About

vision
Empowering Your Journey to Connection and Growth
At our practice, we are dedicated to walking alongside you as you discover your strengths, deepen your connections, and create the life you envision. We believe in the power of collaboration, guiding you to harness your awareness and transform it into forward momentum.
Therapy with us is more than just sessions; it’s a partnership in your ongoing journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. While our work together is continuous, it’s essential to understand that therapy is not crisis management. In moments of immediate need, please reach out to the support numbers provided during your intake.
Step into a space where your story matters, your voice is heard, and your potential is limitless. Let’s take the next step together.
The person behind iftaħ qalbek
Karen Quintano

Welcome to Iftaħ Qalbek
Life can be overwhelming, and relationships can feel strained, but you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. As a licensed Systemic Family Therapist, I am here to help individuals, couples, and families find clarity, connection, and resilience.
Whether you’re facing marital or relationship issues, struggling with communication, navigating parenting challenges, or adjusting to major life transitions such as welcoming a new baby, I provide a safe and supportive space to explore your concerns. I also specialize in helping families with teenagers, those coping with loss, and anyone seeking to strengthen their relationships. Together, we will work to improve communication, deepen understanding, and find practical solutions that work for you.
How I Can Support You
At the heart of my practice is collaboration. I believe that every individual, couple, and family has unique strengths, and my role is to empower you to leverage these strengths to create positive and lasting change. Through Iftaħ Qalbek, I offer personalised therapy sessions tailored to your unique needs, whether you’re seeking individual guidance, couple’s support, or family therapy.
My Journey and Expertise
With a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master’s degree in Systemic Family Psychotherapy from the Institute of Family Therapy, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to my work. My research on the parenting experiences of individuals who were sexually abused as children has shaped my understanding of trauma’s impact on family dynamics and informs my approach to therapy.
I have also pursued specialised training to expand my skills, including:
- Postgraduate certificate in Parental Alienation Studies with the Institute of Family Therapy Malta and Parental Alienation Europe
- Gottman Method Couple Therapy (Levels 1 and 2)
- Welcoming Baby Home with The Gottman Institute
- Trauma-Informed Training, including working with trauma, neglect, and moral injury
- Attachment, Neurodevelopment, & Psychopathology (ANP) with Dr. Patricia Crittenden
Currently, I am pursuing a study programme with the University of Malta to become a Parents as Partners (PasP) facilitator, equipping me to co-facilitate group sessions that strengthen relationships between parenting couples with young children. I am also enrolled in The Family Relations Institute’s “Adult Attachment Interview (DMM-AAI)” course to further refine my ability to provide tailored, evidence-based support for clients dealing with attachment and trauma-related challenges.
Beyond Therapy
Through Iftaħ Qalbek, I strive to make mental health resources accessible to the Maltese community. From articles and videos to seminars and public talks, I aim to raise awareness, provide practical tools, and empower families to thrive. My work with schools across Malta further reflects my commitment to bringing therapeutic knowledge into everyday life, offering workshops on parenting strategies, emotional resilience, and family communication. Beyond my clinical work, I believe in actively contributing to the mental health field and broader society. I am a member of the MAFT-SP (Malta Association of Family Therapy and Systemic Practice) committee, where I work alongside fellow professionals to support and advocate for systemic family psychotherapy. Through this role, I help shape discussions, create resources, and contribute to the professional community to enhance mental health support in Malta
Let’s Work Together
If you’re ready to build stronger relationships, overcome challenges, and create a more fulfilling life, I am here to help. Together, we can work towards a brighter and more connected future for you and your family.
Contact
We can schedule an intake meeting where we will meet to discuss your expectations and what we can offer.