Low mood, sadness and depression can have a huge impact on day-to-day life and mental wellbeing. A depressive episode involves the presence of symptoms such as low mood, diminished interest in activities or sense of pleasure, reduced ability to concentrate, indecisiveness, low self-worth or excessive guilt, a feeling of hopelessness, recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation, markedly disrupted sleep pattern, changes in appetite or weight, psychomotor changes and reduced energy over a period of time. Sometimes treatment for depression includes both medication prescribed by a doctor and talking therapy. Brainspotting is a new brain-based psychotherapy & coaching approach, which can be helpful in depression by rebalancing nervous system and promoting brain neuroplasticity.
Suicidal crisis is a mental health emergency and I am unable to work with actively suicidal clients. Portuguese National Health Line SNS24 at 808 24 24 24 can be contacted for guidance on suitable care. However, in life threatening situations emergency services or local A&E are more appropriate.
Hi, I’m Alicja. I’m an English-speaking depression therapist based in central Lisbon, specialising in supporting expats, digital nomads and international residents experiencing depression, low mood, emotional exhaustion and a loss of motivation or connection. I believe that therapy doesn’t have to mean endlessly talking about what feels difficult. By combining person-centred counselling with body-brain approaches like Brainspotting, I offer you a safe and non-judgemental space to understand what you’re experiencing while also working with your nervous system to support meaningful change.
Read more about my background →
01
Create a caring, compassionate and non-judgemental space. Creating a caring, compassionate and non-judgemental environment where you can talk openly about your feelings.
02
Develop a deeper understanding of your experience. Your therapist strives to be empathically attuned to you. This means holding a “dual attunement” frame, with both relational and neurological attunement present.
03
Make space for difficult feelings and negative thoughts. Making space for difficult feelings and negative thoughts with brain-body Brainspotting therapy.
04
Develop acceptance and validation of your emotions. Internalising your counsellor’s acceptance of all emotions can free your inner resources tied up in pain and struggle. Receiving acceptance and validation can promote the healing process.
05
Develop greater self-attunement. Incongruence is linked to psychological pain. Developing your self-attunement can benefit your overall wellbeing.
06
Reduce harsh self-talk and self-criticism. People who experience depression are often critical of themselves and engage in harsh self-talk. Working with your counsellor can help you develop a gentler and more compassionate attitude towards yourself.
07
Build resources for coping with difficult feelings. Together with your therapist, you can identify and expand your resources for coping in challenging situations, such as exploring helpful ways to self-regulate your nervous system when you become overwhelmed with difficult feelings.
08
Develop acceptance, compassion and nurturing behaviours. Your counsellor can support you by modelling positive regard,, compassion and supportive behaviours.
09
Create structure and a regular self-care routine. Your therapy provides structure with weekly sessions, which can help you prioritise your own healing process by creating your own self-care routine.
10
Understand depression through psychoeducation. Your therapist can offer psychoeducation to enhance your understanding of depression and to normalise what you're going through.
I will aim to respond within 24hrs Monday - Friday. For mental health emergencies please contact your local health centre.
Rua Alexandre Herculano 19, 1250-008 Lisboa
Nearest Metro stations: Avenida and Marquês de Pombal.
