Rita Seixas

I am a clinical psychologis with an integrative approach to therapy. Each person is unique, and "what works" for one may not work for another, asking for continous learning, knowledge, skills and flexibility from the therapist. I work rooted on my primary training in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) while remaining flexible and tailoring science-informed interventions from different approaches to meet each client’s individual needs. In addition to my CBT background, I am trained in social-cognitive therapy (systemic/constructivist approach), cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and schema therapy, and in psychological first aid and crisis intervention with migrants and refugees. A warm and secure therapeutic relationship is the foundation of effective therapy. My role is to guide and support clients on their journey towards reducing suffering, achieving their therapeutic goals, and ultimately improving their well-being. My approach integrates emotion-focused, experiential, and existential techniques, alongside the more structured (didactic or directive) CBT methods. I also emphasize mindfulness techniques promoting the connection between mind and body in therapy. These techniques are often incorporated into sessions to help manage anxiety, stress, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, and improve emotion regulation. These practices can foster a more balanced and grounded state of mind. I encourage clients to remain curious and explore the relationship between their physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual dimensions. Our sessions will be conversational, but I may also invite you to engage in practical exercises both in and out of the clinical setting. The therapeutic process is designed to create a safe space for you to share and explore all aspects of yourself, helping you develop tools to navigate current life challenges more effectively. If you would like for us to work together, don't hesitate to contact me (and mention your availabilities).

2024: Clinical Psychologist in private practice 2023-2024: Clinical psychologist at the Refugees’ Health Service @Directorate of Health (Luxembourg) 2017-2023: Research collaborator at the Luxembourgish Focal Point of the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) @Directorate of Health (Luxembourg) 2012-2017: Research Assistant and PhD candidate in Psychology @University of Luxembourg (Luxembourg) 2010-2011: EU European Voluntary Service @Maison des Associations (Luxembourg) 2009 – 2010: Clinical Psychologist in private practice (Portugal) 2008: Research Assistant grant from the Leonardo da Vinci EU program @Personality department of the Psychology Faculty, University of Barcelona (Spain) 2007 – 2008: Clinical Psychologist in private practice (Portugal) 2007: Psychologist in multidisciplinary community intervention program with disadvantage people at risk of marginalization @Institute of Employment and Professional Training (Portugal)

Ongoing: Psychotherapist certification - Portuguese Association for Behaviour, Cognitive and Integrative Therapies 2013-2016: PhD in Psychology, focused on the relationship between emotion regulation and job burnout (University of Luxembourg) 2010-2012: Master in Evaluation and Assessment in Psychology (University of Luxembourg) 2008: Post-graduation in social-cognitive therapy (systemic and constructivist therapies) (University of Barcelona) 2001-2006: 5 years License in Clinical Psychology: cognitive-behavioral therapies (University of Lisbon) • Member N. 6813 of the Portuguese Psychological Association (OPP - Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses) • Member N. 625 of the Portuguese Association for Behaviour, Cognitive and Integrative Therapies (APTCCI ) • Member of the Luxembourgish Society of Psychology (SLP) • Certified psychologist by EuroPsy - No PT-071011-202