Barcelona is a seductive city, and many people come here with high expectations. We speak with Dimitra Doumpioti of the Hestía International Centre for Psychotherapy about what happens when one’s social integration, professional satisfaction, and other issues raised by living abroad start to sprout beyond the initial impact of the good climate and stimulating cultural scene.

Are there any patterns you’ve noticed that are typical of foreigners who have moved here?
A lot of people come out here for a few years, and it can be a real learning experience. There may come a point when one finds that it’s harder to be part of Barcelona than it is to enjoy it. Aside from the language, family connections are very important here, and non language based integration issues arise. People may be very attracted to the city to start with, but later on realise they haven’t achieved the personal, professional satisfaction or cultural integration they’d hoped for. At that point, one needs to decide what their priorities are and where they’re prepared to compromise, in order to make a strong decision either way.

Most people have difficult moments at some time in their life, but at what point does one generally go to a psychologist?
Usually when either physical or psychological symptoms arise or relationship difficulties appear. It’s good to react before a crisis though, when you start noticing you’re not happy with the way things are in your life, or certain difficulties crop up again and again.

Hestia offers psychotherapy in most European languages, do you think it’s important to speak in your native language?
Well, language is fundamental for psychotherapy, so you have to feel comfortable with the language as it touches emotions. But if your Spanish or Catalan is good enough, it can be therapeutic in itself to work through issues in the languages of the “hosting” country.

For more info contact Hestia, Tel 93 459 2802 www.hestia.es