Finding the right therapist can be difficult, especially when living abroad. It´s already hard enough to find someone that matches your vibe and your needs, finding English or German speaking therapists in Barcelona is even more challenging.
But does language even matter in therapy?
Therapy is about vulnerability and authenticity, which are much harder to achieve when you can’t fully express yourself. Research has shown that therapy conducted in a person’s native language often leads to better outcomes. A study in the Journal of Counseling Psychology found that clients communicating in their native language experienced deeper emotional processing and felt more validated (Flores, 2012).
Being able to describe your emotions, thoughts, and experiences in the language you are most comfortable with can:
- Reduce misunderstandings and frustration.
- Create a stronger sense of connection with the therapist.
- Allow you to explore deeper, more nuanced emotions.
Language is more than just words; it carries cultural meaning and personal significance. Working with a therapist who understands your native language and cultural context has been shown to make the therapeutical process more efficient (Smith and Trimble, 2015).
Beyond the language itself there are multiple other relevant factors that you should consider when searching for therapist. Therapy is about you so you should start by understanding what you want and need from your therapy:
- What brings you to therapy?
- What type of interaction do you prefer? Do you like a more structured approach or a space to freely explore your emotions?
- Setting: online or in-person?
- Approach: there are so many schools and approaches and usually therapists focus on one (eg cognitive-behavioral, analytical,..). Read about them a little bit to see what resonates with you.
In conclusion, speaking the language we´re most fluent and secure in will aid the therapeutic process by reducing misunderstandings. Additionally, language transfers cultural context (like specific words or jokes) that can get lost in translation. Beyond the language there are other factors, you should consider as well before you choose a therapist.
Topics: Therapy in English, Therapy in German, English Speaking Therapist Barcelona, Therapie auf Deutsch Spanien, English Therapy Spain, English Therapy Madrid