About Me
I am an HCPC arts therapist, a BPS chartered clinical psychologist specialising in psychotherapy and a clinical supervisor.
The arts have always been a significant part of my life. Over the years, I have deepened my studies and practice in creative movement and drama.
My experience has led me to realise that the arts are a life force and a profound means of exploration, expression, self-knowledge, healing and transformation.
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In pursuit of self-awareness, self-knowledge, and personal and spiritual growth, I began practising and studying yoga, meditation and mindfulness around twenty years ago and was a yoga and meditation teacher.
To deepen my journey of personal development, I studied psychology and psychotherapy.
After completing the training in clinical psychology rooted in the psychoanalytic approach (ISPA-University Institute, Portugal), I studied psychodynamic psychotherapy (SPPC). Later, in London, I obtained an MA in Drama and Movement Therapy (Sesame) with an approach informed by Jungian Psychology (Royal Central School/University of London), bringing together two main areas of my life: the arts and psychotherapy.
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​Additionally, I trained in authentic movement (a contemplative creative movement practice influenced by Jungian Psychology and mindfulness meditation). I completed the foundation course in Group Analysis at the Institute of Group Analysis and a postgraduate diploma in Creative Supervision at the London Centre for Psychodrama. ​
Living in different cities and countries has given me a personal understanding of what it means to learn, adapt and live between cultures and languages.
With many years of experience in the UK and Portugal, I have worked in various organisational settings, including NHS, private and charity sectors. I worked for many years with the Portuguese police force, offering psychotherapy and counselling to police officers and their families. I have worked in a London-based multi-ethnic counselling service supporting adults, older adults, refugees and asylum seekers with mental health issues. I have also worked with a UK child bereavement charity, delivering individual and group therapy to children.
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I run creative arts mindfulness-based groups and workshops.
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Alongside my psychotherapy practice, I have taught drama to young children, fostering their self-confidence and self-esteem while encouraging creativity and imagination, and facilitated drama-based workshops for families.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ACCREDITATIONS
- HCPC registered Arts Therapist (Health and Care Professions Council)
- Associate Fellow (AFBPsS) and Chartered Clinical Psychologist (CPsychol) of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
- BPS registered Psychologist Specialising in Psychotherapy
- Full member of the British Association of Dramatherapists (BADth)
- EuroPsy registered Clinical and Health Psychologist
- Clinical Psychologist accredited by Ordem dos Psicologos (OPP, the Portuguese Psychologists Council)
- Member of the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (IARPP)
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GOOD PRACTICE
In order to enhance my practice and offer my clients high-quality work, I continue with professional training and personal development and have regular supervision.