Karen Smyth

I’m a Gestalt therapist and Mind–Body Skills Group facilitator with over 30 years of experience in psychology. I hold both a degree and a PhD in Psychology from Trinity College Dublin (B.A. 1989–1993; Ph.D. 1997–2002). I completed my Gestalt therapy training at Escola de l’Ésser in Barcelona (2004–2009) and am a member of the Spanish Association for Gestalt Therapy (AETG). I also trained with The Center for Mind–Body Medicine (USA) and am proud to be the first certified Mind–Body Skills Group facilitator in Spain. I remain committed to ongoing professional development and to continually expanding my knowledge and practice.

KAREN SMYTH

Navigating Change Through Gestalt and Mind–Body Tools

Although I had long felt called to become a therapist, it wasn’t until my own first experience of therapy that I discovered how deeply Gestalt resonated with me. After living in Africa for two and a half years, I sought therapy to support my readjustment to life in Ireland. Later, when I moved to Barcelona during a time of profound personal change, I began my Gestalt training. This experience gave me insight and tools to navigate transitions with greater calm, authenticity, and fulfillment. Over time, it has helped me stay emotionally connected, accepting, and present through life’s ongoing changes.

During the pandemic, I was introduced to Mind–Body Skills Groups—an evidence-based approach shown to reduce stress, improve mood, enhance resilience, and help prevent chronic illness. I found these tools deeply grounding and invaluable during that challenging time. The experience was so enriching and aligned with my personal and professional values that I chose to train as a facilitator, becoming the first certified Mind–Body Skills Group facilitator in Spain.

Teaching Through a Cultural Lens

Alongside my therapeutic work, I’ve been a university lecturer for international students in Barcelona since 2004. As a cultural psychologist, I specialise in topics related to cultural transitions, culture and mental health, and wellbeing. Drawing on my Gestalt training and my experience of living across three continents, I’ve developed and taught courses on cultural adaptation that help students cultivate self-awareness, balance, and growth while adjusting to new environments.

Culturally Sensitive Gestalt Therapy and Mind–Body Programs

Drawing on over three decades of experience in psychology, I offer Gestalt therapy with a culturally sensitive approach for individuals from diverse backgrounds, in both English and Catalan. I also facilitate Mind–Body Skills Groups—some designed for people navigating cultural transitions, and others open to anyone wishing to learn tools for wellbeing. In addition, I lead half-day and full-day self-care retreats in both Catalonia and Ireland.

My approach is rooted in presence, compassion, and curiosity—supporting others to reconnect with themselves and to navigate life’s challenges with greater awareness, authenticity, and care.

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