Do you want to be able to...
Stay grounded under pressure - without burning out or shutting down
Recognise your patterns, calm the spirals, and respond differently
Make clear, values-aligned decisions - even when everything feels uncertain
Trust your mind instead of second-guessing every thought
Reconnect with joy, purpose, and the passions that make you feel like you
“If I could shake the crushing weight of expectations, would that free some room up for joy?” - Luisa Madrigal, Encanto
What this therapy is really about
You don’t need another checklist, mindfulness hack, or one-size-fits-all solution.
You need support that actually fits you - and a therapist who understands how your mind works, especially when overthinking, shutdown, or spirals get in the way of feeling like yourself.
This is legally recognised therapy, delivered online by a UK-born, Madrid-based licensed psychologist.
This isn’t surface-level advice.
It’s high-quality, evidence-based psychological support designed for anxious, analytical adults who:
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Overthink before acting - or act without knowing why
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Analyse everything but still feel stuck, scattered, or shut down
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Can’t always explain what’s wrong - just that it’s exhausting
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Want change, but need clarity - not toxic positivity
We’ll slow things down, untangle what's going on beneath the noise, and build practical shifts that align with how your brain actually works - not how someone says it “should.”
What working together looks like
We’ll begin with a free 20-minute consultation to talk things through.
You’ll get space to ask questions, understand how I work, and decide - without pressure - whether this feels like the right next step for you.
If we choose to move forward, here’s how therapy works:
Each session is 50 minutes, held online, and focused entirely on what matters to you.
You don't need to prep or perform. You don't need to have the perfect words. I'll guide the process with structure, insight, and support that meets you where you are and fits how your mind actually works.
The right support doesn’t just help you cope. It helps you change.
This is therapy for when you’re tired of looping, overthinking, or second-guessing - and ready for expert support that actually fits your brain.
ONGOING SESSIONS
90€
Tailored support for building long-term change. Real tools, not vague advice. Structured support that respects how your mind works - never one-size-fits-all.
FIRST SESSION
65€
A low-pressure start. We get clear on where you’re stuck, what’s getting in the way, and how you’d like to feel instead.
4-SESSION THERAPY PACK
280€
If you’re ready to work through a pattern that’s been keeping you stuck, this gives us space to go deeper. Includes carefully selected resources chosen to support your specific goals and challenges.
You don’t have to be sure yet.
Just curious enough to book a free consult and see if this feels like the right support for you.
What therapy clients say about working with me
“My life has changed because of our sessions.”
- Brian*
There is no doubt in my mind that sessions with Catherine have changed my life in the long-term and for the better. I feel more comfortable in my daily life, and I feel prepared to face whatever challenge there may be. I’m grateful that Catherine has equipped me with the tools to feel confident and sure of my ability to face future problems.
Catherine listens, validates, and challenges you to bring out better thought patterns and an overall better outlook on life. My life has changed because of our sessions and I am so grateful.
"Enormous lightbulb moments I’d have struggled to arrive at without her."
- Chris*
My experience with Catherine was not only very cathartic and eye opening, but it was also heavily focused on solutions to help deal with my own mental health issues. Catherine helped guide me to some enormous lightbulb moments throughout our sessions that I would have struggled to arrive at without her.
I highly recommend sessions with Catherine, and I recommend being as open and honest as possible with her to really make the most of the sessions.
"It feels like a magic power"
- Emma*
I’ve been using the new technique and honestly it feels like a magic power! I'm feeling much better these days and better equipped to take on life.
I'm Catherine Richardson (she/her), a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience supporting anxious, analytical adults who feel overwhelmed, shut down, or stuck in mental loops they can’t logic their way out of.
Originally from the UK, I’ve lived in Madrid for nearly ten years - and I understand the unique emotional and practical challenges that can come with living abroad.
My therapy is designed for people who think deeply, feel intensely, and are tired of surface-level advice. Whether you’re masking your way through the day or burning out from trying to be “fine” all the time - I help you stop spiralling and start reconnecting with what actually matters.
I work from a foundation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), values-based support, and evidence-based psychological approaches. This isn’t generic self-help. It’s structured, strategy-led therapy that creates space for clarity, direction, and lasting change.
I’ve helped programmers, creatives, educators, diplomats, and quietly high-performing adults make real change - even when they’ve felt stuck for years. I work from a neurodivergence-affirming, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and kink-positive perspective - because safe, effective therapy starts with being seen for who you actually are.
I also teach this work to other professionals, having presented at the TAGGS conference on using fandom and narrative metaphors to help clients connect with their values. I completed advanced training through the World Health Organization in Mental Health Law and Human Rights, and bring that depth of care and ethical grounding to every session.
You don’t need to be a geek to work with me. But if metaphors from character arcs, D&D, or narrative systems make things click for your brain - we’ll use them. And if you’d rather keep things straightforward and focused? That works too.
Credentials & Recognition
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Licensed Psychologist – Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos de Madrid
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MSc in General Health Psychology
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BSc in Psychology
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World Health Organization Diploma in Mental Health Law & Human Rights
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Instructor with Mental Health First Aid England
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Speaker at TAGGS conference 2025 – “Fandom & Values in Coaching & Therapy”
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LGBTQIA+ affirming
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ND-affirming
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Kink-positive
This is what therapy looks like when it finally fits - bringing the depth you’ve needed, and the steady change that surface-level tools couldn’t reach. It’s for when you’re ready to break the patterns holding you back, and start living the life that finally feels like yours.
And here’s how that support can feel.
“Only during my sessions with Catherine did I realise I was in a cult.”
- Jess*
Thanks to my therapy sessions with Catherine and the useful resources she shared with me, I was able to make progress in realising what my values are and breaking free from a toxic environment. I had worked with various therapists in the past but only during my sessions with Catherine I was able to come to the realisation that I was in a cult which went against my personal values and was destroying my self esteem.
My mental health has improved a lot - while the therapy did not fix all my problems, it definitely helped me to make a lot of progress. I would certainly recommend therapy with Catherine.
“I’ve been able to leave behind toxic relationships without holding grudges.”
- Clara*
Her sessions have helped me to be more assertive and organised whenever I face a challenge (especially in terms of relationships). I truly value all the tools she has provided me with to overcome the most pressing issues.
My perspective has changed when it comes to relationships. I can convey my own priorities better to my partner and choose to continue (or not) accordingly. I have been able to leave behind some toxic, long-lasting relationships without holding grudges.
“She helped me see my thoughts as just thoughts.”
- Lee*
I really appreciate her active listening skills and continuous validation of my experiences and struggles. She guided me to self-acceptance with ease and held space to process difficulties. The exercises she chose for me helped me reframe thoughts into just that, thoughts.
Her guidance and our sessions together equipped me with skills to stay mindful and be able to handle overwhelming situations. Now life seems more manageable and unexpected situations or recurring limiting beliefs I have aren't so daunting anymore.
"While it is always best to believe in oneself, a little help from others can be a great blessing." - Uncle Iroh, Avatar The Last Airbender
Why work with me?
FAQs
“Are you licensed to practise in Spain?”
Yes. I’m fully licensed by the Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos de Madrid and legally recognised to practise therapy in Spain.
That means you’re not just getting someone who speaks your language - you’re getting psychological support that meets the country’s official clinical standards.
No workarounds. No vague titles. Just real therapy, from someone who understands both your culture and your mind.
“What if I’ve tried other things and nothing really helped?”
You’re not alone in that. Many of my clients come to me after therapy, coaching, or self-help that didn’t quite click. That doesn’t mean you’re the problem – it means the approach wasn’t right for you.
What I offer is different: this isn’t one-size-fits-all advice. It’s structured therapy grounded in proven approaches and shaped to how your mind works. We focus on momentum, understanding, and meaningful change - not generic advice.
“Do you take insurance?”
I work as a private-pay practice and don’t bill insurance directly. This gives me the freedom to offer the best possible therapy without the restrictions or limitations set by insurance providers.
That said, I’m happy to issue invoices if your provider offers reimbursement. Just let me know in advance, as you'd be the one coordinating with your insurer.
“Do I have to commit to four sessions?”
Not at all. I offer a discounted first session so you can get a feel for the work and see if it’s the right fit. If it clicks, most people continue with a 4-session package, designed to be used within two months. This gives us space to go deeper and make real progress without dragging things out. One-off sessions are also available, just slightly higher in rate.
“What if I’ve never done anything like this before?”
You don’t need experience - just curiosity and willingness. Many of my clients are new to therapy or any kind of support. I’ll guide the process with structure, warmth, and zero judgment. No prep. No pressure. Just space to explore what's going on.
“What platform do we use?”
I typically use Zoom, but I’m flexible. If WhatsApp video feels easier, we’ll use that. Some clients even prefer to type instead of speak. You’re free to communicate in the way that feels safest and clearest for you.
“What if I’m nervous to start?”
That’s completely normal. Most of my clients are. You don’t need to feel ready - you just need to show up. I’ll meet you with calm, structure, and respect. No judgment. No performance. Just thoughtful, expert therapy that meets you where you are - and helps you move toward where you want to be.
"How do I pay?"
Sessions are paid in advance by bank transfer, Bizum, or PayPal - whichever is most convenient. I’ll provide clear, step-by-step instructions. No hidden fees. No complicated setup. Just a smooth, professional process.
“Will it work online?”
Yes - and for many people, it actually works better. I’ve supported hundreds of clients online for years, and the connection is just as strong. All you need is a private, quiet space. I’ll meet you there.
“Do I need to be geeky to work with you?”
Not at all. Some clients love using metaphors from games, fandoms, or character arcs to make sense of their experiences - but others just want clear, grounded therapy. Either way, I adapt to you. The goal is resonance, not roleplay.
PERSONALISED THERAPY
Every session is tailored to you. I draw on over a decade of experience to adapt to your needs and help you move toward the life you genuinely want - on your terms, at your pace.
UNIQUE PATH, YOUR WAY
Whether you make sense of the world through fandoms or prefer a clean, practical approach - you’ll be met with curiosity, respect, and zero judgment. We’ll use what works for your brain.
100% SECURE PAYMENT
Payments are fast, secure, and flexible. I accept bank transfer, Bizum, and PayPal - so you can choose whatever's easiest for you.
DIRECT CONTACT WITH ME
Have a question or concern? You’ll always speak directly to me - never a chatbot or assistant. I’m here, personally, to support you at every step.
Ready to get started?
You’ve read this far for a reason.
If something here resonated - if you’re tired of looping, second-guessing, or trying to figure it all out alone - let’s talk.
This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a real conversation to find out whether this is the right fit for you. No pressure. Just 20 minutes - and a chance to finally feel what it’s like to be understood by someone who gets how your mind works.
Prefer to get to know me first? Follow on Instagram for upcoming workshops, tools, and thoughtful insights.