Anxiety
Approach
Anxiety doesn’t always look like panic.
It can feel like tightness in your chest, a racing mind at 2 a.m., or that constant pressure to do more, be more, fix it all.
It can also show up quietly—through overthinking, perfectionism, or never really feeling at ease.
In Gestalt therapy, we don't rush to get rid of anxiety.
We get curious about it.
Rather than labeling it as a “problem to solve,” we explore it as a message from the system—your body, mind, and relationships—trying to make sense of something.
You might notice that your anxiety gets louder when you:
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Feel out of control
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Can’t name what you need
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Struggle to say no
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Lose connection with your sense of self
Gestalt therapy helps you slow down enough to notice what’s happening, in real time.
How do you interrupt your own needs? What do you do to avoid discomfort? What are you bracing yourself for?
This isn’t about analyzing from a distance.
It’s about staying with the experience, safely and attentively, until something new becomes possible.
At Expats in Therapy, I offer individual therapy for anxiety in Madrid and online, especially for those who’ve learned to function well—often at their own expense.
You don’t have to keep holding it all together.
You can start where you are.
It is important to remember that therapy requires commitment from therapist and patient alike. Don't expect quick results, but focus on gaining awareness of the situation in your life that is the root of your difficulty.
What am I unhappy with?
What am I afraid to do differently?
How much support do I have?
Do I ask for help when I need it?
Am I aware of what I need?
What do I not want to deal with?
Anxiety as a foreigner
Anxiety often shows up as increased stress when dealing with unfamiliar surroundings, cultural differences, and the challenges of adapting to a new way of life without the usual support systems. Here is the anxiety that a person may face:
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Moving Anxiety - The anticipation of the move, leaving loved ones behind, and uncertainty about the future can trigger anxiety.
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Cultural Adjustment - Language barriers, unfamiliar customs, and feeling like an outsider can create significant anxiety.
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Social Anxiety - Making new friends, navigating social situations in a different language, and feeling isolated can be overwhelming.
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Performance Anxiety - Pressure to adapt quickly, work demands, and feeling like you need to prove yourself can lead to anxiety.
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Relationship Strain - Long-distance relationships with family and friends or adjusting to a partner's cultural background can create stress and anxiety within relationships.
Being an expatriate is not as easy as it may seem; it can intensify feelings of confusion and uncertainty, which frequently results in elevated anxiety levels. It can be really tough to adjust to a new culture, figure out how to fit in socially, and deal with being far away from loved ones. All of these things can make anxiety symptoms show up. Living abroad can lead to various physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms. These can include a faster heart rate, feeling restless, constant worry, and trouble focusing.
Living abroad in Madrid can be an incredible experience, filled with new cultures, adventures, and personal growth. However, the excitement can sometimes be overshadowed by feelings of anxiety. Adjusting to a new language, social circle, and environment can be stressful, leading to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, or other anxiety-related issues.
Anxiety Treatment
for Expats in Madrid, Spain
Understanding Anxiety:
Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed or worried. It can manifest in various forms, from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to social anxiety and panic attacks.
Symptoms of Anxiety:
Anxiety symptoms can vary widely, including feelings of restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Some may experience physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, or shortness of breath.
Types of Anxiety Disorders: From generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to social anxiety disorder and separation anxiety, there are various types of anxiety disorders that can impact daily life.
Anxiety Attacks and Panic Attacks: Understanding the difference between anxiety attacks and panic attacks is crucial for effective management. While anxiety attacks typically involve a gradual increase in symptoms, panic attacks often come on suddenly and peak within minutes.
Treatment for Anxiety: At Expats in Therapy, I offer a holistic approach to anxiety treatment, combining Gestalt therapy and lifestyle interventions.
High-Functioning Anxiety: High-functioning anxiety can be challenging to recognize, as individuals may appear outwardly successful while struggling internally.
Support for Expats: Living abroad can exacerbate feelings of anxiety due to cultural adjustments, language barriers, and social isolation.
Start: If you're ready to take the first step toward overcoming anxiety and reclaiming your life, I am here to help. Contact Expats in Therapy today to schedule a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Registrations
I am a member of EAGT, NVAGT, EAP and CRKBO
CONTACT
Reaching out to a therapist can be intimidating. You can always send an email & tell me a little bit about yourself at info@expatsintherapy.es
or you can fill in the form below.
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