Sara Taveira

My therapeutic style is collaborative, compassionate, and client-centered. I believe that every individual carries unique strengths, and my role as a psychologist is to help uncover and build upon those resources while providing tools to navigate challenges more effectively.

I draw on evidence-based approaches such as [e.g., Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based practices, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion Focus Therapy (EFT) and trauma-informed care] to tailor treatment to each client’s needs. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, I take time to understand each person’s story, goals, and values, so that therapy feels both supportive and practical.

In our work together, I provide a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions openly. I encourage active participation, meaning we set goals collaboratively, track progress, and adapt strategies as needed. I balance insight-oriented exploration with practical skills, so clients leave sessions with both deeper self-understanding and concrete steps they can take in daily life.

Ultimately, my aim is to empower clients to build resilience, foster healthier relationships, and create lasting change that aligns with their authentic selves.

Clinical Psychologist | Consultant | Supervisor | Trainer 18+ years of experience | 1,900+ clients | 23,000+ clinical hours 18+ years of international clinical experience in Portugal and New Zealand, specializing in psychological assessment, psychotherapy, clinical supervision, and mental health consulting. My work spans individual, couple, family, and group psychotherapy, psychological assessments, clinical supervision, and training. Since 2006, I’ve provided mental health services in both public healthcare systems and private practice settings. I specialize in treating adolescents, adults, couples, and families, with a focus on trauma, relationship issues, emotional regulation, and neuropsychological rehabilitation. I also offer telepsychology services worldwide. My professional journey includes leading services, developing clinical programs, mentoring fellow clinicians, and contributing to mental health promotion initiatives. I have held senior roles in hospital-based CAMHS teams

I hold an Integrated Master’s Degree in Psychology with a specialization in Counseling and Psychotherapy from ULHT, Portugal. To deepen my expertise, I completed postgraduate studies in Psychotherapy & Neuropsychology and in Projective Methodology in Psychological Assessment. I am recognized as a Specialist in Clinical and Health Psychology by the Portuguese Psychologist Board (OPP), and I hold the European Certificate in Psychology (EuroPsy) in Clinical and Health.

My professional memberships include:

• Chartered Member – OPP, Portuguese Psychologists Board
• Full Member – New Zealand Psychologists Board
• Chartered Member – British Psychological Society (BPS)
• Member – Portuguese Society of Constructivist Psychotherapies (Advanced Specialization since 2022) In addition, I serve as a Clinical Supervisor for psychology internships (ISPA, Portugal) and am a Certified Trainer (CCP) in Portugal.

To enrich and broaden my clinical practice, I have completed specialized training in a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Intimacy from the inside out (IFIO) couples therapy, Emotion Focus Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Family-Based Psychotherapy (FBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)