ABOUT ME
I am a counsellor, psychotherapist and clinical supervisor who works with the Integrative approach. This means that I have combined a number of theories to my style to better suit my client's needs. My main approaches include the Humanistic therapies as well as Relational Psychoanalysis. I consider the whole person - mind, body, feeling and thinking processes and I work towards integration and balance of these elements.
If you decide to work with me, my aim will be to provide you with a safe, supportive and confidential space where you will be able to express your concerns and explore your difficulties. My approach is embodied and relational. I will be interested in hearing about your current problems as they happen in your life right now and I will be paying attention to the emotions, thinking processes as well as the embodied expression of your experience as they arise in the clinical room.
I may use creative arts, imagery work, body work or gestalt experimentation as a way to support growth and self-expression but I will also invite you to explore your past experiences as a way to help you to re-think your current issues. We will actively discuss the relationship between client and therapist as this too, may inform your situation. I believe that the capacity to experience deep feelings, awareness and responsibility are key elements to therapeutic change.
I will offer you an opportunity to consider, together, potential changes that may bring relief for your distress. I will be alongside you, in a journey, helping you to have a deeper understanding and acceptance of yourself.
My background is in architecture/interior design and I have worked in this field for many years. Apart from English, I also provide sessions in Portuguese and Italian.
HUMANISTIC THERAPY AND RELATIONAL PSYCHOANALISYS
Humanistic therapies involve a number of approaches that are focused on self-development, growth and responsibilities. I work specially with the Person Centred and Gestalt therapy. The advantage of the humanistic thought is that it emphasises the 'here and now' experience, awareness and creativity. It also focus on personal responsibility, the present moment and the relationship between therapist and client. Awareness in the present moment is a key point to change. Carl Rogers, one of the founders of the humanistic approach once said: "The curious paradox is that, when I accept myself as I am, then I can change".
Relational Psychoanalysis is a branch of traditional psychoanalysis that developed over the past twenty years. The difference between one and the other is that, instead of focusing heavily on past events only, Relational Psychoanalysis will focus on integrating the present moment and the past in a way that provide clients with valuable insight and perspective in their current situation. Relational Psychoanalysis also allow clients to identify recurrent behavioural patterns and the reasons why they may get stuck in cycles of unfinished businesses. Whilst distressing events may have happened in the past they also belong to the "present moment" and can be continuously re-played if not explored and worked through.
Relational Psychoanalysis is a branch of traditional psychoanalysis that developed over the past twenty years. The difference between one and the other is that, instead of focusing heavily on past events only, Relational Psychoanalysis will focus on integrating the present moment and the past in a way that provide clients with valuable insight and perspective in their current situation. Relational Psychoanalysis also allow clients to identify recurrent behavioural patterns and the reasons why they may get stuck in cycles of unfinished businesses. Whilst distressing events may have happened in the past they also belong to the "present moment" and can be continuously re-played if not explored and worked through.