María José Rosales
English-Speaking Psychologist | In-Person EMDR Therapy in Costa Rica
María José Rosales provides psychotherapy and EMDR therapy in English and Spanish for adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, depression, emotional regulation difficulties, distressing experiences and major life transitions.
In-person appointments are available in San José, Curridabat and Cartago, offering English-speaking clients the option to receive face-to-face psychological care and EMDR therapy in Costa Rica. Online psychotherapy is also available.
License 12988
In-Person & Online
A distinctive option in Costa Rica
In-Person EMDR Therapy in English
Finding psychological care in English can already be challenging. Finding a psychologist who can also provide EMDR therapy face-to-face in English can be even more difficult.
María José offers English-speaking adolescents and adults the possibility of receiving EMDR therapy in person at Clínica Casa Bienestar locations in San José, Curridabat and Cartago.
EMDR is not automatically used with every client. Its inclusion depends on the clinical formulation, the person's needs, treatment goals, readiness and the stage of the therapeutic process.
Therapy fully available in English.
In-person EMDR appointments available.
San José, Curridabat and Cartago.
Online psychotherapy is also available.
Professional Profile
English-speaking clinical psychologist for adolescents and adults
María José Rosales is part of the clinical team at Clínica Casa Bienestar. She provides psychological care for adolescents and adults and offers sessions in both English and Spanish.
Her clinical work includes anxiety, panic attacks, depression, emotional regulation, self-esteem concerns, relationship difficulties and significant life transitions.
Her approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), EMDR and mindfulness. The therapeutic approach is adapted to the clinical needs, goals and characteristics of each client rather than applying the same technique to every person.
Psychological Support
Therapy that combines understanding, structure and practical tools
Emotional distress often involves more than one symptom. Anxiety may coexist with exhaustion, self-criticism, relationship difficulties, sadness, avoidance or memories that continue to trigger emotional reactions.
Therapy can help identify what is maintaining the problem, develop emotional and behavioral resources and create more flexible ways of responding to difficult situations.
When distress is connected to experiences or memories that continue to affect the present, EMDR may be considered as part of treatment when clinically appropriate.
Common Reasons for Therapy
Psychological therapy in English for adolescents and adults
Anxiety and panic attacks
Anxiety may involve constant worry, physical tension, overthinking, anticipatory fear or avoidance.
- Excessive worry or overthinking.
- Panic attacks or fear of another episode.
- Avoidance of situations, places or decisions.
- Physical tension and mental exhaustion.
Distressing experiences and memories
Some experiences continue to generate strong emotional or physical reactions long after the event has ended.
- Disturbing or emotionally charged memories.
- Strong emotional reactions linked to past experiences.
- Avoidance or persistent sense of threat.
- Difficulty feeling emotionally settled.
Depression and low mood
Depression may involve reduced motivation, sadness, disconnection, guilt or difficulty maintaining routines.
- Loss of motivation or interest.
- Persistent sadness or irritability.
- Hopelessness or self-criticism.
- Difficulty maintaining daily activities.
Emotional regulation and life transitions
Therapy may also be helpful when someone feels emotionally overwhelmed or is navigating significant personal, academic, relational or professional changes.
- Difficulty managing intense emotions.
- Self-esteem and confidence concerns.
- Breakups or major transitions.
- Need for greater clarity and direction.
Therapeutic Approach
Therapy tailored to the person, not just the diagnosis
María José integrates evidence-based approaches while adapting the treatment plan to each client's goals, history and clinical needs.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Helps identify patterns involving thoughts, emotions and behaviors and develop more effective responses.
EMDR
May be incorporated when distressing experiences or memories continue to affect the present and EMDR is clinically appropriate.
REBT & Mindfulness
Additional strategies may support emotional awareness, cognitive flexibility and regulation.
Bilingual Psychological Care
Therapy can be conducted fully in English or Spanish, according to the client's preference.
Training & Clinical Practice
Clinical approaches and areas of practice
Training & Approaches
- Professional psychology license 12988 in Costa Rica.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT).
- Training in EMDR.
- Mindfulness as a complementary clinical resource.
- Psychotherapy available in English and Spanish.
Clinical Practice
- Psychotherapy for adolescents and adults.
- Anxiety and panic attacks.
- Depression and low mood.
- Emotional regulation and self-esteem.
- EMDR when clinically indicated.
- In-person and online therapy in English and Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions
EMDR therapy and psychological care in English
Can I receive EMDR therapy in English in Costa Rica?
Is in-person EMDR available in English?
Do I need to speak Spanish to attend therapy?
Is online therapy available in English?
Is EMDR used in every therapy session?
Who does María José work with?
Related Services
Explore related psychological services
Next Step
Looking for in-person EMDR therapy in English in Costa Rica?
María José Rosales provides psychological care in English and Spanish for adolescents and adults. In-person appointments are available in San José, Curridabat and Cartago, with online therapy also available.
