Talking Therapy Place

Talking Therapy Place is a group practice of clinical psychologists and therapists in Attard, a town in the middle of Malta, close to Mdina and the capital. Its founders, Dr Emma Micallef-Konewko and Dr Kristina Bettenzana, are clinical psychologists who worked for a number of years in England, across various sectors of the NHS, before coming home to practise in Malta. For British readers, that background means the vocabulary and way of working will feel familiar.

The practice is listed in our directory of psychologists in Malta. Its motto is Talk, Connect, Grow, and its aim is to make therapy feel like an investment in your overall wellbeing, delivered in a setting where clients feel at home.

How the practice works

The team's approach is to tailor therapy to the person rather than expecting the person to fit a standard programme. Its therapists are non-judgmental and easy to talk to, and sessions take place in custom-designed therapy rooms that aim to feel comfortable and professional rather than clinical. The photographs on this page show the rooms and the entrance.

Specialist skills across the team include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT, a structured talking therapy that looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour), narrative therapy, gestalt psychotherapy and behavioural therapy. The practice particularly focuses on anxiety and depression, and its psychologists work to international standards of practice. Booking begins with an online request, which suits busy people and those arranging an appointment from abroad.

Therapy for individuals, couples and families

Therapy is available to children, young people, adults and families. You can book individual sessions, sessions for couples, and group sessions that the therapists facilitate. This breadth makes the practice a useful single point of contact for a household, for example where a parent wants support alongside help for a teenager.

If you have recently arrived on the island, perhaps after reading our guide to relocating to Malta from the UK, a local therapist can be a steady point of support during the adjustment. Anyone considering working remotely from Malta may also welcome a regular appointment as a way of keeping routine and support in place.

Autism and ADHD assessments

The practice carries out diagnostic assessments for autism and for ADHD, including attention deficit disorder, as well as learning difficulties and learning disabilities. Its psychologists are trained to assess these conditions in children, young people and adults. Autism and ADHD are distinct neurodevelopmental conditions, although they share some similar features, and anxiety and low mood can occur alongside them.

An assessment is a professional psychological process rather than a quick check, so ask about what it involves when you enquire. A page like this cannot judge whether an assessment is right for you or your child, and nothing here is medical advice.

Wellbeing support for businesses

Under the name Talking Wellbeing Place, the practice supports employers with onsite consultations, employee support and management training. It also runs workshops for professionals who work in psychology and mental health. Organisations of any size can approach it.

This is relevant to companies drawn to the island by its financial services sector or its iGaming industry, where teams may include staff who have relocated from the UK and elsewhere. Employers can raise their needs, such as staff training or support at work, through the enquiry form, and we will pass them on.

Finding the practice

The practice is on the ground floor of Garden Residence in Attard, with an entrance from the street. Attard sits between Mdina and Rabat and the capital, so it is easy to combine an appointment with a day in Valletta or a wander round the old capital. Our list of things to do in Malta has plenty of ideas, and the Malta weather guide helps with timing a longer stay.

To get in touch, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page, tell us whether you want therapy, an assessment or a workplace service, and we will pass your message to Talking Therapy Place.