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Drawing on my master's psychology training and counsellor experience, I integrate brain-body processing alongside talk therapy for English speakers in Lisbon and for clients online across Portugal and internationally.
— Alicja Ligeza, MSc Psychology, PgDip Clinical Psychology, HE Dip Therapeutic Counselling

Hello, I'm Alicja. As a psychotherapist in Lisbon, I offer both online therapy and face-to-face sessions tailored to your needs.
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I am an integrative therapist with a diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and a MSc in Clinical Psychology. Additionally, I am a certified
Brainspotting Practitioner. In my therapeutic work, I use a unique blend of person-centred interview and a brain-based Brainspotting (BSP) approach to integrate both hemispheres of the brain. This innovative neurobiological therapy utilises points in the client's visual field (brain spots) to access unprocessed material in the subcortical brain and helps to regulate the nervous system.
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Drawing from my experience in the National Health Service in England and private practice, I work with clients facing challenges such as
anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, work stress, self-esteem issues, attachment wounds and difficulties in settling into a new life as an expat.

A safe space for therapy in Lisbon.

Hello, I'm Alicja. I offer compassionate, trauma-informed integrative psychotherapy for English-speakers in Lisbon. I hold a master's degree in Psychology, postgraduate diploma in Clinical Psychology and HE diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. I am also an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (Reg. No: 397125]). Additionally, I am a certified Brainspotting Practitioner.
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In my therapeutic work, I use a unique blend of person-centred interview and a brain-based Brainspotting approach to integrate both hemispheres of the brain. This innovative neurobiological therapy utilises points in the client's visual field to access unprocessed material and helps to regulate the nervous system.

I offer psychotherapy in-person in Lisbon and therapeutic coaching online globally e.g. working with clients from New York, California and other parts of the US.

Areas of focus.

Drawing from my experience in the NHS in England and private practice, I often work with clients experiencing:

Anxiety

Find relief from persistent worry, overthinking, fear and a sense of being overwhelmed.

Anxiety Therapy →

Depression

Move through low mood, emptiness, loss of motivation and the feeling of stuckness.

Depression Therapy →

Grief

Compassionate counselling to help you process loss and pain at your own pace.

Grief Therapy →

Trauma

Trauma-informed psychotherapy in Lisbon to help you rebuild a sense of safety and trust.

Trauma Therapy →

Stress

Support for stress and burnout, helping you restore balance, energy and a healthier way of coping.

Stress & Burnout Therapy →

Self Esteem

Develop a kinder relationship with yourself and build greater confidence and sense of self-worth.

Self Esteem Therapy →

Attachment

Explore attachment, relationship patterns, emotional needs and ways of creating more secure connections.

Attachment Therapy →

Relocation

Navigate the emotional challenges of relocation, identity, belonging and change.

Expats Therapy →


A different approach: brain-body processing.

When we recall a distressing event, the body often reacts before we have words for it. Brainspotting, developed by Dr David Grand in 2003, is built on the clinical observation that this bodily activation corresponds to a particular position in the visual field. By holding attention on that "brainspot" while an attuned therapist monitors the process, the activation can be processed until it settles. In that sense, Brainspotting is a focused, mindfulness-based approach that supports the mind's and body's own capacity to process difficult experience and trauma.

If you're seeking an English-speaking psychotherapist who understands the brain-body connection in therapy, I am here to support you. Integrating these insights into my practice helps me to provide comprehensive and effective therapy tailored to your needs at the heart of Lisbon.


Ready to explore whether therapy could help?

You don't need to know exactly what's wrong before reaching out.

In a free 15-minute consultation, we can briefly discuss what's bringing you to therapy, what you're looking for and whether I might be the right therapist for you.

Book a free initial 15-min consultation ►

Testimonials

Ali is a gifted therapist and a phenomenal human being. In her work with clients she is curious and playful yet professional and knowledgeable  - which are ideal characteristics for a therapist to have. She is easy to talk to and has a confident Self presence which immediately puts others at ease. I would highly recommend Ali for anyone who is intrested in self-exploration work.

Ania Halls, PgDip, BSc, MSc Psychology EMDR, IFS & BSP therapist in Private Practice www.aniahalls.online

When I met Alicja, I had no clue how I was going to get better but I knew that I desperately needed professional help. Alicja’s kindness and clear guidance with the combination of brainspotting has completely changed the way I view myself, navigate relationships and handle my emotions. She created a safe space for me where we can make sense of my experiences and taught me tools that allow me to exist and feel with more ease outside of therapy. I will be always grateful for her impact on my life.

Laura C. (Client)

Alicja has been a valued member of the In-House Counselling Service team here at York Medical Group, contributing not only her skills as a counsellor for the GP Surgery patients (our clients), but with her thoughtful observations around how to improve aspects of the service we offer. She will be missed.

Howard Corrin MBACP, PGDip, BEd (Hons) Health & Wellbeing Coach (Person-Centred Counsellor), York Medical Group

I just wanted to say thank you so much for the help and support you’ve given me through our sessions.

My parents are visiting until Monday and I’ve seen them a few times. I really enjoyed the visit because I was much less triggered and I was able to regulate my emotions much better around them.  I feel more confident and comfortable in myself and I know it’s because of our sessions! I have had a few emotional wobbles where I need to remember the technique you taught me to help me relax my body so that I can process better and it’s helping, I think!

Thank you so so much! I hope I never have to be in the position where I need to come back, but I am happy to know that I can if I need to. Thank you! 

Sharon B. (Client)


As an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP Accred), I conduct a safe and professional private practice and I hold professional indemnity insurance for my services. For more information about my background please visit about me page.

I usually work with English speaking clients but I am also a Polish speaker. For information in Polish, check out this page.

Contact

I will aim to respond within 24hrs Monday - Friday. For mental health emergencies please contact your local health centre.

Nearest Metro stations: Avenida and Marquês de Pombal.

Thank you. I will get in touch with you within 24 hrs Mon - Fri.
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