Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Encina

Hi Gabriela, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

Absolutely! It wasn’t always like this for me. My journey to becoming the confident expat I am today was filled with challenges and personal growth.

I come from my beloved Chile, a place where climbing the professional ladder isn’t easy. I was the first in my family to graduate from college and work in my field of study. I landed a prestigious position in the HR department of a company with over five thousand employees. Life was good—I had success, confidence, meaningful relationships, money, travel, and academic recognition.

Then, out of the blue, an Austrian guy appeared and turned my world upside down. I wanted to live abroad and be with him. How difficult could it be to move 14,000 km from my family, learn a new language, adjust to the weather, and make new friends, right?

After the honeymoon phase of discovering the wonders of Europe, reality kicked in. I struggled with the language barrier, finding a job, meeting new people, and losing my independence. I even had to ask him to go with me to the gynecologist!

This hit my self-perception hard. A “career coach” told me, “Here you are a nobody—you should have stayed in your country,” and, “Your successful life in Chile will never replicate here.” To top it off, she added, “Your relationship will never succeed if you don’t adjust fast to the country.” It was a crash, boom, bang moment for me.

I was losing my will to do anything and on the verge of depression. My self-image and confidence were hiding like a scared ostrich. I kept it all to myself to avoid worrying my loved ones back home. Then, one very grey day, I woke up crying, alone in the flat, and felt free to grieve. That morning, I decided to prioritize my mental health.

After a few weeks of focusing on myself:
– My language skills improved immensely
– I found the perfect job
– I felt more connected than ever with my people back home
– I made amazing new connections
– My relationship thrived, and I felt even more in love
– I managed my anxiety and faced future challenges with confidence

I realized the key to everything was always within me, but I hadn’t been ready to listen.

Today, I’m a licensed psychologist (Chile) and certified coach (Austria) with over 20 years of experience. Having lived through three big international moves, I understand multicultural challenges deeply. I speak English, hablo Español, und ich spreche Deutsch. My approach is practical, solution-oriented, and focused on the present.

So far, I’ve helped more than 400 expats reclaim their self-confidence, discover themselves, and find happiness in their new countries.

As you know, we’re big fans of Gabriela Encina Expat Counseling & Mentoring. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?

I am an online psychologist specializing in supporting expats and internationals. My mission is to be the anchor and down-to-earth supporter for those living abroad, helping them reclaim their self-confidence, purpose, and inner resources. I assist expats in overcoming anxiety, burnout, and cultural adjustment challenges so they can thrive and enjoy a fulfilling life wherever they are.

**What sets you apart from others?**

What sets me apart is my personal journey and deep understanding of the expat experience. Having moved internationally three times myself, I understand the unique struggles expats face. I offer a practical, solution-oriented approach that is empathetic and culturally sensitive. I provide support in three languages: English, Spanish, and German, ensuring a personalized and accessible experience for my clients.

**What are you most proud of brand-wise?**

I am most proud of the positive transformations I’ve helped facilitate. Testimonials from clients reflect the profound impact of my work. For instance, Maria, a Spanish expat in the US, shared how she regained mental freedom and felt safe to express herself during our sessions. Leslie, a German expat in Chile, described how she rebuilt her confidence and started enjoying her expat life after five years of struggle. These success stories are the heart of my brand.

**What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?**

### Services and Offerings:

**Online Counseling:**
*The Expat Life YOU Want*
I offer 1:1 sessions specifically designed to address the challenges of living abroad. These sessions help clients regain self-esteem and confidence, build strong relationships, and move forward positively. This is for individuals and couples.

**Design Your Roadmap:**
*An Effective Strategy Session*
In a 90-minute session, we create a customized action plan that provides clarity, structure, and easy-to-apply strategies to overcome procrastination and achieve your goals.

**DIY Digital Course:**
*Your Journey to Resilience*
This course is designed to build resilience and self-confidence through practical strategies and journaling prompts. It helps expats connect deeply with loved ones, overcome anxiety, and prioritize themselves.

**Workshops & Speaking Events:**
I offer my expertise in mental health for expats, globally mobile individuals, and internationals to organizations and communities. These workshops and talks, available both online and in-person, are designed to address the unique challenges and issues faced by expats, digital nomads, and international employees. If your company, university, or community has expat members, it’s important to recognize that this lifestyle comes with challenges that affect mental health and performance.

What You Can Expect When Working with Me:
– **Empathy and Understanding:** I’ve been through what you’re experiencing, so you’ll feel heard and not judged.
– **Flexibility:** Online, customized support from anywhere in the world, in Spanish, English, or German.
– **Support Between Sessions:** 24/7 access to me for ongoing support, making the process continuous and impactful.
– **Vast Experience:** Over 20 years of experience, integrating HR knowledge with solution-oriented therapy and coaching strategies. I’ve helped over 400 internationals worldwide.
– **Positivity and Freedom:** A safe, secure, and open-minded environment where you can be yourself.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?

Risk-taking is an integral part of my journey, and it has shaped who I am today. I believe taking risks is essential for growth and discovering new opportunities. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, facing uncertainties, and trusting that you have the strength and resilience to handle whatever comes your way.

Major Risks I’ve Taken:

**Moving Abroad for Love**: One of the biggest risks I took was leaving my successful life in Chile to move 14,000 km away to be with an Austrian man I barely knew. This meant leaving behind my career, family, friends, and everything familiar to start anew in a country where I didn’t speak the language and had no support network.

**Traveling Solo for a Year**: I resigned from my stable job and traveled alone through 16 countries for a year. This decision required me to give up financial security and a familiar lifestyle, but it was a profound journey of self-discovery and adventure.

**Starting My Own Business**: Transitioning from a traditional career in HR to starting my own online counseling practice was another significant risk. It meant leaving behind the security of a corporate job to follow my passion for helping expats and internationals navigate their mental health challenges.

My Perspective on Risk

I view risk-taking as a necessary component of personal and professional growth. It’s not about being reckless but about making calculated decisions that push you towards your goals and dreams. Here are a few key points on how I think about risk:

– **Embrace Uncertainty**: Life is full of uncertainties, and trying to avoid them can lead to stagnation. Embracing uncertainty opens up possibilities and new experiences.
– **Learn from Failure**: Not all risks pay off as expected, but each experience, whether successful or not, provides valuable lessons. Failure is just another step towards success.
– **Prioritize Mental Health**: Taking risks can be stressful, so it’s crucial to prioritize your mental health. For me, focusing on self-care and seeking support when needed has been vital in managing the challenges that come with risk-taking.
– **Stay Connected to Your Why**: Understanding the deeper purpose behind taking a risk helps to stay motivated and resilient, even when the journey gets tough.

Taking these major risks has profoundly impacted my life:
– **Enhanced Self-Confidence**: Moving abroad and navigating new cultures has strengthened my confidence in my ability to adapt and thrive in any situation.
– **Professional Growth**: Starting my own business has allowed me to help over 400 expats reclaim their self-confidence and find happiness in their new countries.
– **Personal Fulfillment**: Traveling and living in different countries has enriched my life, provided me with unique experiences, and deepened my understanding of diverse cultures.

Risk-taking has been a cornerstone of my personal and professional journey. It has led to immense growth, new opportunities, and a deep sense of fulfillment. I encourage everyone to embrace risks, prioritize mental health, and stay connected to their purpose. The rewards can be truly transformative.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gabriela-encina.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriela.encina.psychologist/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabriela.encina.psychologist1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GabrielaEncinaPsychologist
• Other: https://www.pinterest.es/gabriela_encina_psychologist/