ABOUT ME/BIO
I'm a licensed Social Counsellor (CDA) and Family Therapist working with adolescents (12+), adults, and families. I believe therapy and counseling is most powerful when it’s warm, collaborative, and adapted to your unique experience. My approach is grounded in systemic thinking, cultural sensitivity, and deep respect for each person’s story.
I use evidence-based methods such as Systemic Family Therapy, ACT, SFBT, MI, and DBT, to support emotional well-being, healthier relationships, and meaningful change. I offer sessions in English and Portuguese and strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel heard, empowered, and supported at your own pace.
I'm committed to high international standards in counseling and family therapy, and to walking alongside you with compassion, presence, and integrity.
HOW I CAN HELP YOU
If you, your family or your teenager are feeling overwhelmed and emotionally dysregulated, stuck in a difficult family dynamic, or unsure how to support your family, you're not alone and you don’t have to go through it by yourself. I work with young people (12+), adults, and families who are dealing with anxiety, stress, emotional ups and downs, self-esteem and identity challenges, life changes or ongoing conflict at home.
I strongly believe in therapeutic relationships that are based in respect, empathy and active listening, and my approach is warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental. I focus on creating a safe space where you can feel heard, better understand your experiences, and begin to make meaningful changes. I use a mix of evidence-based approaches, including Systemic Family Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). This means we’ll work together to manage difficult emotions, clarify what truly matters to you, and build practical tools to support everyday life.
I also think systemically, which means I consider the relationships, culture, and environment that shape your experience. Whether we’re working individually or as a family, I tailor each session to your unique needs and goals, helping to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and create lasting positive change.
WHY I AM SPECIALIZED IN THIS FIELD
I’ve always been drawn to understanding the deeper layers of human relationships, how families communicate, how young people navigate growing up, and how emotional struggles manifest in connection with others. Over the years, working closely with adolescents, parents, and families in school, clinical, and community settings, I’ve witnessed how powerful therapy and counseling can be when it focuses not just on the individual, but on the systems around them.
My journey into family therapy was shaped by both professional experience and personal reflection. I’ve seen how emotional pain often shows up in families through conflict, silence, or stress, and how healing can begin when we work together to shift patterns, with care and understanding.
I have a strong foundation in family therapy, having completed a five-year training program accredited by the European Family Therapy Association (EFTA). I'm also an active member of the International Family Therapy Association (IFTA) and the Portuguese Family Therapy Association (SPTF). In addition, I hold a Master’s degree in Social Education and Intervention, specializing in psychosocial intervention in at-risk contexts. This program provided comprehensive training in psychosocial support, mental health, and family and group therapies/interventions - skills that are essential to my counseling approach and foundational to systemic work with individuals, teens, and families.
Over the years, I’ve continued to expand my knowledge and skills in key areas like parenting, family conflict resolution, youth mental health, psychopathology, and emotion-focused approaches. I’m passionate about using these approaches to help families and individuals navigate challenges and build healthier, more supportive relationships.
This work is meaningful to me because I believe in the resilience of people and families. I feel honored to walk alongside clients as they grow, reconnect, and find their own way forward.
WHAT I SAY TO PEOPLE WHO FEEL NERVOUS OR HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THERAPY/ASSESSMENT
It’s completely normal to feel unsure, nervous, or even a little awkward about starting therapy, especially if it’s your first time. Many people wonder if their struggles are “big enough”, or worry about what it means to ask for help. I want you to know that whatever you’re carrying is valid, and you don’t have to carry it alone.
Therapy and/or counseling isn’t about fixing you, it’s about understanding you. It’s a space where we slow things down, look at what’s happening beneath the surface, and explore new ways of coping, connecting, and feeling more like yourself again. You just need to show up as you are, and we’ll take it from there, step by step, at your pace.
