We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gabriela Encina. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gabriela below.
Gabriela, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?
Case Study: Clara’s Journey Towards Self-Discovery and Empowerment in Expat Life
Background:
Clara, a woman in her early 40s, found herself amidst significant life changes, having recently moved to a new country and started a new job. This period of transition, typical in expat life, brought about a profound sense of feeling lost and unsettled. She was torn between wanting to be in different places and searching for a sense of ‘home.’ Additionally, she was navigating a non-conventional life path, reflecting on how to find her way in a world that often values tradition.
Clara also faced underlying anxieties, particularly concerning family conflicts. She felt a deep sense of responsibility for these issues but also a desire to avoid long-term problems. This internal conflict was coupled with overwhelming bouts of sadness and grief, connected to past relationships and feelings of rejection. Her primary goal was to live a meaningful life, experiencing a full range of emotions and possibilities with less fear.
Challenges:
Clara’s main challenges included:
• Feeling lost and unsettled due to major life transitions, common in expat life.
• Navigating a non-conventional life path in her early 40s.
• Managing underlying anxieties related to family conflicts and past relationships.
• Overcoming overwhelming sadness and grief.
• Striving to live a meaningful life while experiencing a full range of emotions.
Therapeutic Approach:
Clara was initially hesitant to delve into difficult feelings, fearing it would exacerbate her overall well-being, create pressure to change, or widen the gulf with her family. However, my expertise as an expat psychologist provided Clara with the specific tools and insights needed to address these concerns.
My method focused on:
• Avoiding endless analysis and instead taking action towards specific goals and desires.
• Gradually changing behaviors and ways of reacting to difficult situations.
• Understanding that emotions cannot always be controlled and that it is okay to feel them.
Given the unique challenges of expat life, this approach gave Clara a sense of agency to decide how she wanted to act. Viewing the process as a learning or experimental journey removed the pressure to ‘do it right’ immediately or to be overly focused on outcomes.
Results:
Through our work together, Clara experienced several notable changes:
• Improved Communication: She was able to have conversations she previously feared, making herself emotionally vulnerable without experiencing rejection or extreme fear of rejection.
• Reduced Anxiety: Her background levels of anxiety connected to specific relationships or issues became less powerful and easier to handle.
• Enhanced Self-Awareness: Clara became more honest with herself, aware of her emotions, and clear about her values and priorities.
• Practical Actions: My approach emphasized practical actions and steps following self-understanding, leading to tangible changes in Clara’s life.
Key Elements of Success:
A balance of kindness and assertiveness was crucial. I was patient and understanding, yet persistent in focusing on the issues Clara was avoiding or reluctant to admit. My ability to find the thread running through seemingly disparate issues and gently encourage deeper exploration was vital.
The practical nature of my approach, including ‘homework’ exercises, provided Clara with:
• Accountability: Actions to take outside the therapy sessions.
• Continuous Reflection: Ongoing points to reflect on beyond the one-hour sessions.
• Empowerment: A sense of taking charge of her life and making active choices rather than being passive or making excuses.
My expertise in dealing with the unique challenges of expat life was a critical factor in Clara’s progress, helping her navigate the complexities of living in a new country while managing personal growth and emotional well-being.
Clara’s journey highlights the power of a practical, action-oriented approach to therapy, particularly in the context of expat life. By focusing on specific goals and behaviors, Clara was able to navigate her transitional period, reduce anxiety, enhance self-awareness, and take meaningful steps towards living a life aligned with her values and desires. The unique blend of empathy, insight, and practical guidance in our sessions, informed by my experience as an expat psychologist, played a pivotal role in Clara’s transformation.
Gabriela, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
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.
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 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.
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.
Services and Offerings:
Online Counseling:
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.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
My journey started in Chile, where breaking into the professional world is tough. I was the first in my family to graduate from college and to work in my field of study. I secured a prestigious position in the HR department of a company with over five thousand employees. Life was rewarding—I had success, confidence, meaningful relationships, financial stability, travel opportunities, and academic recognition.
Then, unexpectedly, I met an Austrian guy who turned my world upside down. Driven by love, I decided to move 14,000 km away from my family to be with him. How hard could it be to learn a new language, adapt to a different climate, and make new friends, right?
The initial excitement of exploring Europe soon gave way to harsh reality. I struggled with the language barrier, finding a job, meeting new people, and losing my independence. I even had to ask my partner to accompany me to the gynecologist.
My self-esteem took a severe hit. A “career coach” bluntly told me, “Here, you are a nobody—you should have stayed in your country,” and, “Your successful life in Chile will never be replicated here.” She also added, “Your relationship will never succeed if you don’t adjust quickly to the country.” It was a crushing moment for me.
I felt my motivation slipping away and was on the brink of depression. My self-image and confidence were buried deep. To avoid worrying my loved ones back home, I kept all my struggles to myself. Then, one particularly grey day, I woke up crying alone in my flat and finally allowed myself to grieve. That morning, I made a critical decision to prioritize my mental health.
Over the following weeks, I focused on rebuilding myself:
• My language skills improved significantly
• I found the perfect job
• I reconnected strongly with my family and friends back home
• I formed amazing new friendships
• My relationship flourished, and I fell even more in love
• I managed my anxiety and faced future challenges with renewed confidence
I realized that the strength and resilience I needed were always within me; I just had to be ready to harness them.
Today, I’m a licensed psychologist (Chile) and certified coach (Austria) with over 20 years of experience. Having navigated three major international moves, I deeply understand multicultural challenges. 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, rediscover themselves, and find happiness in their new countries.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Building a solid reputation in my market has been a multifaceted journey. Here are the key factors that I believe contributed to my success:
1. Deep Understanding of My Niche
Specialization: I focus specifically on expats, understanding their unique psychological needs and challenges. This has allowed me to tailor my services effectively.
Personal Experience: As an expat myself, I have firsthand experience with the emotional and psychological hurdles of living abroad, which resonates with my clients.
2. Strong Educational Background and Continuous Learning
Educational Credentials: My advanced degrees in psychology have laid a solid foundation for my practice.
Professional Development: I am committed to continuous learning, attending workshops, conferences, and staying updated with the latest research in psychology and expatriate issues.
3. Empathy and Authentic Connection
Empathetic Approach: I prioritize empathy and genuine connection in all my client interactions. Understanding their struggles and providing a safe space for them to express themselves is crucial.
Authenticity: Being authentic and transparent with my clients builds trust and rapport, essential elements for a successful therapeutic relationship.
4. Evidence-Based Practices
Proven Techniques: I utilize evidence-based therapeutic techniques that have been proven effective in addressing the unique challenges faced by expats.
Customization: I tailor these techniques to fit the individual needs of each client, ensuring they receive the most relevant and effective support.
5. Strong Online Presence
Content Creation: Regularly producing high-quality content such as blogs, articles, and videos on topics relevant to expats has established me as an authority in my field.
Social Media Engagement: Actively engaging with my audience on social media platforms helps me stay connected with my community and reach a wider audience.
6. Positive Client Feedback and Word-of-Mouth
Testimonials: Positive testimonials and reviews from satisfied clients have been incredibly valuable in building my reputation.
Referrals: Many new clients come through word-of-mouth referrals, which speaks to the trust and satisfaction of my existing clients.
7. Networking and Professional Collaborations
Professional Networks: Being an active member of professional organizations and networks has expanded my reach and credibility.
Collaborations: Collaborating with other professionals and experts in related fields has also helped in establishing a broader reputation.
8. Flexibility and Adaptability
Adaptable Services: Offering flexible services like online therapy sessions has allowed me to cater to clients worldwide, irrespective of their location.
Responsive to Feedback: Being open to feedback and willing to adapt my approaches based on client needs and evolving trends in the field.
9. Personal Branding and Visibility
Consistent Branding: Maintaining a consistent personal brand that reflects my values, expertise, and the unique support I offer to expats.
Media Appearances: Participating in podcasts, webinars, and other media opportunities has increased my visibility and credibility.
In summary, my reputation within the market has been built through a combination of specialized knowledge, empathy, continuous professional development, and effective communication. Staying true to my passion for helping expats and continuously striving to provide the best possible support has been key to my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gabriela-encina.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriela.encina.psychologist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabriela.encina.psychologist1
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/psgabrielaencina/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GabrielaEncinaPsychologist
- Other: https://www.pinterest.es/gabriela_encina_psychologist/
