Bilbao, the city that rose from the ashes of deindustrialization to become a worldwide reference for urban transformation, is today a modern, cultural, and dynamic metropolis. But behind the Guggenheim and the pintxos, the people of Bilbao face the same emotional difficulties as anyone living in a big city: anxiety, work stress, depression, family problems, and emotional trauma.
If you live in Bilbao or anywhere in the Basque Country and you're looking for a licensed health psychologist who can offer professional and warm support, online therapy connects you with me, Xènia Capel Salcedo, from the comfort of your home and without needing to travel.
Mental health in the Basque Country: talking about it without taboos
The Basque character, strong and reserved, can make asking for psychological help especially hard for many people. There is a culture of "pushing through" that, while admirable for its strength, can let emotional distress build up to unsustainable levels.
Online therapy offers a discreet and accessible entry point for those who are not sure they want to attend an in-person consultation. From the privacy of a room in your home in Bilbao, Getxo, Barakaldo, Durango, or any town in Euskadi, you can begin a therapeutic process with full confidentiality.
What's more, for people who come from other autonomous communities and live in the Basque Country, working with a professional from outside the area can make it easier to open up emotionally and speak freely about topics that can be harder to address with a local provider.
Available therapeutic specialties
EMDR for trauma treatment
EMDR allows traumatic experiences to be reprocessed in a safe and effective way. Whether the trauma comes from a single event or from dysfunctional relational patterns, EMDR helps the brain integrate the experience so that it stops causing distress in the present.
Anxiety and work stress
Bilbao is an important industrial and business hub. Professional pressure, workplace conflict, and burnout are realities that affect many people in Bilbao. We work to identify the stressors and build a healthier relationship with work.
Eating disorders
Basque cuisine is a fundamental part of local culture. For people with eating disorders, the social environment around food can be especially challenging. I offer a space to work on your relationship with food without judgment.
Gender-based violence
Gender-based violence knows no borders or cultures. I offer specialized support to women who need help to leave an abusive situation or to repair its aftereffects.
ASD, ADHD, and childhood
Care for neurodivergence requires specifically trained professionals. I offer assessment and support for children as well as for adults who discover their neurodivergent profile in adult life.
How online sessions work
Getting started is easy:
First: Contact me by WhatsApp, phone call, or email. We talk briefly about what you need.
Second: We schedule the first session at a time that works for you.
Third: You connect via secure video call. Sessions are 55-60 minutes.
Fourth: In the first session, we explore your situation and define goals.
Fifth: We start a regular and ongoing process until you reach the changes you're looking for.
Advantages of online therapy for people in Bilbao
• No rain or cold: Bilbao weather can be a barrier to leaving home. Online therapy lets you do your session without exposing yourself to the drizzle.
• Available specialties: Access a psychologist trained in EMDR, EDs, and neurodivergence from your own home.
• Total discretion: No waiting rooms or awkward street encounters.
• Access for all of Euskadi: From Bilbao, San Sebastián, Vitoria-Gasteiz, or anywhere in the Basque Country.
• Health professional: A licensed psychologist with specialized training and clinical experience.
Who I am: Xènia Capel Salcedo
I am Xènia Capel Salcedo, a licensed health psychologist registered with the Official College of Psychology of Catalonia (COPC) under registration number 14982. I practice psychology with passion and commitment, combining in-person consultation in Igualada with online support for people across the country.
My training includes specialization in EMDR, eating disorders, gender-based violence, child therapy, autism (ASD), and ADHD. I firmly believe that every person carries within them the capacity to grow, and my role is to accompany them through that process with tools, listening, and respect.
Take the first step
If you live in Bilbao or in the Basque Country and you feel that psychological support would improve your life, take the step. Contact me for a first informational, no-obligation conversation. Online therapy is the bridge between where you are and where you want to be.