Drs. Cristina Valdivia
I believe that clinical practice must be based on a firm theoretical foundation. For this reason, I have been trained in different disciplines through different specialized courses and masters, as well as in psychological approaches that have the highest empirical support to address psychological problems in the most effective way.
The therapies and techniques with which I usually work are part of Cognitive-Behavioral Psychology, Mindfulness, Neuropsychology, Dynamic Psychology, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Psychomotricity, among others.
Therapy and techniques are always tailored to the client. After an exhaustive evaluation of the problem, the action plan is designed, together with the client, who is free to raise their doubts regarding any aspect of the practice at any time. All necessary clarifications will be given so that the client feels part of their own change process.
I have carried out my professional work since I graduated in 2007 both in private practice and in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior of Spain, in various NGOs, in projects dedicated to children in need, parenthood… Currently, I’m in private practice, in my office located in the Netherlands and also online. I work psychologically advising people from all over the world, taking into account individual idiosyncrasies and also social and cultural particularities.
Psychological Disorders
Depressive disorders
The common feature of all of these disorders (disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, mayor depressive disorder/episode, dysthymia, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, substance/medication-induced depressive disorder, depressive disorder due to another medical condition…) is the presence of sad, empty, or iritable mood, accompanied by somatic and cognitive changes that significantly affect the individual’s capacity to function. hat differs among
them are issues of duration, timing, or presumed etiology.
Mayor depressive disorder represents the classic condition in this group of disorders.
Major Depressive disorder
Core symptoms of this disorder in adulthood:
- Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjetive report (feels sad, empty, hopeless…) or observation made by others.
- Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day.
- Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.
- Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day.
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day.
- Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day.
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day.
- Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day.
- Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation.
The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or
other important areas of functioning.
Obsessive- Compulsive and Related Disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive disorder (OCD)
OCD is characterized by the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions.
Obsessions are recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are experienced as intrusive and unwanted; the individual attempts to ignore or suppress them.
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors (e.g., hand washing, ordering, checking) or mental acts (e.g., praying, counting, repeating words silently) that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according ro rules that must be applied rigidly.
Some other disorders within this group are also characterized by preoccupations and by repetitive behaviors or mental acts in response to the preoccupations. Some other related disorders are characterized primarily by recurrent body-focused repetitive behaviors, like hair pulling (trichotillomania disorder) or skin picking (excoriation disorder) among others.
Body Dysmorphic disorder: dysmorphophobia
This disorder is characterized by preoccupation with one or more perceived defects or flaws in their physical appearance, which they believe look ugly, unattractive, abnormal, or deformed. Preoccupations can focus on one or many body areas, most commonly the skin, hair or nose. However, any body area can be the focus of concern (e.g., eyes, teeth, weight, stomach, breasts, legs, lips, chin, eyebrows, genitals). Some individuals are concerned about perceived asymmetry of body areas. The preoccupations are intrusive, unwanted, time-consuming, and usually difficult to resist or control.
Excessive repetitive behaviors or mental acts (e.g., comparing, checking perceived defects in mirror or other reflecting surface) are performed in response to the preoccupation.
Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders include disorders that share features of excessive fear and anxiety and related behavioral disturbances.
Fear is the emotional response to real or perceived imminent threat. Fear is more often associated with surges of autonomic arousal necessary for fight or flight, thoughts of immediate danger, and escape behaviors.
Anxiety is anticipation of future threat. It is more often associated with muscle tension and vigilance in preparation for future danger and cautious or avoidant behaviors.
The anxiety disorders differ from one another in the types of objects or situations that
induce fear, anxiety, or avoidance behavior, and the associated cognitive ideation. Below are some of the most common anxiety disorders.
In social anxiety disorder, the individual is fearful or anxious about or avoidant of social interaction such as meeting unfamiliar people, situations in which the individual may be observed eating or drinking, and situations in which the individual performs in front of others, fearing being negatively evaluated, embarrassed, humiliated, or rejected, or offending others.
In panic disorder , the individual experiences recurrent unexpecting panic attacks and is persistently concerned or worried about having more panic attacks or changes his behavior because of the panic attacks. Panic attacks are abrupt surges of intense fear or intense discomfort that reach a peak within minutes, accompanied by physical and/or cognitive symptoms.
Individuals with agoraphobia are fearful and anxious about two or more of the following situations: using public transportation; being in open spaces; being in enclosed places;
standing in line or being in a crowd; or being outside of the home alone in other situations.
The key features of generalized anxiety disorder are persistent and excessive anxiety and worry about various domains, including work and school performance, that the individual finds difficult to control. In addition the individual experiences physical symptoms, including restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge; being easily fatigued; difficulty concentrating or mind going blank; irritability; muscle tension; and sleep disturbance.
Trauma- and stressor-related disorders
This group of disorders include disorders in which exposure to a traumatic or stressful event is listed explicitly as a diagnostic criterion.
Psychological distress following exposure to a traumetic or stresful event is quite variable. In some cases, symptoms can be well understood within an anxiety- or fear-based context. Many individuals who have been exposed to a traumatic or stressful event exhibit symptoms such as anhedonia (lack of interest in usually pleasant activities, reduced motivation or ability to feel pleasure) and dysforic symptoms (unhappiness, irritability), externalizing angry and aggresive symptoms, or problems to remember important details over the trauma. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for the clinical picture to include some combination of the above symptoms (with or without anxiety- or fear-based symptoms).
Another common symptoms are:
- Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic or stressful event(s).
- Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or affect of the dream are related to the traumatic or stressful event(s).
- Dissociative reactions (e.g. flashbacks), in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic or stressful event(s) were recurring.
- Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic or stressful event(s).
- Negative alterations in cognitions and mood associated with the traumatic or stressful event(s) (e.g. negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world, persistent negative emotional state, persistent inability to experience positive emotions).
Gender dysphoria
Gender dysphoria refers to the distress that may occompany the incongruence between one’s experienced or expressed gender and one’s assigned gender. This discrepancy is the core component of the diagnosis. there must also be evidence of distress about this incongruence. Although not all individuals will experience distress as a result of such incongruence, many are distressed if desired physical interventions by means of hormones and/or surgery are not available.
Experience gender may include alternative gender identities beyond binary stereotypes.
Gender dysphoria manifests itself differently in different age groups.
Psychological Therapies
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely utilized therapeutic approach that centers on the intricate relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In my practice, I harness CBT to aid individuals in identifying and modifying detrimental thought patterns and behaviors contributing to psychological distress. Its fundamental principle is that altering negative cognitions positively influences emotional states and behavioral reactions. CBT is pivotal in addressing an array of mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and phobias. I focus the application of structured interventions, such as cognitive restructuring and behavioral exposure, to empower clients in developing coping strategies and fostering healthier cognitive processes. As an evidence-based modality, CBT is foundational in psychological practice, enabling psychologists to guide clients towards enduring changes in thought patterns and behaviors, ultimately enhancing overall mental well-being.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – ACT
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a therapeutic model focusing on accepting one’s thoughts and emotions, incorporating mindfulness, and committing to purposeful actions. I utilize ACT to enhance psychological flexibility, enabling individuals to adapt resiliently to life challenges and pursue meaningful objectives. It proves effective in addressing a spectrum of mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. ACT encourages non-judgmental acknowledgment of emotions, fostering present-moment mindfulness. In my therapies, I apply ACT to guide clients in committing to actions aligned with their core values, fostering a purpose-driven life. By embracing acceptance and commitment, individuals develop resilience, reduce psychological distress, and constructively engage with their internal experiences, fostering holistic well-being.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a practice focused on cultivating present moment awareness without judgment. It involves paying attention to thoughts, feelings, and sensations. From my of view, mindfulness can enhance therapeutic effectiveness by promoting empathy, emotional regulation, and non-reactive (self)observation. It aids in treating various mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, by fostering cognitive flexibility and reducing rumination. I often integrate mindfulness into therapeutic approaches like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) harnessing its potential to improve client well-being, increase self-awareness, and facilitate a more compassionate therapeutic relationship.
Online Therapy
Do you prefer online sessions? That is perfectly possible.
Make an appointment and let me know about it.
De price of a 50 minute session is 100€.
In case you cannot assist to your appointment, notify at least 24 hours in advance.
The sessions are not covered by the basic insurance, only by some supplementary policies.
The patient is responsible for checking with his insurance company.
Make an appointment
Do you have any question or want to schedule an initial interview? Contact me or send me a message through this website, email or WhatsApp. I will get in touch with you as soon as possible to plan the first appointment.
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Contact information
Contact only available through email and WhatsApp text messages.
Online therapie - Psychology & Mindfulness- Drs. Valdivia 