It's Complicated

Carolina Salema

(she/her)

Clinical and Health Psychologist & Clinical Psychologist

Verified by It's Complicated
Available for new clients

A gentle space to be seen as a whole person. Safe, creative, and focused on your health. Prices are reviewable (e.g., unemployed or students) to ensure support remains accessible.

I specialise in:

At a glance
Lisbon, PortugalAvailable in-person and online
Last active
Offers free 20 minute introductory callThis provider offers a free introductory call
Illustration of a smiling sun peeking over a cloud, symbolizing warmth and positivity for connecting with the therapist.
Usually responds within 12 hours

About me

I am a person driven by a profound curiosity regarding social dynamics, human rights, and the diverse ways we navigate the world. This adventurous spirit has been a part of me since a very young age; I have always been open-minded and eager to experience new things, seeking out fresh perspectives that challenge my own. As a neurodivergent professional, I bring this lived understanding of diversity to my work, moving away from rigid norms and toward a practice that celebrates individual uniqueness. My relationship with creativity and the arts is not just a personal interest; it is a fundamental lens through which I perceive the world, fueling my belief that expression is often a more direct path to healing than logic alone.

I believe that the integrity of a therapist is rooted in their own self-discovery, which is why I am committed to my own ongoing therapeutic journey. This personal work ensures that I show up for my clients with clarity, empathy, and a grounded presence. When I am not in the clinic, I am likely exploring artistic pursuits or deepening my knowledge of the ever-evolving history of human connection, always seeking to understand the person as a multifaceted being.

I speak:

PortugueseEnglish

Connect with me:

Location:

Lisbon, Portugal

Approach

Treatment Approaches
CBT: Cognitive behavioural therapyRecommended for those looking for practical support and accountability to change unhelpful thinking and behaviors.
Clinical psychologyRecommended for those who need help with diagnosing and treating more complex mental health issues, often involving assessments and evidence-based treatments.
Narrative therapyRecommended for those who want to rewrite the way they view their life story and feel more empowered in their personal journey.

My therapeutic style is defined by a humanistic and systemic framework, meaning I view each client as a whole person rather than a diagnosis. I believe that we are all part of a larger web of family, community, and environment, and my work focuses on how these relationships shape our identity. My academic journey began at the University of Lisbon, where I specialized in Systemic Clinical Psychology, followed by post-graduate training in Third-Generation Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. Today, my practice continues to evolve as I seek to integrate more somatic and expressive methods. These approaches are firmly evidence-based and allow us to explore the stories that define our lives while moving beyond the limitations of traditional dialogue.

In our work together, you can expect care, dedication, and a constant search for the best ways to support your unique journey. I view the therapeutic process as a collaborative endeavor, where we work as partners to create a space that is truly helpful and transformative for you. To ensure the highest standard of care, my practice is strictly aligned with the ethical guidelines of the Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses (OPP). I maintain a process of clinical supervision, which allows for an outside perspective on my work while preserving client anonymity. This commitment to professional oversight and transdisciplinary learning ensures that my practice remains safe, high-quality, and as dynamic as the individuals I have the privilege of supporting.

Experience

Private Clinic
Portugal

Clinical Psychologist
Espaço S | Cascais, Portugal

Therapeutic Surf Program Assistant
Provided therapeutic surfing for youth in the foster care system.
Wave by Wave | Lisbon, Portugal

Psychology Intern with Unaccompanied Minor Refugees
Dedalus | Naples, Italy | 2024

Psychology Intern at CAFAP
Provided a specialized social service designed to support families in situations of vulnerability or crisis, mainly focused on fostering healthy parent-child relationships.
SOS Children’s Villages | Lisbon | 2022-2023

Disability Support Assistant
L’Arche | Ljubljana, Slovenia | 2019

Education

Introductory Course in Art Therapy Metàfora Art Therapy School | Barcelona | Ongoing

Embodiment-Centered Expressive Arts Therapy for Trauma Poiesis Institute | Lisbon | Mar 2026

Advanced Specialization in Third-Generation Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies CRIAP Institute | Lisbon | Sep 2023 - Jul 2024

Master’s degree in Clinical and Health Psychology, Systemic Clinical Psychology Faculty of Psychology at the University of Lisbon

  • Dissertation in Community Gardens: individual experiences and community building.

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology Faculty of Psychology at the University of Lisbon

As a psychologist, my practice is rooted in a commitment to lifelong learning and the constant refinement of my clinical expertise.

Services

Intro Call

Free 20 min Online & In-person

Individual Session

€60 55 min Online

Insurances

Private Pay
At a glance
Lisbon, PortugalAvailable in-person and online
Last active
Offers free 20 minute introductory callThis provider offers a free introductory call
Illustration of a smiling sun peeking over a cloud, symbolizing warmth and positivity for connecting with the therapist.
Usually responds within 12 hours
Next available: Jul 12