(I posted a separate thread about this but I wanted to post it here too in case any one needs a good therapist). She is amazing!!!
I wanted to post a testimonial for one of the best healthcare professionals I’ve ever encountered anywhere in the world. I will preface this and say, I hold permanent residences in different countries and live in different parts of the world throughout the year, so I’ve visited healthcare providers in many different countries. My experience dealing with her has been amazing.
A few years ago, I got diagnosed with a rare medical condition. The pain is extremely strong, and the pain has gotten progressively worse over time. I’ve been to some of the best doctors and clinics around the world and there is nothing they can do. I’ve had expensive medical procedures like stem cells and other procedures that haven’t helped at all.
The pain got so severe earlier this year, that I started looking for therapists to help me deal with the pain. I have the best medical coverage in the USA, but it was very difficult to find someone to help me. And when I did, they didn’t accept ANY insurance at all. It was strictly cash pay situation. After COVID, many were very busy and were backed up and not accepting new patients. And the ones that were taking new patients were cash only and some were $300+ US per hour.
Those prices just seemed crazy to me. I have never talked to a therapist before in my life and at those prices, I figured I would never talk to one. Many friends that have chronic pain issues advised me to talk to someone. I kept researching options when I found an old post by SteveinBA’s post talking about a psychotherapist he met walking his dog one day in Buenos Aires.
He posted about
Susana Olañeta from -
https://bacounseling.com.ar
I read her website and I was really impressed with her approach on things and her specialization with ex-pats. I’ve been an ex-pat in one form or another for the past 25 years as I have set up companies in many different countries. I noticed that she studied and lived in London before and that impressed me. At the very least, she would relate being an ex-pat herself.
We scheduled an initial consultation, and she was wonderful. Although I was in the USA, she accommodated a time that worked for me. When I decided that I wanted to work with her, she made it easy to pay her. I just sent in a Western Union and I would pay for 4 sessions at a time (she only charges $25 US dollars per session). We do the sessions via Skype video. I have also met her in my house in Buenos Aires and it was great to have met her in person.
I have never spoken about personal medical issues on a public forum before so this is a first for me. But I have gotten such a tremendous benefit from Susana, I feel like it’s not fair to “gate keep” her anymore. I don’t know her availability so you can contact her via her website, but I CAN tell you that she is worth every penny, and I find she charges a fee that is tremendously affordable for any ex-pat or even any local. $25 US dollars is 10 X less than the therapists in the USA wanted and I’m sure they wouldn’t be a fraction as good. In fact, I have referred personal friends from the USA that have used other more expensive therapists and I recommended Susana, and they confided in me that she is the best they ever talked to and continue to see her.
At my worst of my pain, I was doing 2 sessions each week with Susana, but I’ve been doing weekly sessions now for the past 2 months and that has been great. We always have a lot to catch up on when we speak.
Over the past 7 months, she has not only helped me with dealing with my extreme pain, but she has also made my relationship stronger with my wife and kids and I feel like I’m a better person too. She non-judgmental and asks great questions.
With the pain, I was doubtful with many things in my life but her working approach has given me the confidence and validation that I needed. I would highly recommend her for anyone looking for a good therapist and her value far exceeds the price she charges. I can’t say enough good things about her.
PS - A HUGE thanks to SteveBsAs! I never took the time to thank you but it just goes to show you the power of information and sharing knowledge with one another on a public forum. Steve, you might have helped save my life. Susan is a blessing. I'm kicking myself that I didn't try going to a therapist earlier in life. All my employees when I lived in Buenos Aires went to therapists and I thought it was strange. But now after having gone to Susan I think everyone should be going to one. And at $25 US per session there is NO excuse not to.
