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Issues I can help with

Sometimes, for some people, life becomes difficult but they clearly know why. The death of a loved one can lead to grief that can be hard to overcome. Having suffered an accident or been the victim of abuse can lead to fear, anxiety, or detachment. Subsequent symptoms of depression can be debilitating.

However, many people do not know exactly what is causing this feeling of confusion and restlessness......

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Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

The Psychodynamic Approach

Psychotherapy is not an exact science. Neither is there a single approach that can be universally applied to treat all clients in the same manner. Although therapists usually specialize in one of the different therapeutic perspectives, often times they ‘borrow’ some elements of other modalities in order to accommodate to the client’s unique needs, symptoms and personality. 

What is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and how does it work?

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is useful for people who are either interested in, or in need of, to understanding themselves and what is going on in their internal world. The issues to deal with can be related to depression, anxiety, loss, self-esteem, trauma, etc. or to understand their inner selves as well as the way in which they carry themselves in their world. Psychotherapy provides individuals with a unique opportunity to create and develop a relationship with their therapist and, through this relationship, to explore the ways in which s/he relates to others.

The therapeutic work is carried out in a safe and confidential environment (face-to-face or online), allowing individuals to freely bring into the therapy all the aspects of their personality and the issues they are struggling with.

Since every person sees and feels things in a different manner, the therapeutic journey will be very different for each one.

What can Psychodynamic Psychotherapy help with?

Psychodynamic psychotherapy can help with various kinds of emotional and mental difficulties, as well as psychosomatic problems. Among others, therapy can help with everyday challenges such as work related issues, managing change, communication breakdown and midlife crisis, psychological difficulties such as bereavement, grief, loss, physical and emotional abuse, and clinical problems such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trauma, obsessions and compulsions among others.

The more a person is agreeable to express his/her thoughts and feelings without censoring them, be as open, forthcoming and honest, and willing to explore the extent of the difficulties together with the therapist, the higher the chances of satisfactory and rewarding achievements in the healing process .

What does the Psychodynamic psychotherapist do?

Drawing on his or her knowledge and experience in the practice of psychotherapy, the therapist's work aims at helping people to resolve the issues they are struggling with. This is done by a two-way discussion about issues and experiences that people may have never had to chance to talk or even think about, to see them clearly and, through this process, to better understand what is happening inside them.

Throughout the entire process the therapist will carefully listen and seek clarification about peoples' background, the environment they live and/or work in, their feelings and perceptions. More importantly, the therapist will provide help in bringing to the surface the issues the individual is struggling with, to understand and to see how they arrived at this point, and to find their own solutions.

The result of psychotherapeutic process is that issues that previously brought fear, anxiety, confusion and lack of meaning become clearer, so that individuals develop a better understanding of themselves and are able to regain control over their lives, emotional state, behaviors and thoughts, as opposed to being controlled by them.

What does the Psychodynamic psychotherapist not do?

The psychotherapist does not have any means of knowing what people is struggling about or why, does not provide ready-made solutions to particular problems, and is not as an authority that ‘knows better’ and hence will tell people what they should do or how.

However, throughout the therapeutic journey, the therapist helps individuals identify, explore and better understand situations and its root causes. Together, therapist and client will find resolution and solutions in a way that will strengthen the client's self-confidence and increase their internal resources which will enable them to feel more empowered.

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My Approach to Psychotherapy

Focuses on the unconscious processes and the impact they have in who you are and how you relate to the world. Throughout the therapeutic process we discuss and elaborate on relationships with parents and significant people during your upbringing.

This is relevant because understanding the past is key to the understanding of who you are and where you are right now in your life and your relationships. Despite the importance of this, it is also essential to discuss the ‘here and now’ because what you are experiencing is happening today.

Although I started my career using a Psychodynamic Approach, which stresses the importance of the unconscious and past experience in shaping current behavior, I soon realized that it was only the beginning.

While gaining clinical experience, and simultaneously expanding my academic background, I started incorporating to my practice additional core psychoanalytic concepts.

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The Therapeutic Journey

The Challenge

Sometimes life presents us with challenging episodes and events that may evoke confusion, feelings of being stuck and/or unhealthy reactions and behaviours. Counselling/Psychotherapy creates a safe, supportive and confidential space to explore and understand those emotions that affect our psychological and emotional wellbeing, uncovering a different way forward. It facilitates awareness of your needs, difficulties, repetitive patterns of behaviour and also helps developing insight about who you are to yourself and to others.

Although the process of change can sometimes be challenging, it does provide a chance for you to reclaim greater control of your life. Working together, be it in my practice or through online therapy, I can help you to safely grasp that opportunity.

The quality of the rapport and strength in the relationship between the client and the therapist (‘working alliance’) is essential to ensure a healthy progress in the client’s psychological and emotional state.

 What Therapy Does for You

The goal of therapy is to increase self-exploration, create awareness, and promote personal growth. Throughout this therapeutic journey, you will develop a greater sense of wellbeing and authenticity enabling you to achieve your full potential.

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Testominials

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Contact me

Thank you for visiting my website.

To book an appointment, please email me, or forward a note to me using the form, or telephone me on the number below. If you send me a message, I will contact you within the next 24 hours, on business days.

The information you provide will be treated confidentially.

I look forward to hearing from you.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

+34 615 379 476

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Psychotherapy last?

Short-term psychotherapy

Short-term psychotherapy can last from between 16 to 24 sessions, usually once a week, and it focuses on particular issues that client and therapist decide together to work on during the first few sessions. However, it will not be possible cover all of the issues that the client wishes to address nor all of the various ones that undoubtedly will come up during the therapy.

Long-term psychotherapy

Though this type of therapy will focus on particular issues that client brings, it is and feels richer as it allows to look at, and discuss, other issues that will surface along the therapeutic journey. It also gives the the clients the opportunity to explore and discover their inner world without experiencing the anxiety of the upcoming end of therapy.

How long does is a typical session?

The sessions always lasts 50 minutes and sessions start and end at the agreed upon time. The initial online therapy consultation may last an extra 10 minutes or so. As the session may not start later than agreed, late arrival means the loss of part of the session, so it’s important to always be on time.
 
A day or so before our initial online therapy consultation, we will have exchanged our Skype names and already be connected, so that we can get on with the first session without spending time in getting our profiles connected.

How Frequent are Therapy sessions?

Weekly psychotherapy sessions can be very useful. However, whether the frequency will be once a week or more will depend on the individuals' needs and their capacity to cope with the issues. Greater frequency not only provides a better sense of continuity, but it can also make it easier for some people to remember what was discussed in the previous session and to keep mental and emotional closeness with the issues that are being explored. Shorter intervals between sessions can also allow arriving at issues' root cause in a shorter period of time.

How do I pay?

Fees are payable by cash at the end of each face-to-face session. For online therapy, payment need to be made in advance via electronic bank transfer or any other means as agreed between us.

Are sessions confidential?

Confidentiality is of paramount importance in the client-therapist relationship. It is important that people feel able to talk openly in order to gain maximum benefit from the sessions.

I work in accordance with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) code of ethics and all discussions are held in confidence unless I have reason to believe that you or someone else are at risk of serious harm or I am compelled by a Court of Law. I have a professional duty to promote people's safety and wellbeing and I would always try to talk to you beforehand should any of these limits apply.

I will discuss confidentiality with you at our initial consultation so that you fully understand these limits.

All client information that I hold is in compliance with the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice and The Data Protection Act. I do not keep any electronic records and I am bound by the BACP complaints procedure.

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Online Counselling

What it is

Online therapy is, effectively, psychotherapy that is conducted through a video camera installed in your computer, with the use of web-based applications (Skype*).

The experience is similar to going to a physician or therapist's office except the drive is avoided. For many potential clients this is important because of time or distance problems. People in rural areas have fewer health care options locally.This method of video therapy online increases your ability to access assistance and broadens your choices.  

Research shows that Internet based psychotherapeutic interventions prove to be a legitimate and an effective therapeutic activity. It has been found to be helpful in treating a range of psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and emotional difficulties such as mid-life and/or identity crises, issues with self-confidence, difficulty in assertiveness, stress management, difficulty in communication, as well as a wide range of challenges presented to every individual.

Findings are generally positive and indicate that, through this media, the working alliance that develops in the therapeutic process has a good, deep and authentic quality, the results of which being not less effective in healing process than that of face-to-face sessions.

How it works

Having face-to-face psychotherapy means that you visit the therapist in his/her practice.

The practitioner is responsible for providing you with a safe therapy environment that is quiet, stable and free from interruptions that could disrupt the therapeutic process.

The online psychotherapy differs from the above only inasmuch as you are in your own space (home, hotel room, office) and therefore the responsibility for creating a quiet and safe environment for the sessions is yours.

In this case, it is highly advisable that you find a space which makes you feel comfortable, safe and that gives you the confidence that there will be no people ‘invading’ it or that someone might overhear what you or your therapist are talking about.

There may be occasions when you might indeed be interrupted but, as long as these instances are not recurrent, there will be no impact on your actual therapy.

Technical requirements

Ideally you will have an Internet connection with a minimum of 1Mbps and a desktop computer or a laptop with the Skype application. If your computer has a built-in camera, then the communication should be straightforward. Some people prefer to have a plug-in, high definition camera, mainly due to the fact that the quality of both the picture and sound are better (but this depends on your current computer’s technology).

Note that the use of the word 'Skype' refers to mechanisms that allow people to engage in video-audio conferences.

However, I encourage my clients to use Zoom, a platform that is quickly becoming the norm in 'tele healthcare' not only because it is more stable but also guarantees enhanced levels of cyber-security. 

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Ximena Guinguis - Counsellor and Psychotherapist

Ximena was born in Santiago, Chile. With a view to expanding her personal and professional horizons, she left the country in the late 90's and, since then, has lived and worked in different countries and continents.

An experienced counsellor and psychotherapist, she has accumulated a wealth of experience while treating people from diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds, both in Europe as well as in the Middle East.

Her approach in therapy is to provide constructive feedback with compassion, warmth and understanding. She helps her clients cope with life’s challenges by encouraging their sense of growth and achievement.

The focus is on helping people in managing depression and anxiety disorders, coping with grief and loss, navigating life transitions, and building healthy communication skills.

Being a fully licensed Psychodynamic Counsellor under the UK law and a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), her work is regularly supervised in accordance with expected standards. She works to, and abides by, a professional Code of Ethics and Practice.

From her practice in Málaga (Spain), Ximena offers face-to-face and online therapy to adults, both in English and in Spanish.

Education and Experience

Qualifications

I began my career in the field of Mental Health in the United Kingdom where I was awarded the undergraduate degree of Psychodynamic Counsellor at the University of Surrey in England in 2001. After a few years of working as a Counsellor, I earned a Masters degree in Psychoanalytic Studies at University of Sheffield, England, which was subsequently followed by a post-graduate degree in Psychotherapeutic Studies at the same university.

My academic background provided me a theoretical foundation whilst my 15 years of professional experience in Europe and the Middle East gave me a broader and enriching understanding of the value of the therapeutic process.

Experience

Living and working in multi-cultural societies gave me the opportunity to gain substantial experience in relation to the formalities in which similar issues need to be discussed and treated in different groups, and strengthened my ability to create and manage dialogue. This made my practice more flexible as I focus on understanding and adapting with respect and integrity to different mindsets.

In Europe I worked in the education sector helping young children in their transition into, and out of, international school environments. My work took me to charity agencies where I provided support to young people aged 11-25, and then working with homeless and elderly people.

During the years I spent in the Middle East, I worked in private clinics that provided psychological services. There, I had a unique opportunity to work with a large international client base with different personal, cultural and religious backgrounds.

Ethical Practice

I am regularly enhancing my professional practice through continuing personal development by attending conferences and seminars on current thinking and practice on various mental health issues. I abide by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework for Good Practice. In addition to this, and as I am committed to the highest standards of professional development, I have regular supervision to manage my caseload in line with the said professional standards.
 

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Talking Therapy with Ximena Guinguis

Welcome to my website.

Sometimes life presents us with challenging episodes and events that may evoke confusion, feelings of being stuck and/or unhealthy reactions and behaviors. Counselling/Psychotherapy creates a safe, supportive and confidential space to explore and understand those emotions that affect our psychological and emotional wellbeing, uncovering a different way forward. It facilitates awareness of your needs, difficulties, repetitive patterns of behavior and also helps developing insight about who you are to yourself and to others.

The goal of therapy is to increase self-exploration, create awareness, and promote personal growth. Throughout this journey, individuals develop a greater sense of wellbeing and authenticity enabling them to achieve their full potential.

Depending on issues' depth and people's ability to cope with their impact and consequences, some may seek professional advice. The key, however, is for us to be capable of looking inside ourselves and identify the issues without judging or minimizing these.

It is not uncommon to experience feelings like fear or anxiety when we seek help from a therapist for the first time. However, there is no need to worry or feel embarrassed. This is perfectly normal. When people decide to see a psychotherapist, they do so in the hope that they will overcome the fear, the pain or the sadness that certain personal experiences evoke. Facing these issues makes us feel vulnerable and, although the idea is that therapy helps coping with such feelings, it is a well-known fact that addressing and speaking about these can generate unrest as they become 'visible' and we become conscious.

Change is not only possible, but is often desirable. This does not mean that we have to change our personality, but to promote the best of oneself as we learn to know ourselves more and manage better our limitations. The good news is that we all are susceptible to modify out attitudes, behaviors and feelings. Embracing the changes bring a unique opportunity to improve our quality of life and open a door for us to reach our full potential.

The first step in the change and healing process is recognizing that something is wrong. The second is seeking help. Both involve great courage.

I look forward to having the opportunity to talk to you in more detail and helping you overcoming your issues.

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