Hi, I’m YaËlle
How do I work ?
I am a therapist in Barcelona specializing in trauma therapy, offering sessions tailored to meet your unique needs. I studied and certified in Sexology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Wingwave (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Psychedelic- Assisted Therapy (more info here) and Emotional Kinesiology. I offer individual and couples therapy.
My expertise lies in helping those who have experienced childhood abuse and trauma. I also support expats and the LGBTQ+ community, providing a safe and understanding environment. Additionally, I also love to work on issues related to different cultures, religions, and the stigma surrounding mental health.
Having lived, studied, and worked in various countries is one of my hardest yet most profound experiences. My life has been a journey through different cultural and religious landscapes, giving me unique insights into navigating and resolving conflicts. I combine this real-world experience with my professional training to offer a compassionate and practical approach to therapy.
My experiences shaped the way I nowadays consider therapy. My approach to therapy focuses on identifying and understanding your patterns and traumas, exploring how they were generated, and addressing their impact on your present life.
One more thing to know, and an important one… I see therapy as a collaborative process where you are actively engaged. My role is to provide you with tools and guidance, but the work and growth come from your efforts. I aim to empower you to manage difficulties and foster personal growth, supporting you on your journey to achieving your goals.
My studies and training
Originally from France, I earned a double Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Business from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. My studies focused on neuropsychology and biopsychology, and I had the opportunity early on to work with Holocaust survivors. This experience exposed me to deep trauma and PTSD, and also led me to volunteer with individuals living with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
I then pursued a Master’s in Psychology at Université Laval in Canada, where I began a Doctorate in Research and Clinical Psychology. My research explored callous-unemotional traits in children and their relation to rejection and victimization at school. After a year, I decided to leave Canada to create the MISTAG project and moved to Barcelona. Here, I completed three Master’s degrees: Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Sexology & Couples Therapy at Instituto Superior de Estudios Psicológicos (ISEP). Seeking to enhance my approach with the subconscious mind, I became a certified WingWave coach, I certified in Emotional Kinesiology and did some trainings in Family Constellations.
As I’m passionate about everything related to trauma, I kept training.. So since 2024 I am officially IFS-informed and in 2025 I certified with IPI in Psychedelic-assisted Therapy and I coach for preparation and integration of therapeutic psychedelic journeys.
This diverse educational and professional journey has deepened my understanding of how cultural differences and stigma impact therapy. I’ve had the privilege of meeting and working with people from all over the world and I love it. It keeps me aware of my own biaises and keeps me motivated to always learn more about my patients’ personal experience with life’s challenges.
Today, I work with clients globally, continually striving to understand both their personal experiences and the cultural contexts of their diagnoses. This holistic approach enables me to focus on providing the most adaptive and effective treatment possible for each specific patient.
MISTAG
BREAK MENTAL ILLNESS STIGMA
“We need to change the view we nowadays have on mental illnesses and on anyone experiencing it. Only then we will be able to change the way therapy is seen and done.”
Yaelle Halberstam
With MISTAG, I had a dream to travel and interview people from all around the world to share their experiences with mental illness. I did it and still I wish I’ll be able to do so much more in time.. I invite you to dive in and discover some amazing human beings.
Some have recovered, some have not, but all are committed to breaking the silence and stigma surrounding mental illness. Our interviews show that mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of nationality, religion, skin colour, gender, or socioeconomic status.
I believe breaking the stigma means reaching both those who are familiar and those who are unfamiliar with living through mental illness.
Each person interviewed in MISTAG brings a unique message and experience, often speaking different languages (with all interviews subtitled in English). The questions go beyond the illness itself, delving into who they are and what they enjoy. Too often, discussions about mental health overlook the whole person.
The name MISTAG reflects this mission: derived from “stigma,” it highlights how mental health diagnoses often result in labeling (being “mistagged”) and overlooks the beautiful complexity of each individual’s personality.
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