Frequently asked questions
A few practical clarifications. If something isn’t answered here, you can ask.
Who is behind Therapy in Brief?
Hi, I'm Miguel. Pleased to meet you. You can read more about my background and approach here:
Is this therapy or psychological support?
It can be both. The work is offered as online psychological support and psychotherapy, depending on your situation and what makes sense clinically.
Do I need to know what I want to work on?
No. Many people arrive unsure, conflicted, or hesitant. Not knowing is a common starting point.
What does “brief” actually mean?
“Brief” refers to working with intention and boundaries, not to rushing or limiting depth.
Some people work for a short period around a specific situation. Others stay longer. The pace and length are decided together, not in advance.
Is this focused on trauma?
The work is not organized around prolonged trauma processing as a default. Attention is given to context, patterns, and how life is currently structured.
If past experiences matter for understanding the present, they can be explored. They are not treated as something that must always be revisited in depth.
What if substance use is part of what I want to talk about?
That can be part of the work. The focus is on understanding what role it plays, what it costs, and what kinds of changes are actually helpful.
There is no requirement to label it or to commit to a specific outcome in advance.
Do you work with people in different countries?
Yes. The work is offered online and often includes people living abroad or between cultures.
I work within the limits of applicable regulations. If you are unsure whether this is appropriate for your situation, we can clarify that before starting.
Do you work with anxiety, depression, or relationship issues?
Short anwer: Yes. Anxiety, low mood, and relationship difficulties are common reasons people seek support. Longer answe: In my view, these experiences are understood within context, rather than as isolated problems inside the individual. I don't feel particularly inclined to use diagnostic labels since, in my experience, it's best to know from the client specifically how their lives are affected.
I work within the limits of applicable regulations. If you are unsure whether this is appropriate for your situation, we can clarify that before starting.
Do you work with problem X or Y?
Short answer: Yes. Since my work is focused on the patient/client I think it's more important to establish in what way I can help you in a short assessment call. In my experience, there are very few cases that I feel I should probably leave for someone else. In any case, due to my work ethic I do my best to determine if that is the case as soon as possible.
Is this a crisis or emergency service?
No.
This is non urgent psychological support. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, contact local emergency services or a crisis line in your area.
How do I get started?
You can use the contact page to ask a question or request a consultation. There is no obligation to continue beyond that.