Catarina works independently of the other therapists, coaches and counsellors (with separate liability) and has her own separate business within the rooms we all share.

For as long as I can remember. I’ve been fascinated with human complexity. Originally from Lisbon, Portugal, my fascination led to my psychology studies and I completed both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. Over the years since my studies, I have primarily worked with adults, many of them around student age, and this has deepened my awareness of the common challenges my clients face. This process motivated me to further my studies through a Ph.D., which I am currently pursuing. My Ph.D. focuses on self-criticism and shame—central emotional experiences for many individuals seeking psychological support. 

Creating a safe and supportive environment is essential for the therapeutic process we will undertake together. I believe that a strong relationship of trust is foundational to exploring your inner world and facilitating meaningful change. Through an integrative therapeutic approach, I aim to access and understand your experiences, exploring them together with compassion and curiosity. My role is to help foster self-awareness and personal well-being through interest in the stories you believe about yourself.

I offer appointments in both Portuguese and English to allow my clients to engage in therapy in the language they are most comfortable with. Please just get in touch if you would like to know more about my psychological support and would like to ask questions or make an appointment.

Our work together will begin with an initial assessment, where we’ll explore your current challenges and set clear goals. From there, we’ll collaborate together and have regular check-ins to ensure that your needs are being met.

I adopt an integrative approach, tailoring each session to the emotional and psychological needs of each client, with a focus on promoting emotional well-being, resilience, and personal growth. My focus is rooted in clinical constructivism, which emphasizes the importance of understanding how individuals perceive and make sense of their experiences. In this context, the client is the expert of their own story, while I provide techniques and tools to help address their main life challenges.

Having begun my practice with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), I draw significantly from this approach, employing techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and skills training to help clients develop practical strategies for managing their struggles. I also use Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) to assist clients in processing and transforming challenging emotions, inviting an exploration of personal stories and the meanings attached to them. By collaborating to examine these stories and emotional patterns, we can enhance self-awareness and facilitate meaningful change in your life.

This eclectic blend of approaches allows for a comprehensive and adaptable supportive experience tailored specifically to your needs.