?

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The first session serves as an introductory space where we discuss your reasons for seeking therapy and your goals. We’ll also explore what has felt overwhelming and what changes you hope to see. This session is about building trust and establishing a plan that works for you, with a focus on creating a safe space for you to express yourself.

What are the costs for working with you? What is your cancellation fee?

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Session Fees: Each 50-minute online session is €90. I offer a sliding scale for clients who are outside Western Europe or students facing financial hardship. Please reach out during the consultation to discuss your specific needs.

Follow-up Resources: After each session, I provide detailed follow-up emails with personalized homework, psychoeducation, and tools to support your progress.

Cancellation Fees:
Cancellations within 48 hours of the scheduled session incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Cancellations within 24 hours incur a full session fee.

How do I know therapy will work for me?

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Therapy is a collaborative process, and you will be actively involved in it. As we work together, I will provide you with practical tools, techniques, and feedback to support your healing and growth. We will regularly check in to assess progress, adjust goals, and ensure that therapy remains beneficial for you. Each 50-minute online session is €90. I offer a sliding scale for clients who are outside Western Europe or students facing financial hardship. Please reach out during the cons