Leigh
I aim to help you develop resilience and well being with intention and care.
Hi
I’m Leigh, Australian
Registered Psychologist and Founder of Therapy in Barcelona.
English
Consultations for Therapists, Counsellors, Psychologists Looking to Work in Spain
Founder and Director of Therapy in Barcelona
Registered Australian Psychologist offering services as a Therapist, Counsellor and Coach in Barcelona.
B.A.Psychology (Hons), University of Sydney Australia; Post Grad Cert.Psych Practice, ACAP; MAPS; AHPRA PSY0000965562
I moved to Barcelona in 2011 after falling in love with my husband, a city native. Since then, I have become a partner in an intercultural marriage and a mama to a Third Culture Kid.
I know what it feels like to adapt to a new city and country. I’ve experienced how being an immigrant makes life messier.
That’s why I founded Therapy in Barcelona, to provide therapy services that speak to the international community.
Drawing on over 20 years of clinical experience, 15 years working in Barcelona, over 18 years running my own private practice and 8 years leading a team, I offer targeted consultations to help therapists, coaches and psychologists transition into this market with clarity and confidence.
I contributed my expertise in working with expat concerns to the 2021 anthology of expat women’s stories #LivingTheDream: Expat Life Stripped Bare
What does working with me feel like?
I am direct and honest with you in a gentle way. To create a real connection that will allow me to help you.
I create a non-judgmental space. So you can feel comfortable sharing thoughts and feelings with me.
I go out of my way to help you. I take your well being very seriously and go the extra mile to support you.
I steer you in the direction you need. I ask questions and give you space to find the answers.
I set optional “homework”. I send tasks, articles to read and videos to watch that will allow you to continue working at home.
I share tools and strategies. They will enhance your strengths.
I tailor therapy to client needs using tools from
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Solution Focused and Client Centred Approaches.
Who do I help?
Consultations for Therapists Seeking to Practice in Spain
Are you a therapist, psychologist, or counsellor looking to work in Spain and need guidance on navigating the practical and professional landscape?
Drawing on over 20 years of clinical experience, 15 years working in Barcelona, and over two decades running private practices and 8 years leading a team, I offer targeted consultations to help therapists like you transition into this market with clarity and confidence.
This dedicated 60-minute consultation is designed to address your specific questions and help you move forward with a clear roadmap and resources. This structured approach allows us to dive into the details of your queries, from navigating regulations to understanding the nuances of working in Spain’s mental health space.
Book your consultation here
Here’s what some psychologists and therapists had to say about their consultation with me:
“I just had an incredibly positive experience from my session with Leigh. She was warm and welcoming, which made me feel comfortable. We quickly got into the main issues I wanted to discuss, and she was super focused on talking through each of them in detail. She listened to what I needed and responded clearly and positively, offering great ideas and useful links that have been a game-changer. I now have a clear roadmap and feel far more confident and relaxed about the way ahead. Overall, this was a great investment and I highly recommend it.” — Matthew Kalitowski, Psychologist/Coach
“I met Leigh for support and her guidance was so helpful! She was clear and focused on the specialty I want to embark on. Leigh is a creative leader and knows how to strategize to achieve results. I feel more confident to initiate steps that would take me to where I want to be. I highly recommend her services.” – Luciana Ruiz, LCSW, Therapist
“Seeing Leigh was totally worth it. I wouldn’t even hesitate if you are on the fence. Leigh made me feel at ease almost instantly. She is super down to earth and real. I found that Leigh will give you the resources that she has at her fingertips and then go above and beyond to work with your unique situation. You feel cared for and heard. I would highly suggest you bite the bullet and see her. You feel welcome to follow up after on any points discussed and most likely, by the end of the session, you will probably end up wanting to be her friend to boot :)” – Celia Fakhoury. MACP Masters Counselling Psychology | Psychotherapist | School Counsellor | Clinical Mental Health Counsellor
“I had my consult call with Leigh, who was able to clearly lay out what I needed to begin my practice in and around Maresme, Spain. Leigh was warm and encouraging, and had loads of helpful tips about working with my target clients in Spain. Her generous sharing of knowledge and experience helped me feel secure in knowing I can provide services that will help people here, while making sure my practice is ethical and sustainable. I came away from our call with clear, concrete action steps, as well as a sense that providing services here in Spain will be as fulfilling as it has been throughout my previous years as a therapist.
I also feel that much more confident referring folks to Therapy in Barcelona, having gotten a glimpse of Leigh’s practice ethos and the rationale behind what Therapy in Barcelona is offering. Super-helpful!! Five stars, would recommend!” -Cynthia Longino, EMDR Therapist
“Thank you Leigh for our awesome session! I found it extremely helpful, and really appreciated your thoroughness, your kindness and your authenticity. “ – Maria Pantazis
“I arranged a Launchpad consultation with Leigh to further research what a career as a therapist would look like in Spain. Leigh has a wealth of experience in both the practical and professional matters. Her knowledge was communicated in a relaxed and warm manner during the call which meant I didn’t hesitate to ask any questions. It was clear that Leigh is enthusiastic about ensuring therapists are accurately informed before they make the move. If you are considering it, I would highly recommend booking a consultation” – Katie Connolly, BSc (Hons) Psychology, PGDip CBT, BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist.
“I had the pleasure to seek consultation from Leigh Matthews as I prepare to open my private psychotherapy practice in Madrid. I cannot recommend her services highly enough. As a U.S.-trained, bilingual clinician entering the Spanish system, I needed clear, accurate guidance on both the legal and ethical frameworks that govern psychotherapy practice in Spain.
Leigh provided exactly that — and more. She helped me understand the essential requirements around professional licensing, informed consent, clinical documentation, and legal compliance. Her advice was grounded in both Spanish regulations and an appreciation for international standards of care, which made their guidance especially relevant to my practice.
What I appreciated most was her ability to translate complex bureaucratic and legal information into practical steps. She was thorough, responsive, and professional throughout our collaboration. Thanks to her support, I was able to move forward with confidence, knowing that my practice will be both legally compliant and ethically sound from day one.
I highly recommend Leigh to any clinician — especially international professionals — looking to establish a psychotherapy practice in Spain.” – Tiffany Castellanos LCSW, Individual and Family Therapist
The consultation with Leigh Matthews was very insightful and comprehensive. Not only I felt understood and heard by someone who could understand my struggles as a professional moving into a different country, but also she provided a warm environment to have a conversation that was also human. After our call, I felt there was a way to make things work and regardless of my decision on next steps, I now have more information and resources that are organized and more clear. Thanks. – EVS
I booked a Therapist Launchpad consultation and met with Leigh, who was delightful. Not only did she answer all my questions very clearly but she also provided me with very precise next steps on what to do next and the best path to establishing a thriving private practice in Barcelona. I am now several steps further along the way and Barcelona is not just a dream but a realistic goal. I could not have figured it all out without her. I highly recommend you consult with her even if you are already taking concrete steps to move to Barcelona, there are no downsides to checking in with Leigh and ensuring that you are doing everything by the book and not forgetting any important details. Best of luck!! – Isabelle
I contacted Leigh when I considered working in Spain as the legalities seemed so confusing. She gave advice from her own lived experience, which helped me go away and do further research about my options. Leigh was friendly and informative, and the consultation allowed me to ask questions as well as hear what she had to say. I would recommend if you are considering setting up therapeutic work in Spain. – Dr Carla Rainbow – UK registered clinical psychologist / counselling psychotherapist
My consultation with Leigh was very helpful! She provided me with a lot of helpful information and resources that increased my confidence in starting my business. She is a great resource to have! – Emily Gaudet, LCSW”
I finally could make time to thoroughly start my research and look through your email again and I just wanted to leave a quick note saying that the online resources/sites you shared on all the admin processes, tax, remote work, etc. are INCREDIBLE!!!
It saves me SO much time and I’m just super glad to receive recommendations from someone who has all the experience. If I had to research that alone it would have been overwhelming due to the number of similar offers available, and so I can trust that a recommendation comes from a reliable, trustworthy source! THANK YOU!!” – Clara Rainbow
For those interested in collaborating with Therapy in Barcelona, more information is available here.
If you are asking “Can I work as a counsellor in Spain?” don’t hesitate to book a consult with me.
From an early age I felt things deeply. This triggered the need to understand my feelings and those of the people around me.
At 13, I read my first psychology book and was immediately fascinated by the brain.
Over the 20 + years of my career to date, I have worked with clients of diverse ages, cultures and backgrounds. Of these, I’ve invested the last 15 years helping Barcelona and Spain’s international community, including clients and therapists who work in my group practice.
Previously, I worked in private and government hospitals, with psychiatric and cancer patients, twin research, and in a non-government organisation working with the LGBTQI community and people living with HIV/AIDs.
I was Supervisor to Masters in Counselling Psychology students for the University of Queensland and Psychologists-in-Training for the Australian College of Applied Psychology.
I opened my first private practice at the age of 29.
I accompany my clients with care and teach skills and strategies that help them cope with adversity and transitions, find meaning, and develop resilience and well being.
I accompany therapists who collaborate with Therapy in Barcelona and those seeking to work in Spain in a supportive way and aim to help them hone and refine their skills or gain clarity about working in a different landscape. In this way, I help many more people than I can on my own.
See my LinkedIn profile.
So, how did I know psychology was my vocation?
3
details that shape me as a person and therapist
I love documentaries. I enjoy gaining deeper insights into other people, historical situations and current affairs. I am really interested in humans and our world.
I have lots of ideas all the time. So I have to choose. To do so, I measure my energy levels, discover how passionate I am about the matter, and whether it will leave a positive legacy behind me.
I am a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). It allows me to be deeply connected to others’ feelings and needs, be creative and conscientious, make thoughtful choices, and bring great ideas to the table.
Read Leigh's Commentary on Expat Women's Stories
In my clients own words... consultations and therapy with me
I just had an incredibly positive experience from my [consultation] session with Leigh. She was warm and welcoming, which made me feel comfortable. We quickly got into the main issues I wanted to discuss, and she was super focused on talking through each of them in detail. She listened to what I needed and responded clearly and positively, offering great ideas and useful links that have been a game-changer. I now have a clear roadmap and feel far more confident and relaxed about the way ahead [working as a therapist in Spain.} Overall, this was a great investment and I highly recommend it.
— Matthew Kalitowski, Psychologist/Coach
I met Leigh for support and her guidance was so helpful! She was clear and focused on the specialty I want to embark on. Leigh is a creative leader and knows how to strategize to achieve results. I feel more onfident to initiate steps that would take me to where I want to be. I highly recommend her services. - Luciana Ruiz, LCSW, Therapist
Leigh is absolutely amazing. She has helped me get through a really rough period and I am so so grateful for that.
Leigh is like a wise friend that comes with great feedback. My time with Leigh has helped me a lot!
I got the tools to help myself and realise what I need to do to not get stressed. My time with Leigh has helped me a lot! Every time I came from a session I had such a big smile and felt really powerful and strong!
I have been seeing Leigh for a couple of years now for a variety of things – depression, major grief and a few other issues… In all cases I have found her to be extremely helpful. I am far stronger now. I have worked on many issues with her that have been holding me back and am now working on getting going with my own business.
I found Leigh Matthews through the Therapy in Barcelona website. Therapy with her has helped me through a difficult time and has been a very positive and beneficial experience in my life
Leigh cares about YOU and YOUR problems. When you’re feeling bad it’s can be hard to wait for a weekly visit so she will send you little tasks or things to read. She hasn’t forgotten about you or is just there to take the money. She is certainly the best therapist I have had , although I hadn’t thought that I had had bad therapists before meeting Leigh. Therapists in my past had just listened while I cried and moaned but Leigh wanted to point me in the right direction so that I would heal myself without having to rely on others.
Leigh was, and is, a Guardian Angel for a little fish out of water. Leigh was there for our daughter in time of need, in a foreign country making her feel more confortable and not alone and helping her get through her time in Barcelona. We are ever so grateful for her help, wisdom and professionalism and support. Keep up the good work Leigh and all those who work with you and around you and again thank you... You will always be in our thoughts.
Environment was non-judgmental. Assistance was practical and able to be implemented immediately. Gentle but firm. A life saver – literally. I really didn’t know what I wanted, I just knew I needed help. I had spent years [seeking help] with little real improvement. Leigh could see what I couldn’t and has helped me to find out what I needed and what I needed to do to achieve it. I have become a new person and I actually like that person. Others have noticed and are also happy.
Leigh is an incredible listener. I could talk to her about anything, from the specific to the general, without judgement and always leave feeling 100 times better. I came with a couple of specific problems that are now, fortunately, significantly diminished. I’m delighted by the progress I’ve been able to make with Leigh. [The tools I have accrued are] a perfect mixture of immediate coping mechanisms and long-term mindfulness.
Very comfortable environment and consultations. Very high commitment from Leigh. Professional and respectful. I achieved anxiety reduction and general overall happiness.
Leigh was just what I needed to see my way through my problems. Pleasant environment. Relaxed atmosphere. I was very pleased I made the decision to seek help especially since Leigh and I seemed to be very compatible.
Just by talking things over has been already a great help. Preparing for the sessions by reflecting on things and note them down also helped. I also like the additional things you have offered, especially the positive psychology course and the links to watch videos about mindfulness. I will never forget my first session, how sad and hopeless I felt, and all the doubts I had, that therapy is not a bad or shameful thing to do. Each session was a relief and you taught me and shared so many things that I know I will always remember and will help me to face any difficulties. Thank you for listening and all your help.
For many years I have felt anxious, overwhelmed, and in a pit. So I go to the doctor for what seemed the millionth time and she suggests I see you. The picture of you and your psych service referral sheet sat in my bedside drawer for two years. Then I build the courage to see you. You have helped me find a much better me… I have strategies now.I have a better belief in myself and my abilities.I’m still a work in progress but I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you, and I want to thank you for all you have said, done, listened to, written down..and helped me with. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you. Like at the end of each of our sessions, just as I enter the lift to go home, here is a big sigh, but also a big smile as I feel confident that I can continue from where we have finished.
Very flexible – my sessions were conducted via telephone. Also an appropriate amount of time between sessions to reflect on the discussion. Leigh sent additional material for me to read and set “homework” which helped me to work through some major issues “in my own time” and “at my own pace”. Thank you again! I achieved the primary reason for seeking assistance.
Leigh approaches psychological practice with energy and enthusiasm, empathy and professionalism. A valuable asset to any health team, I look forward to future opportunities of working with her. – Gabriel Ruddy Psychologist/Colleague
I experienced Leigh’s commitment and professionalism to her work, her clients and her colleagues. ACON primarily works with people who are affected by HIV and AIDS, an area of work that requires a deep level of sensitivity towards clients and self-care on the behalf of the health professional. Leigh not only embodied these qualities she modelled them within the team. Leigh Mathews brings with her a wealth of experience and a passion for her role. – Curt Mason Volunteer Counselling Co-ordinator, and Counsellor, ACON / Colleague
Therapy with you has transformed my life and I am so grateful! I really valued our sessions. Thank you for always practicing non-judgment and reminding me to practice self-care. Truly, my relationships with others and myself have improved tenfold. I feel like I draw more meaning from experiences that would have irritated me, or gone unnoticed before. I look at situations that challenge me as opportunities for growth now, and I feel like I take more accountability for my actions.
Considering I would never have previously organised to speak with someone, the rapport and connecting I had with Leigh was better than I expected which made it easier for me to come back after the first session, and keep coming back. [I achieved] many changes, too many to list.
I didn’t know what to expect. I just wanted to solve my problems. I thought that we would focus more on my youth but the CBT focuses more on the here and now, which I like. I feel that I’m progressing. Leigh is very non-judgmental and I always feel comfortable sharing my concerns. Leigh is very professional and she knows what she’s talking about.
The atmosphere was very relaxing and I felt immediately comfortable once in the session room. I found Leigh easy to talk to and she was respectful and non-judgmental regarding the issues I discussed.
The past few months have been so wonderful…more than I could have hoped for. When I get the urge to be a “rescuer” I pause and reflect on the repercussions. I have become a great “helper” and occasionally DO say no. Even my husband commented today that things were now better than he could have possibly imagined. I now have my daughter back…. Life is wonderful! I have come to terms with my shortcomings and those closest to me still think I am okay despite the few “rough edges”. I cannot thank you enough for saving me from what could have been a disastrous path.
I wanted to say thanks again for all your help this year. I started counselling not really expecting much, thinking that I wasn’t really ‘fixable’ but if I could just get a few coping strategies, that would be ok. You’ve given me plenty of these, and it’s helped more than I could have realised. So thank you!
My time with this therapist has changed my life. It sounds like one of those statements that someone might make up to look good on a website or blog but this really is the case. I was literally saved from darkness and despair that was slowly consuming my soul, and I can’t thank you enough for your patience and understanding and for giving me the tools to face my demons and what life throws at me every day. Its a work in progress and there is still much to do on my part, but myself and my family are grateful for all you do.
Leigh was someone I could talk to and felt completely safe with when I didn’t have anybody else to turn to. She is caring, intuitive, and steers you in the directions you need to go.
I feel significantly different compared to how I felt when I started. I feel relaxed because of your friendly approach.
Where do I start? I have many positive aspects of my experience of working with you. My depression has been reduced a great deal due to Leigh.
As her supervisor and now as her colleague, I would have no hesitation in referring Leigh to you as a committed professional… From her high academic achievements to her work history, covering government, NGO, and private practice settings – she has continually shown a high aptitude for work as a psychologist. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Leigh has consistently reported enjoying working with all the client groups she has encountered and it is this motivation and inspiration that she would bring to you. – Meaghan Poulton Psychologist/Supervisor
Leigh is very approachable and it’s clear from everything she does (even outwith the session itself e.g. taking the time to write emails, search for other practitioners where needed for referrals) that she genuinely wants to help. I think seeing Leigh is definitely helping me to start to put into action concrete steps to improve which on my own I had sort of contemplated but couldn’t bring myself to do anything about.
If you are wondering if you can work as a counsellor in Spain, let's talk
“An incredibly positive session. Leigh was warm, focused, and practical. She gave me clear direction, useful resources, and a concrete roadmap. I left feeling confident and calm. A great investment. Highly recommend.”
“Leigh’s guidance was clear, strategic, and focused on my specialty. I left feeling confident and ready to take action. I highly recommend her.”
“Totally worth it. Leigh is down to earth, resourceful, and deeply attentive to your unique situation. I felt heard, supported, and equipped with practical next steps. Do it.”
“Leigh clearly outlined what I needed to start my practice in Spain. She was warm, knowledgeable, and generous with her experience. I left with concrete action steps and confidence in building an ethical, sustainable practice. Five stars.”
“Extremely helpful. I appreciated Leigh’s thoroughness, kindness, and authenticity.”
“Leigh combines practical expertise with warmth. She answered every question clearly and ensured I felt fully informed about practising in Spain. Highly recommend.”
“Leigh provided clear, accurate guidance on the legal and ethical requirements of practising psychotherapy in Spain. She translated complex regulations into practical steps. Thanks to her, I can move forward confidently and compliantly. I highly recommend her, especially to international clinicians.”
“Insightful and comprehensive. I felt understood and supported as a professional moving countries. I left with organised information, clear resources, and renewed confidence.”
“Leigh gave precise answers and clear next steps for building a private practice in Barcelona. What felt like a dream now feels achievable. I highly recommend consulting with her.”
“Leigh helped demystify the legal complexities of working in Spain. She was friendly, informative, and grounded in lived experience. I recommend her to anyone considering practising here.”
“Very helpful consultation. Leigh shared practical information and resources that strengthened my confidence in launching my business.”
I believe in people’s capacity to effect change in their lives. Our brain can change and so can we!
