It's Complicated

Silvia Pona

(she/her)

Counsellor

Available for new clients

I specialise in:

At a glance
Lagos, PortugalAvailable in-person and online
Usually responds within 24 hours

About me

With over 20 years of experience working with young people in both private and institutional contexts, I have dedicated a significant portion of my professional life to understanding and supporting the emotional, psychological, and developmental needs of youth. My journey has included working in schools, community centers, and clinical settings, where I have provided guidance, counseling, and therapeutic support to children and adolescents navigating various life challenges. In recent years, my professional focus has expanded to include work with adults, particularly in the areas of career counseling and psychotherapy. This transition has allowed me to broaden my therapeutic approach, applying the knowledge and empathy developed through years of working with youth to support adults facing life transitions, workplace stress, identity issues, and other psychological concerns. My work with adults is rooted in a person-centered, integrative approach, drawing from a range of psychotherapeutic methods to support clients in their unique journeys of growth and self-discovery.

Alongside my clinical work, I have developed a growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in mental health care. This interest has been fueled by emerging scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD,... I am actively engaged in ongoing education and professional discussions related to this field, with the aim of integrating evidence-based psychedelic practices into my work where appropriate and ethical. I believe that, when used responsibly and in the right context, psychedelic substances may offer profound opportunities for healing, especially for individuals for whom traditional approaches have been insufficient.

Throughout my career, I have maintained a commitment to lifelong learning and reflective practice. My professional path has been shaped by a deep respect for the complexity of the human experience and a belief in the capacity for growth and transformation at every stage of life. Whether working with young people just beginning to understand themselves or adults seeking deeper meaning and direction, I strive to offer a therapeutic space that is compassionate, non-judgmental, and empowering.

I speak:

PortugueseEnglish

Location:

Lagos, Portugal

Approach

Treatment Approaches
CoachingRecommended for those who want support and motivation to achieve personal or professional goals, often with a structured, goal-oriented approach.
Integrative therapy Recommended for those who prefer a flexible approach that combines different therapies to meet their unique needs.
Psychotherapy Recommended for those who want to work through emotional or mental health challenges by talking with a trained psychotherapist.

I work from an integrative and evidence-based perspective, combining approaches that have been scientifically proven effective in psychotherapy. My practice blends techniques from CBT, psychodynamic therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and mindfulness, always adapted to each client’s unique needs and context.

I value a therapeutic relationship built on trust, empathy, and collaboration, offering a safe space for clients to explore emotional challenges, life transitions, and personal growth. While my work is grounded in research, it’s also informed by a humanistic and existential sensitivity, honoring each person’s search for meaning, identity, and authenticity.

When helpful, I integrate body-awareness tools, such as elements of Focusing, to support deeper emotional connection. I also offer psychedelic integration therapy for clients seeking support after non-ordinary state experiences, guided by emerging clinical research in this field.

My goal is to support each person in building emotional resilience, clarity, and a stronger connection with themselves—working at a pace and depth that feels right for them.

Services

Individual Session

€60 1 hr Online & In-person

Insurances

Private Pay
At a glance
Lagos, PortugalAvailable in-person and online
Usually responds within 24 hours

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