Cristina Martin Garcia

Welcome to Psychology Therapy, an online therapy and counselling practice that works with people around the world. I am Cristina, a fully qualified cognitive-behavioural therapist (CBT), accessible online to English and Spanish speakers worldwide. My objective in founding this therapy practice was to share my expertise, passion, empathy, and compassion with anyone struggling with life’s difficulties or seeking personal development to reach their maximum human potential.

My primary approaches include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) as well as third-wave therapies such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), compassion-focused therapy (CFT), and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). I am passionate about concepts such as acceptance, mindfulness, and compassion, and I bring this passion into our therapy sessions.

CBT is an extensively studied and effective method for multiple psychological problems. It is based on the idea that thoughts, emotions and behaviours are interconnected and that by challenging unhelpful thoughts and changing our behaviour we can improve our emotional states.

ACT acknowledges that psychological pain is a normal part of life. The primary challenge lies in our struggle to avoid or control these emotions and thoughts. While we can't escape the initial pain, the second layer of suffering can cease if we let go of the resistance and accept our emotions and thoughts. It involves a shift in attitude ACT is about creating a meaningful, values-driven life even amid emotional distress.

With CFT, we develop self-compassion, replacing self-criticism with warmth and understanding. Finally, mindfulness improves the practice, grounding you in the present moment and enhancing your open and non-judgmental attitude toward life's events.

Each approach is personalised to adapt to your unique needs and situation. For example, for OCD, my focus shifts towards CBT integrated with ERP (exposure response prevention), the gold standard approach for effectively treating this specific disorder.

Within my approach, I integrate knowledge from psychology, neuroscience, and medicine with the wisdom of Eastern philosophies like Buddhism and Taoism. I use coaching strategies and growth mindset principles to empower clients when required. This fusion of science and spirituality equips you with evidence-based tools while developing a deep connection and harmony with the world.

I specialise in anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and also obsessive-compulsive disorder (including body dysmorphic disorder). These disorders often co-occur with other challenges, so I also have experience in addressing low self-esteem, self-criticism, perfectionism, stress, insomnia, depression, burnout, impostor syndrome, life changes, loss, grief, and self-harm

I have acquired these skills by completing a diploma in counselling with a CBT therapy approach, a psychology master's degree from Northumbria University, and a COSCA certificate in counselling skills. I have completed the STORM® suicide prevention and self-harm mitigation training, as well as the ASIST suicide prevention program.

My professional background spans a diverse range of roles, mainly centred on anxiety disorders and OCD. I've worked as a therapist for Saheliya, a charity that helps ethnic minorities and Stop It Now, an organisation that helps reduce child abuse. Additionally, I have been part of multidisciplinary teams within the NHS, working with individuals with eating disorders.

Before, I gained valuable experience at Ipswich Psychiatric Hospital, where I supported individuals with OCD, depression, postpartum psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. I have also dedicated my time as a volunteer at OCD Action, a charity supporting those affected by OCD and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and their families. Additionally, I offered emotional support to patients at University College Hospital in London.

I am originally from Spain, but I have been trained as a therapist in the United Kingdom, which allows me to bring a culturally diverse perspective that respects different cultures and ways of thinking.

Lastly, I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to their ethical guidelines as I work toward accreditation.