The global scientific community has long highlighted the high levels of stress researchers face. In response, we offer WellBIST: a comprehensive psychological support programme designed to provide positive communication spaces, resources for navigating complex situations, conflict resolution tools, and strategies for fostering a supportive and healthy work environment. Our goal is to enhance well-being and occupational health across the research community.
WellBIST equips researchers and supporting staff within the BIST community with practical training and tools to support their professional growth while maintaining mental health. Additionally, it promotes a culture of collaboration and support where individuals can flourish.
Programme Objectives:
- Encourage healthy habits
- Enhance workplace well-being
- Improve personal and professional communication
- Share best practices within the research community
- Develop strategies for achieving physical, mental, and emotional balance
- Provide support in managing stress and emotional challenges
The WellBIST programme offers a range of activities to foster a more supportive and resilient research environment at both the individual and community levels.
Individual Sessions
Enhance your emotional well-being with personalized one-on-one sessions. You can book appointments directly with a psychotherapist (see the section below). Sessions are 50 minutes long, with a maximum of 5 sessions per person per year, at a rate of €50 per session. For information on discounted rates, please contact your centre’s representative listed in the WellBIST Team tab.
Workshops and seminars
Participate in interactive sessions throughout the year on topics relevant to the research community’s emerging needs. Stay informed about upcoming workshops and let your HR department know if you have suggestions for future topics. Visit BIST couses website for more information.
Please note: if your situation falls beyond the scope of this programme, our therapists may provide a referral to a specialized professional. For cases involving existing psychological conditions or workplace harassment, you will be referred to your centre’s internal resources and protocols.
The WellBIST programme has been thoughtfully developed by BIST in collaboration with the HR departments of the seven BIST research centres. Their deep understanding of researchers’ needs ensures the programme remains relevant and effective.
Each research centre has a designated WellBIST representative responsible for supporting the programme’s implementation. If you have questions, require assistance, or would like to suggest topics for workshops, your centre’s representative is here to help.
Centre |
Contact |
| BIST | Laia Bahima |
| CRG | Montserrat Ruano |
| IBEC | Carolina Marí Katherine Palomino |
| ICFO | Mery Gil |
| ICN2 | Ana Belén Ávalos |
| ICIQ | Xavier Blanch |
| IFAE | Pilar Ojeda |
| IRB Barcelona | Laia Sardà |
The Psychotherapists
Our team of experienced psychotherapists is dedicated to providing support and guidance to help you navigate emotional and professional challenges. They offer a confidential and respectful space for you to explore your concerns and develop effective coping strategies.
To schedule an appointment, you can directly contact one them. Learn more about our therapists and their areas of expertise in the section below.
- Mia Torrente Tomás
- Romina Bassignani
- Damián Uroz
- Ariadna Garcia Ocaña
- Marie Trussart
- Chris Barratt
- Hanna Thaler
| Presentation
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Psychologist, coach, and mentor. More than 28 years of experience in training and development of professional skills and competences. My career allows me to guide you and offer different strategies for a more efficient management of professional environments, personal empowerment and leadership.
We define the problem, here and now, so we can focus on the solutions. Lead ourselves to later on lead the others. |
| Clinical Approach | Integrative, humanist, systemic
Social skills, self-esteem, leadership, emotional management, conflict resolution, professional purpose, self-confidence, empowerment, assertiveness, communication. |
| Session format | Presencial / Online |
| Languages | Spanish / Catalan |
| Official Education |
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| Licensing (Official College of Psychologists) | CAT-7222 |
| WhatsApp Contact | 655426991 |
| mjt@copc.cat | |
| Web | www.mjtorrente.com |
| Ciudad | Barcelona |
| Presentation | Psychologist and coach.
Private practice for more than 10 years. Systemic Therapy and Brief Therapy orientation. We focus on defining the main problem at the present moment. We are committed to promoting a change in the interaction between our most important relationships and the context that surround us. Systemic Therapy conceives and treats mental issues as the manifestation of alterations in our patterns of communication and the way we interact in our relationships. |
| Clinical Approach | Systemic. Brief therapy and problem solving. |
| Specialties | Clinical. Anxiety. Depression. Family and partner relationships. Self – esteem. Healthy habits. Management of internal and external demand. Situations of harassment and employment discrimination. |
| Session format | Face-to-face / Online |
| Languages | English / Spanish |
| Official Education |
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| Licensing (Official College of Psychologists) | CAT-20794 |
| WhatsApp Contact | 635784641 |
| Email Contact | rominabass@copc.cat |
| City | Barcelona |
| Presentation
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Clinical psychologist with more than 13 years of experience in providing psychological support. Experience working in private and public centres and providing support in the legal field.
Private consultation in Argentina and in Spain. |
| Clinical Approach | Multidisciplinary approach in the clinical orientation. |
| Specialties | Anxiety, depression, panic attacks, sleep disorders, eating disorders, psychosomatic discomfort, sexual disorders, and addictions.
Management of internal and external demand. Situations of harassment and employment discrimination. |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English / Spanish |
| Official Education |
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| Licensing (Official College of Psychologists) | AN-07282 |
| WhatsApp Contact | 685725273 |
| Email Contact | damianuroz@cop.es |
| City | Sevilla |
| Presentation
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Psychologist and Psychotherapist.
Partner in Psychology and psychiatric center Graduated in Psychology by the Universitat de Barcelona, with additional studies at the University of Geneva with postgraduate education and extensive experience in clinical and consultancy to individuals and organisations, where I have been involved in developing, leading and managing multiple projects. |
| Clinical Approach | Integrative, Cognitive-behavioral therapy, Brief therapy |
| Specialities |
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| Session format | Presencial / Online |
| Languages | Spanish /Catalan/ French/ English (medium) |
| Official Education |
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| Licensing (Official College of Psychologists) | CAT-8540 |
| WhatsApp Contact | 606977001 |
| Email Contact | agarcia@copc.cat |
| Web | www.ariadnapsicologia.com (coming soon) |
| City | Barcelona |
| Presentation | PhD, Organisational and Career Coach.
As a senior-postdoctoral researcher and a coach from the IECL, I founded Kintsugi Coaching in 2019. I am passionate about helping researchers progress in their career and enjoy providing strategies to grow and thrive among STEM professions. I conducted various Group Career Development workshops with several research organisations (BIST, PRBB, CRG, IRB, ISGlobal…) enabling researchers to develop essential skills and tools to navigate barriers surrounding career advancement. I have been formed through different programs of leadership, coaching and entrepreneurship to stimulate opportunities for successful leadership in academia. |
| Clinical Approach | Assessment of self-professional worth and factors impacting the success of academics.
Individual Coaching Sessions for researchers and Career Development workshops for group and organisations. |
| Specialties | Gain confidence and develop a growth mindset
Optimise time management by maximising goal setting skills Uncover limiting beliefs and reveal hidden strengths and aspirations |
| Session format | Face-to-face / Online |
| Languages | English/ Spanish/ French |
| Official Education | PhD degree in Biomedecine, Centre of Genomic Regulation and Pompeu Fabra University, Spain | 2015
Certificate of Organisational Coach Level 1 and Level 2, Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL), Australia | 2019 Accelerated Leadership Performance Program, Women and Leadership Australia | 2018-2019 Impactful Innovator Entrepreneurship program, Bright Arena, Australia | 2020 Human Element Program, Schutz Company, USA | 2021 |
| Web | https://kintsugicoach.org/ |
| WhatsApp Contact | 643512205 |
| Email Contact | kintsugicoach@gmail.com |
| City | Barcelona and Melbourne |
| Presentation
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I’m a psychotherapist specialised in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. I graduated with an honours degree in psychology in the UK and worked for many years there in the mental health field, helping people with a wide range of psychological issues. I completed my Masters in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in Barcelona and as a therapist I offer clients a safe, confidential and welcoming environment in which to explore and navigate through difficult times in their lives. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is an active, collaborative process and encourages clients to learn techniques which they can use during the period of therapy and take with them as tools to help in the future, promoting independence and longer term benefits. |
| Clinical Approach | Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with an interest in Mindfulness techniques. |
| Specialties | Anxiety and depression |
| Session format | Face-to-face, Online |
| Languages | English (native speaker) |
| Official Education | Degree in Psychology, Plymouth University, UK
Masters in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, ISEP, Barcelona |
| Licensing (Official College of Psychologists) | Member of British Psychological Society No. 439509 |
| WhatsApp Contact | 622 224 556 |
| Email Contact | chris@cbt-therapist-bcn.com |
| City | Barcelona |
| Presentation
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*On leave until autumn 2025*
Psychologist and psychotherapist, PhD. Trained in cognitive behavioral therapy. My experience as a researcher who has lived in different countries has shaped my work as a therapist. I see therapy as an effective, creative, emotional, and interactive process of learning. I will support you in exploring your feelings, learning new tools, and implementing changes that align with your personal values. |
| Clinical Approach | Cognitive behavioral therapy, with an interest in third-wave methods (e.g. acceptance and commitment therapy) and Gestalt therapy |
| Specialties | Anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, interpersonal skills, emotion regulation and acceptance, autism/ neurodiversity |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English / German |
| Official Education |
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| Licensing (Official College of Psychologists) | Member of German Association of Psychologists (No. 62266)
License as psychological psychotherapist by the Bavarian State, Germany |
| WhatsApp Contact | |
| psychotherapy.ht@gmail.com | |
| Web | |
| Ciudad | Barcelona |
