Norwegian-Speaking Psychologist in Madrid, Spain | Therapy in Norwegian, Swedish & English
- Malin Veland
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
Looking for a Norwegian-speaking psychologist in Madrid?
Living abroad can be exciting, but it can also bring unexpected emotional challenges. Whether you've recently moved to Spain or have been living abroad for years, you may find yourself struggling with anxiety, loneliness, homesickness, stress, relationship difficulties, or simply feeling like you've lost your sense of home.
As a licensed Norwegian psychologist based in Madrid, I offer therapy in Norwegian, Swedish, and English, both online and in person in Madrid.
Therapy in Your Native Language
Many Scandinavians living abroad speak English every day.
But when it comes to therapy, many people find that discussing emotions, difficult memories, or family relationships feels more natural in their first language.
Research has shown that language influences how we access emotions, autobiographical memories, and identity. Being able to speak in your native language can make it easier to express complex feelings without having to translate them first.
That is why I offer therapy in:
🇳🇴 Norwegian
🇸🇪 Swedish
🇬🇧 English
Whether Norwegian is your first language or you simply feel more comfortable speaking Swedish or English, therapy should feel like a place where you can express yourself freely.
A Psychologist Who Understands Life Abroad
Moving abroad is much more than changing countries.
It often means adapting to:
a new culture
a different language
new social norms
distance from family
rebuilding friendships
changes in identity
uncertainty about the future
These challenges can affect your mental health even when everything appears to be going well on the outside.
Having lived abroad myself for many years, I understand many of these experiences firsthand. Alongside my professional training, this allows me to appreciate how relocation can influence emotional well-being, relationships, and the sense of belonging.
The Value of Shared Cultural Understanding
Language is only one part of feeling understood.
For many Norwegians and other Scandinavians living abroad, it can also feel reassuring to speak with a psychologist who understands the cultural norms, values, and expectations you grew up with.
Culture shapes how we view emotions, relationships, independence, work, family, and even what we consider "normal." These influences are often so familiar that we don't notice them until we move to a different country.
Working with a therapist who understands both Scandinavian culture and the psychological challenges of living abroad can make it easier to explore experiences that might otherwise require a great deal of explanation. Whether you're navigating homesickness, identity changes, family expectations, or simply feeling caught between two cultures, having that shared cultural context can help create a stronger sense of being understood.
Of course, effective therapy does not require a therapist to share your cultural background. A strong therapeutic relationship can be built across cultures. However, for many people, being able to speak with someone who already understands important aspects of Scandinavian culture can make conversations feel more natural and reduce the need to explain the context behind your experiences.
Common Reasons Scandinavians Seek Therapy Abroad
Many of my clients contact me because they are experiencing:
Anxiety after moving abroad
Homesickness
Loneliness
Difficulty adjusting to a new country
Perfectionism and self-criticism
Stress and burnout
Relationship difficulties
Identity changes
Low self-esteem
Feeling disconnected from themselves
Grief and life transitions
Sometimes people wonder whether something is "wrong" with them.
Often, their emotional reactions make much more sense when we understand everything they have been navigating.
My Therapeutic Approach
I work from an evidence-based perspective, primarily using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), while integrating approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) when appropriate.
Rather than focusing only on symptoms, I aim to understand the broader context of your life.
Together we explore:
what keeps your difficulties going
practical strategies to create meaningful change
how your environment influences your well-being
ways of responding differently to difficult thoughts and emotions
Therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your individual needs.
Therapy in Madrid or Online
I offer:
Online therapy in Spain and internationally
In-person sessions in Madrid
Individual therapy for adults
Many of my clients live in Spain, while others are based elsewhere in Europe or around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have therapy in Norwegian while living in Spain?
Yes. I offer therapy in Norwegian both online and in person in Madrid.
Do you also offer therapy in Swedish?
Yes. I also provide therapy in Swedish for clients who prefer communicating in Swedish.
Is online therapy effective?
Research has consistently shown that online cognitive behavioural therapy can be as effective as face-to-face therapy for many common mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression, when delivered appropriately.
Do I have to be living in Spain?
No. Online therapy allows me to work with Norwegian-, Swedish-, and English-speaking clients living in many different countries, depending on local regulations.
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About Me
Hi, I'm Malin Veland, a licensed psychologist based in Madrid, Spain.
I specialize in supporting women living abroad who are struggling with anxiety, loneliness, perfectionism, identity changes, and the emotional challenges that can come with building a life in a new country.
Having lived abroad myself for many years, I understand that relocating can affect much more than your address—it can influence your relationships, confidence, sense of belonging, and overall well-being. My work is grounded in evidence-based psychology and always considers the context of your experiences, not just the symptoms.
I offer therapy in Norwegian, Swedish, and English, both online and in person in Madrid.
If you're looking for support while living abroad, you're welcome to book a free 15-minute introductory call to see whether we're a good fit.
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