Catarina Vasconcelos
Art Psychotherapist & Clinical Psychologist
Hi, I'm Cat. In my sessions I integrate my knowledge of Art Psychotherapy and Clinical Psychology with the aim to offer you a safe and compassionate space, tailored to your unique needs.
I specialise in:
About me
I'm Catarina, a qualified Art Psychotherapist, Clinical Psychologist, IFS trained, offering psychotherapy in Lisbon and online.
I work with clients with diverse backgrounds and ages, providing them with a safe and supportive space where they can create meaning, be held and explore their experiences at their own pace with the view to improve their mental, social, emotional and physical health.
Having trained and worked in the UK, I lived in between cultures for many years and developed a culturally sensitive approach, inclusive of all differences. As a bilingual psychotherapist, I offer psychotherapy in English and Portuguese.
I do not see my work as one of fixing people's problems and instead I focus on facilitating your journey and development through a joint creative process. I believe every person is the best expert of their own life and holds the clues to guide them in their journey towards their full potential.
In my own personal journey, I've learnt about the power of arts in healing and the important contribute of psychotherapy for my own self-awareness and growth. The practice of yoga, visualization, dancing, ceramics and other forms of arts, have been key to my wellbeing and support my therapeutic work.
I am also a music enthusiast, traveller, a sister and a mother.
I speak:
Location:
Media Gallery
Approach
Do you feel confused or stuck? Would you like to better understand yourself and let go of unhelpful patterns and beliefs? Do you want to find relief and make lasting changes? I offer you a safe space where we can explore your experiences, at a pace that suits you and help you regain control in your life.
With knowledge of different psychological theories and therapeutic techniques, my approach is holistic and eclectic. I learned from my work that different media and techniques suit various people according to their needs and preferred forms of expression. My work is based on the principles of Art Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic, Jungian and Systemic Therapies, including Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy; and is supported by the latest evidence from Neuroscience and Somatic Psychology.
I work with the therapeutic relational dynamics, with unconscious manifestations and with the body, to help you integrate all parts of yourself & heal. The use of creative media in therapy offers an alternative form of expression that can assist you in communicating feelings or experiences that are difficult to be put into words. I work with images as extensions of a person and see them as embodiment of one's experiences. No previous artistic experience is necessary. We can also stick to talking only, if this suits you best. At times, we may work with visualizations, breathing exercises and dreams too, if appropriate.
At all times you are in control and in each session we will work with what is relevant for you at that particular time. I work with people wanting to move away from past trauma and have healthier and happier lives in the present. I work with people who are struggling, in need of holding and compassion, and wanting to work towards empowerment.
Experience
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Since 2019: International Private Practice for adults, young people and children / Clinical Supervision to therapists (www.catarinavasconcelos.com) Areas of intervention: . International community, Expats . Psychotherapy and Counselling students . Artists . Relational difficulties . Anxiety, Panic, Fears . Depression, Low self-esteem . Loss, Bereavement . Abuse, Trauma . Work related stress, Burnout . Parenting, Maternal/Paternal Mental Health . Identity issues
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Since 2021: Tutoring Counselling courses, London, UK
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2020: Art Psychotherapy to children and women survivors of abuse - Solace, Women’s Aid charity, UK
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2016: Parent Counsellor in community centres, London, UK
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2014-2018: Service Manager, Supervisor and Psychotherapist - School Counselling Services, London, UK
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2013: Cancer Care at Royal Free hospital, London, UK
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2009: CBT Counselling for women with anxiety and depression, Lisbon, Portugal
Education
2025 - Certificate in IFS Therapy Level 1 (IFS Institute, USA & Portugal) 2021 - Diploma in Counselling Supervision Level 6 (CPTA, London, UK) 2013 - MA Art Psychotherapy (Roehampton University, UK) - Accredited by Health and Care Professions Council (UK), Member of British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) 2011 - PG Certificate in Expressive Techniques and Methodologies in Education (ISLA, Portugal) 2009 - MA Clinical Psychology (University of Lisbon, Portugal) - Member of the Portuguese Psychologists' Council (OPP)
Services
Intro Call
Individual Session
Bundle of 8
Individual Session
Insurances
