Mariana Sennfelt
Counsellor & Systemic Counsellor
My practice is grounded in a person centered and systemic approach, empathy, presence, and collaboration — offering a safe, non-judgmental space where we explore what’s behind your emotions, patterns, and relationships.
I specialise in:
About me
Olá, I’m Mariana — a person-centered counsellor based in Lisbon. Born in Lisbon and having lived abroad for seven years, I bring an open-minded and culturally sensitive approach to my work. I began my professional journey by providing counselling support to individuals navigating personal and emotional challenges.
Drawing on my qualifications as an accredited counsellor by the Sociedade Portuguesa de Psicoterapias Breves (SPPB) and my degree in Community Development and Mental Health, my goal is to offer a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, rediscover balance, and foster personal growth.
My experience includes working in an outpatient mental health clinic as part of an interdisciplinary team, where I developed extensive people skills and a deep understanding of mental health recovery processes. I also bring insight from my own therapeutic journey, which continues to shape my empathy and presence as a counsellor.
Currently, I am pursuing advanced training as a Family Therapist (Year 3) at the Sociedade Portuguesa de Terapia Familiar (SPTF) in Lisbon — a member of the European Family Therapy Association (EFTA) through its national (EFTA/NFTO) and training (EFTA/TIC) branches. This specialization enriches my systemic understanding of relationships and family dynamics, complementing my person-centered practice.
At the heart of my work is a genuine belief in people’s capacity for healing and transformation when offered empathy, understanding, and authentic connection.
Disclaimer: I am not a psychotherapist, counselling cannot replace psychotherapy. If you are seeking help and support in mental health pathology, an acute mental health crisis for anxiety, depression or other diagnoses, please refer to a licensed Mental Health Professional (Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist) or call a crisis hotline in your area.
I speak:
Location:
Approach
My counselling approach integrates person-centred and systemic perspectives. I believe that meaningful change begins with empathy, authenticity, and a genuine therapeutic relationship. In sessions, I offer a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences at their own pace. Drawing on systemic principles, I also consider the broader context of relationships, family patterns, and social environments that shape each person’s story. This combination allows me to support clients not only as individuals but as part of the systems that influence their wellbeing and growth.
Experience
Community Development & Mental Health Professional at Hospital Miguel Bombarda Outpatient Clinic , Sintra, Portugal. • Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive mental health reintegration plans. • Advocated for policy changes on a local level to increase access to quality mental healthcare services for underserved populations. • Coordinated with primary care community centers to align strategies and foster partnerships. • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams holistic care plans for patients, addressing both mental and physical health needs. • Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served. • Active Counseling practitioner • 15 Year experience at Big Tech companies (American & French) in several roles within Marketing assistant, Pre-sales, Sales specialist, Operations manager and Regional Channel Operations Manager for EMEA (Europe Middle East and Africa).
Education
• 2024-2029: Currently attending Year II - Systemic Family Therapy certification at Sociedade Portuguesa De Terapia Familiar (SPTF) - Lisbon with a total of 5 years (650 hours including,290 hrs of Supervision), member of the European Family Therapy Association (EFTA); specifically, SPTF belongs to EFTA/NFTO, National Family Therapy Organizations and EFTA/TIC, Training Institutes Chamber. • 2023 (10 hours) - Developing Self-Awareness - LinkedIn Learning - Online Training • 2022 (20 hours) - Developing Emotional Intelligence LinkedIn Learning - Online Training • 2004 - 2006 (142 hrs + 52 hours supervision) - Counseling Psychology certified by Sociedade Portuguesa Psicoterapias Breves (SPPB) - Lisbon • 1998- 2003 - Bachelor of Human Science: Community Development And Mental Health - Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada - Lisbon, Portugal
Services
Individual Session
Insurances
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