In this interview, we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Encina, LIT Community member and location independent licensed psychologist.
Gabriela has been a member of the LIT Community since we first opened the doors in February 2020. Here, she talks with LIT co-founder Sonia Jaeger about:
- how she started working as a location independent therapist in 2018,
- her tips for colleagues who aspire to start working online,
- and how the LIT Community has helped her over the years.
Introducing Gabriela Encina – Licensed Psychologist who helps expats and internationals
Originally from Chile, Gabriela Encina is a licensed psychologist and expat coach who has been working online since 2018. After spending some time in Austria, Gabriela now calls Valencia, Spain, home. She qualified as a psychologist over 20 years ago and offers online therapy in English, German, and Spanish.
Who does Gabriela work with?
Gabriela specialises with internationals living abroad, planning a move, or returning from living abroad – anyone who is transitioning into a new (or old) country. Gabriela works with men, women, and couples and also offers workshops to companies that have an international workforce.
Having lived an international life herself, Gabriela understands the particular challenges that come with living abroad. Her clients don’t need to explain what it’s like to move from culture to culture, language to language, place to place, as she can relate to their experiences.
Most of Gabriela’s clients come to her for support with the challenges of expat life. That can include loneliness, guilt for leaving relatives behind, and social anxiety in a new culture or language. Gabriela supports her clients to discover and use their inner strengths and find happiness wherever they are in the world.
Gabriela’s tips for (aspiring) location independent therapists
Getting started as a location independent therapist can be a bumpy road, as Gabriela experienced. She found there are lots of fears and worries you need to overcome:
- Is it legal?
- Am I capable?
- Is it even possible?
But here’s what Gabriela has to say to those fears:
“Absolutely, it is possible and you CAN do this – so just do it! You’ll figure it out. Having a location independent business is amazing, as it allows you to experience things personally and professionally that you wouldn’t be able to if you don’t try.”
How has the LIT Community helped Gabriela Encina?
When Gabriela first joined the LIT Community in 2020, having access to online case supervision sessions was a lifeline for her. Our case supervision take place regularly and continue to be some of our most popular events!
But even now that the world has opened up again, the LIT Community is still an incredible resource for Gabriela. She’s found that no question is ever too silly or basic, whether it’s related to business, clients, or the lifestyle:
“It’s such a relief to know that we’re all kind of in the same boat and there is always someone who understands your lifestyle and can give you an answer or refer you to someone who has the answer, from marketing to clinical or online work.”
Connect with Gabriela Encina:
You can get in touch with Gabriela Encina and find out how you can work with her via the links below:
- Gabriela’s website
- Gabriela’s LIT Directory profile
- On Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook
Are you looking for more support on your journey as an online therapist?
If you’re looking for more support as you start or grow your location independent practice, the LIT Community could be for you. We support you with the business, lifestyle, and therapy aspects of being a location independent therapist, whether you’re just getting started or you’re ready to scale your business. You can access our online events, discussion board, network of like-minded therapists, and resources for every stage of the journey.
Find out more here and sign up for our waitlist to hear all the latest. You’ll be the first to know when we next open the doors!
And if you’d like a behind-the-scenes peek into the LIT Community, start your 1-week free trial today to see if it’s the right fit for you.
