Psychotherapy

As a psychologist specializing in health and well-being with a mind-body integration approach, my commitment is to enhance your psychological well-being and your general health. My experience has taught me that as human beings we have an incredible capacity to generate personal resources to cope and adapt in times of difficulties, both in a personal and in an interpersonal level (dealing with family problems, couples issues, work-life balance, to name a few).

In general, as people we have the idea that “we ought” to be capable of coping with all our difficulties and painful moments on our own and with the resources we already have. It is hard for us to ask for help. I have seen this happening in many of my clients who come to therapy already exhausted and hopeless because they feel they have done “everything” they can to overcome their difficulties. I’m glad to welcome them when they decide to give therapy a try, because I know how hard it is to ask for help.

The truth is that asking for and accepting help opens up a plethora of options to cope with our problems in a more adaptive way. It allows us to have a more proactive and kind attitude towards ourselves instead of fighting against our own discomfort and pain.

Taking the first steps towards getting psychotherapy can be a very overwhelming and scary process, particularly when you have to do it in a different country. You might feel stuck and exhausted, yet something inside you needs and wants to get help because you know you deserve to feel alive and purposeful in your life. I believe in a way of practising psychology that focuses on your strengths and your inner knowledge to support your personal process. We need to heal and thrive in order to enjoy life, feel purposeful, overcome challenges and go with the ebb and flow of our life process, for our own benefit and for those around us.

Here are some examples of the reasons people come to see me:

Mood disorders

Sadness, apathy, lack of interest, inability to enjoy things that were pleasurable before.

Anxiety

Panic attacks, social anxiety, agoraphobia, fears and phobias.

Stress management

General distress, mood swings, physical discomfort, insecurity, lack of confidence.

Life transitions

Adapting to work/career changes, support through family difficulties, fostering personal resources.

Sleep difficulties

Problems falling asleep, waking up in the middle of the night or too early, not feeling well rested during the day.

Interpersonal problems

Couples conflicts, improving communication skills, social isolation.

Emotional regulation

Frequent mood swings: sadness, frustration, fear, anger, apathy that can´t be managed.

Migration to a new place/country

Adapting to a new lifestyle, feeling isolated, adapting to a new language and country.

Mood disorders

Sadness, apathy, lack of interest, inability to enjoy things that were pleasurable before.

Anxiety

Panic attacks, social anxiety, agoraphobia, fears and phobias.

Stress management

General distress, mood swings, physical discomfort, insecurity, lack of confidence.

Life transitions

Adapting to work/career changes, support through family difficulties, fostering personal resources.

Sleep difficulties

Problems falling asleep, waking up in the middle of the night or too early, not feeling well rested during the day.

Interpersonal problems

Couples conflicts, improving communication skills, social isolation.

Emotional regulation

Frequent mood swings: sadness, frustration, fear, anger, apathy that can´t be managed.

Migration to a new place/country

Adapting to a new lifestyle, feeling isolated, adapting to a new language and country.

What can you expect when working with me as your psychotherapist?

The length of a therapy process depends greatly on the needs of the client, but the general structure will have three phases:

01.

Assessment Phase

Evaluation of the client’s specific needs, previous therapy work, expectations and details about the main concerns that bring the client to therapy. The assessment may take 2-4 sessions scheduled on a weekly basis.

02.

Treatment Phase

This is the active part of the therapy. It will include practices for the client to do in between sessions such as personal reflections, healthy lifestyle guidelines and reading materials. Here we focus on personal exploration (becoming aware and able to self-regulate) and developing practical coping skills to respond in new and adaptive ways, instead of automatically reacting to difficulties.

03.

Follow-up Phase

There is a clear/noticeable improvement and the client has integrated new insights and practices into their life. After a re-evaluation session, client and therapist decide on the goals that led the person to seek help have been reached. It is important to continue monitoring the progress made to ensure it has been integrated and any foreseen future obstacles can be overcome successfully.

Testimonials

“Starting sessions with Amanda was one of the best decisions I ever made. She created a comfortable and safe space, suggesting and guiding me through different tools and resources, but finally giving me enough understanding and strength to move through new challenges independently. I have seen dramatic improvements to my insomnia and my relationship to myself and others. Forever grateful”.

– Words from S.B., a psychotherapy client.

“I recommend Amanda to anyone who is looking to start resolving or managing problems they’re experiencing. Her focus, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness, not only helps you to understand why you’re having difficulties but gives you practical steps to start helping yourself. […] I prefer this type of talking therapy because it’s action focused. I recommend Amanda specifically because she’s non-judgental; amicable, patient and knowledgeable”.

– Words from L.K., a psychotherapy client.

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom”.

Viktor E. Frankl

Get in touch with me

Privacy Policy

Contact

Phone number

+34 691 067 904

Email address

info@amandacelis.com

Address

Calle Luis Morote, 6.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria