Psychotherapist for Expats in Europe
Online · Barcelona · Sant Cugat

Shai Shinar

I'm Shai, an English-speaking psychotherapist offering therapy for expats and internationals navigating life abroad.

I support adults facing cultural adjustment, relationship difficulties, self-esteem challenges, anxiety, trauma, and the transitions of parenthood. I work online with clients across Europe and offer in-person sessions in Sant Cugat, in the Barcelona area.

I offer an integrative, trauma-informed approach that is down to earth and adapted to you, using Psychodynamic therapy and evidence-based methods such as CBT, ACT, and EMDR.

I believe in the healing power of human relationships as well as in the ability of each person to lead their own healing and find greater agency.

Like my clients, I see myself as continually learning and developing, as an individual, a mother, and a therapist.

Feel free to contact me to arrange a short introductory call , to consult or explore whether beginning therapy together feels right.

Let's talk

Professional Qualifications:

Postgraduate Training in Integrative CBT Psychotherapy, University of Haifa

M.A Art Psychotherapy, Goldsmith´s University

B.A Psychology, Bar Ilan University

EMDR Training, Level 1, The EMDR institute of Israel.

Birth Oriented Thinking level 1 and 2, The B.O.T, organization that offers knowledge and training programs for birth professionals and therapists

Advanced ACT Training, University of Haifa

ACT for ADHD training, Online program (Dr. Russ Harris)

How I Can Help

Parenthood and Birth

ParentsParenthood and Birth

Parent counselling / Focused support during the perinatal period.
Adults

Adults

Therapy for adults navigating life abroad, transitions, and personal challenges.
Kids and Adolescents

KidsKids & Adolescents

Therapy for children and teenagers navigating life, growing up, or emotional challenges.

Adults

Adults

There are times in life when we need more support.

Sometimes the reasons for seeking therapy are clear. You may be going through a difficult experience, facing a major change, or looking for help in a specific area of life. At other times, the reasons are harder to name, the mind or body begin to signal that something isn't quite right: you might be feeling overwhelmed, tense or distant from yourself.

No matter the reason, I know that starting therapy is not always easy. It asks for a certain amount of courage- by reaching out to someone you don't yet know, or allowing yourself to pause and turn towards what you're experiencing.

However, I believe that in that willingness, something begins to shift. Within a supportive and relational space, we can reflect, deepen our understanding, and develop greater self-compassion and a growing sense of choice and freedom.

When do people usually reach out to me?

Having moved between countries myself, I often work with people navigating this unique life transition.

Relocating to a new country is a nonlinear experience, and even after years abroad one can still feel like a stranger at times, confused, or homesick.

It holds layers of complexity such as shifts in identity, changes in relationships, distance from familiar support systems, and more.

It can be challenging and even deepen existing struggles, such as anxiety and avoidance.

And yet, it also holds great opportunities for growth, discovery, and self-empowerment.

I have experience working with people navigating stress, anxiety, OCD, fluctuations in mood or depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and self-esteem or self-criticism challenges.

Whether you come with a diagnosis or not, what matters most is understanding your experience and finding what your needs are and what supports you best.

The way I see it, we work with different 'human' struggles that usually relate to some amount of suffering or dissatisfaction in life, or a need for change or improvement. Those usually express in the way one thinks, feels, or senses in the body, and in how one relates to oneself and others.

In therapy we can work with the different parts of being human that can hopefully exist together, giving space to painful emotions and feelings, while also showing curiosity and holding onto hope together, making room for values, and constructive actions in life.

I often meet with those who identify with some kinds of neuro differences, including those with ADHD, are on the autistic spectrum or highly sensitive people. These differences can bring their own strengths and uniqueness as well as some complexities and struggles, in the way one experiences the world, relates to oneself, to others, or navigates daily life and work. Therapy can offer a space to better understand oneself, find coping strategies, and work towards personal goals.

Let's talk

Parenthood and Birth

Parenthood and Birth
Parenthood and Birth

Becoming a parent is a profound life transition. It can affect the emotional, hormonal, physical, and social aspects of our lives, often shifting how we relate to ourselves and others.

Parenthood and Birth can bring a wide range of emotions, sometimes even contradictory ones. Alongside joy, love, and a sense of meaning, there can also be moments of frustration, guilt, anger, or doubt, as well as stress and anxiety.

For those living abroad, parenthood can sometimes feel more demanding or isolating.

My work with parents began early in my professional journey, across schools, mental health services, and private practice. Becoming a mother myself drew me to also study birth-oriented therapy, as I believe there is still not enough awareness regarding the importance and impact of birth on women's mental health.

With experience supporting children of different ages, parents, and women through pregnancy and postpartum, I aim to bring a broad and holistic perspective to each client.

What do I offer?

We explore your journey as parents in a non-judgmental space, whether individually or as a couple. This can help you make sense of your child's behaviour, your relationship, and your family dynamic. Together, we can look at everyday challenges, moments that feel overwhelming, or patterns that repeat themselves. We also make space for your emotional world as parents, including doubts, frustrations, or questions that may feel difficult to share elsewhere.

This process supports you in gaining insight and practical tools, while strengthening your confidence in your parenting and in your relationship with your child.

A space to give your birth more attention, to untangle what happened and find coping strategies and relief from things that may still be with you: doubts, recurring thoughts or images, or difficult feelings.

These sessions can also extend to other aspects of pregnancy, early motherhood, or breastfeeding.

The time approaching birth is filled with some uncertainty, which can naturally bring up worries and fears. These sessions offer a supportive space to process any feelings or concerns that arise, gain tools, and build a greater sense of security as you approach birth and parenthood - whether it's your first child, second, or more.

Let's talk

Kids and Adolescents

Children and teenagers go through many transitions, at home, at school, and within themselves. Sometimes they need a space of their own to talk, to be heard, and to make sense of what they are experiencing.

I see kids and adolescents with different challenges such as phobias, anxiety, social anxiety, self-esteem challenges, and emotional regulation difficulties.

Depending on the child's age and preference, in therapy we can communicate through verbal conversation, art, and play. Using non-verbal languages can help with processing sensitive subjects, reducing anxiety, strengthening self-regulation abilities, and enhancing a sense of confidence. We can also incorporate mindfulness, breathing techniques, and practical tools they can turn to during daily life challenges.

I see parents as an important part of the process, and work to keep the communication open and supportive throughout. I usually have additional meetings with parents or caregivers on a monthly basis, to give the child the best possible support.

Let's talk
Kids and Adolescents