It's Complicated

Leonor Pontes Leça

Psychologist

Available for new clients

I specialise in:

At a glance
Funchal, PortugalAvailable online only
Usually responds within 8 hours

About me

Nasci na ilha da Madeira, Portugal, e tornei-me mestre em Psicologia Clínica e da Saúde pela Universidade de Lisboa.

Desde 2019, trabalho na Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro, onde sou responsável pelos Departamentos de Psico-oncologia e Educação para a Saúde/Prevenção Primária. Ao longo da minha experiência, desenvolvi um interesse especial pela área da psico-oncologia, por acreditar profundamente que o apoio psicológico pode ter um papel crucial em promover bem-estar, uma vida com qualidade e significado, apesar do diagnóstico e respetivos desafios.

Na minha prática clínica, valorizo a criação de um espaço seguro, empático e sem julgamentos, onde cada pessoa se possa sentir ouvida e respeitada na sua individualidade. O meu objetivo é trabalhar em conjunto para desenvolver estratégias que favoreçam o equilíbrio emocional e uma vida mais plena e com significado.

Para além da minha vida profissional, valorizo a compaixão, a sustentabilidade, o contacto com a natureza, viajar e passar tempo de qualidade com as pessoas que me são queridas. Considero-me uma pessoa empática, responsável e com uma comunicação clara e autêntica — qualidades que procuro transmitir também na minha prática clínica.

I was born in Funchal, Madeira, and graduated in Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Lisbon, where I completed my Integrated Master’s degree.

Since 2019, I have been working at the Portuguese League Against Cancer, where I am responsible for the Departments of Psycho-oncology and Health Education/Primary Prevention. Over the years, I have developed a special interest in psycho-oncology, as I strongly believe psychological support can play a crucial role in helping people find well-being, meaning, and quality of life, even when facing a difficult diagnosis.

I deeply value creating a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space, where each person feels heard and supported in their uniqueness. My goal is to work together with you to build strategies that promote emotional balance and a more fulfilling life.

Outside of my professional life, I prioritize sustainability, compassion, traveling, spending quality time with loved ones, and taking good care of our planet. I see myself as an empathetic, responsible person with clear and authentic communication — qualities I bring into my work as a psychologist.

I speak:

PortugueseEnglish

Location:

Funchal, Portugal

Approach

Treatment Approaches
ACT: Acceptance and commitment therapyRecommended for those who want to stop fighting negative thoughts and learn how to live with more acceptance and focus on what really matters in life.
CBT: Cognitive behavioural therapyRecommended for those looking for practical support and accountability to change unhelpful thinking and behaviors.
CFT: Compassion-focused therapyRecommended for those who want to be kinder to themselves and reduce negative self-talk, often using mindfulness techniques.
MindfulnessMindfulness is the process of maintaining a purposeful moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surrounding environment.

A minha abordagem profissional baseia-se na Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental (TCC) e nas Terapias de Terceira Geração, como a Terapia de Aceitação e Compromisso (ACT). Estas abordagens dão ênfase à aceitação, à atenção plena (mindfulness), à autocompaixão e a uma prática clínica livre de julgamentos, explorando a forma como nos relacionamos connosco próprios e com o mundo. A minha intervenção é sempre sustentada por evidência científica, garantindo uma prática eficaz, ética e compassiva.

My professional approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Third-Wave Therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These approaches emphasize acceptance, mindfulness, self-compassion, and a non-judgmental therapeutic relationship, while exploring how we relate to ourselves and the world around us. I always base my work on scientific evidence, ensuring a practice that is both effective and compassionate.

Services

Intro Call

Free 15 min Online

Individual Session

€50 50 min Online

Individual Session

Sliding scale
€25 50 min Online

Insurances

Private Pay
At a glance
Funchal, PortugalAvailable online only
Usually responds within 8 hours

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Next available: Aug 1