Priscyla Costa
Clinical Psychologist & Clinical and Health Psychologist
I specialise in:
About me
I am a clinical psychologist with a master's degree in Clinical Psychology, specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapies, from the Miguel Torga Higher Institute in Coimbra, Portugal. I have a degree in Psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas, Brazil, and a postgraduate degree in Clinical and Institutional Psychopedagogy. I am currently pursuing an Advanced Specialisation in Psychotherapy Skills at the CRIAP Institute. My academic work, including my master's thesis, focuses on the relationship between emotional reactivity, psychological flexibility, and psychopathological symptoms in populations in Brazil and Portugal.
I have extensive experience in providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly in vulnerable contexts, with a special focus on immigrant and Afro-descendant populations. Since 2023, I have been a clinical psychologist and board member of ACORES - Association for the Support of Children and Young People at Risk, where I conduct individual therapy sessions and participate in multidisciplinary clinical meetings. I also contribute as a co-therapist in group interventions within the Mind Programme for cancer patients, a research project funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology. My previous work includes behavioural intervention, care for elderly people in situations of extreme vulnerability, and applied research in mental health.
My clinical and research interests include the psychosocial and political factors that affect the mental health of racialised populations, minority stress, discrimination, and intersectionality. I specialise in evidence-based interventions, including Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and compassion-focused therapy, delivered both in person and online. Through my combined experience in clinical practice and research, I aim to promote emotional regulation, psychological flexibility, and overall mental well-being, while contributing to the development and evaluation of psychosocial interventions.
I speak:
Location:
Approach
My therapeutic style is collaborative, integrative, and based on proven practices. I combine elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and compassion-focused therapies to address both immediate concerns and deeper patterns that influence emotional and relational well-being.
I see therapy as a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgement. Together, we work to identify harmful patterns, understand their origins, and develop healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and relating to others. I focus on developing self-awareness, emotional regulation, and psychological flexibility, empowering clients to make meaningful changes that are aligned with their values and goals.
My work is trauma-informed and culturally sensitive, recognising the influence of identity, social context, and systemic factors on mental health. I tailor interventions to each person's unique needs, strengths, and life circumstances, whether we are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, self-esteem challenges, or the effects of discrimination and minority stress.
Through a balance of empathy, structured interventions, and skill development, I aim to help clients not only manage symptoms but also cultivate resilience, self-compassion, and a greater sense of fulfilment in their lives.
