Málaga, the gateway to the Costa del Sol, has transformed in recent decades from a tourist city into a modern, multicultural metropolis. The arrival of international communities, tech companies, and digital nomads has changed its character — but it has also brought new emotional challenges: cultural adaptation, job instability tied to tourism, and the pressure to maintain an "idyllic life in the sun" image.
If you live in Málaga and need psychological support, online therapy connects you with a licensed health psychologist without leaving home. I'm Xènia Capel Salcedo and I offer video-call sessions with a personalized, warm, and professionally rigorous approach.
Mental health in Málaga: sun, tourism, and emotional reality
Living in Málaga means sunshine, sea, and a relaxed lifestyle... on the surface. The reality for many people from Málaga includes precarious jobs tied to the tourism sector, difficulty finding affordable housing, and urban growth that creates a sense of lost identity in historic neighborhoods.
For the international community living in Málaga, the distance from their home countries can lead to loneliness, homesickness, and difficulty building deep connections. Online therapy is especially useful for these people because it allows them to access professional support in their own environment and with comfort.
The coast generates significant pressure around appearance, which can contribute to body image issues and eating disorders, especially among young people and adolescents.
Areas of therapeutic specialization
EMDR and trauma processing
Treating psychological trauma with EMDR is one of my main specialties. If you've experienced difficult situations that continue to affect your daily life, online EMDR can help you process them safely and effectively.
Eating disorders and body image
On the Costa del Sol, body culture and the beach are everywhere. If you have a conflicted relationship with food or your body image, I work from an approach that goes beyond food to address the emotions and experiences that maintain the disorder.
Anxiety, stress, and burnout
Anxiety and work-related burnout are very common in Málaga, especially in the tourism and hospitality sectors with their long hours and seasonality. I offer practical tools for emotional management and stress regulation.
Gender-based violence
I accompany women who have experienced or are experiencing gender-based violence in their emotional recovery process. Online therapy makes accessing this support discreet and safe.
ASD, ADHD, and child therapy
I offer assessment and support for children and adults with ASD or ADHD. Many people come to therapy without a previous diagnosis, and simply understanding how their brain works changes their relationship with themselves.
How video-call therapy works
The process is simple and practical:
• First, you contact me by WhatsApp, phone, or email to briefly discuss your situation.
• We schedule the first session: you receive a secure video-call link.
• In the first session (55-60 min) we explore your history and define goals.
• We design a personalized treatment plan with the most appropriate techniques.
• Regular sessions (usually weekly) provide you with tools and ongoing support.
Advantages of online therapy for people in Málaga
• Beat the heat: No need to go out at 40 degrees to attend a session. Connect from the comfort of home with the air conditioning on.
• Access to specialization: Reach a psychologist specialized in EMDR and eating disorders without being limited to local options.
• Ideal for the international community: If you're from abroad and live in Málaga, I can attend you in fluent Spanish.
• Provincial coverage: From Marbella to Ronda, from Vélez-Málaga to Antequera, online therapy reaches across the entire province.
• Professional guarantee: Licensed health psychologist with accredited training and experience.
Who I am: Xènia Capel Salcedo
I'm Xènia Capel Salcedo, a licensed health psychologist registered with the Official College of Psychology of Catalonia (COPC) under number 14982. I practice psychology with passion and commitment, combining in-person practice in Igualada with online care for people across Spain.
My training includes specialization in EMDR, eating disorders, gender-based violence, child therapy, autism (ASD), and ADHD. I firmly believe that every person carries the capacity to improve within them, and my role is to accompany them through that process with tools, listening, and respect.
Take the first step
If you live in Málaga and need a space to care for your mental health, get in touch. The first conversation is informational and without commitment. Let's start the path toward your well-being together.