Consultations and Fields of Intervention
Our commitment is to create a safe, competent and humanized space, where mental, relational, and sexual health can be approached with confidence and clarity.
In our space, we believe that every individual, couple or family brings a unique story, with their own challenges and resources. For this reason, we offer different forms of support — individual psychotherapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and clinical sexology — which can be adapted and combined throughout the therapeutic process, always according to the needs identified and goals defined together.
All consultations are based on a systemic approach, which values the relational, emotional, and social context of those who seek our support.
We work in a multidisciplinary, team-based manner, integrating different areas of
expertise in a dynamic and collaborative way, ensuring a coherent, ethical, and tailored clinical response to the complexity of each situation.
Whenever necessary, the different areas of intervention can intersect within the
therapeutic journey. For example, individual psychotherapy may include moments of work with family members or a partner; couples therapy may benefit from the integration of clinical sexology; a sexology consultation may evolve into a broader psychotherapy process.
The construction of the therapeutic path is carried out side by side, with listening, flexibility, and technical rigor.
Sexual health matters too.
Sexual health is a fundamental part of a person’s overall well-being, yet it is often
neglected compared to other areas of medicine.
Sexual Medicine aims to provide a biomedical framework for the diagnosis and guidance of sexual dysfunctions, difficulties at different stages of life, urogenital symptoms and signs related to sexual activity, the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, and contraception and family planning.
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Thus, Sexual Medicine is intended for anyone seeking medical advice regarding sexual health or guidance on sexual difficulties.
It allows for a medical assessment for the diagnosis and guidance of sexual health
issues and problems, considering biological, hormonal, anatomical, and physiological factors, integrated with psychological, social, and contextual factors.
The approach is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and diagnostic and medical treatment measures are applied according to the specific needs of each situation.
Because sexual pleasure should not come second.
Sexuality is as important as other aspects of well-being and deserves to be cared for. It is not always an easy topic to discuss with a healthcare professional and requires a balance between a consideration toward the person and the open, taboo-free discussion that is necessary.
Clinical Sexology aims to provide a holistic approach to sexuality and sexual
dysfunctions, integrating biological/physiological factors with psychosocial, contextual, and relational factors. It involves a comprehensive assessment of each person, situation, and context, offering advice or therapeutic measures tailored to each case, which may include medical, psychological, or behavioral interventions.
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Sexual Therapy focuses on interventions for sexual dysfunctions and other difficulties in experiencing sexuality (individually or as a couple) across different stages of life, using behavioral or psychological/psychotherapeutic interventions.
The multidisciplinary and complementary approach between Sexual Medicine, Clinical Sexology, and Sexual Therapy seeks the best solution for each case, offering a realistic and personalized approach for each individual.
We provide an integrated approach across medical, psychological, and behavioral
domains, allowing you to receive the most appropriate guidance and support. Whatever your concern, we are available to explore solutions together with you.
Sessions are available in-person or via teleconsultation (depending on the clinical situation), in Portuguese or English.
Individual psychotherapy is a space for listening, reflection, and personal transformation.
It is aimed at adolescents and adults who are experiencing emotional distress, doubts, life changes, or persistent difficulties in their relationships, self-esteem, or ways of engaging with the world.
Psychotherapy is not only for moments of crisis or suffering; it can also be a valuable opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Seeking psychological support even during periods of stability allows for reflection on patterns of behavior, emotions, and relationships, promoting a deeper understanding of oneself.
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This process can strengthen internal resources, improve communication, enhance self- esteem, and support more conscious decision-making. In this way, psychotherapy also functions as a space for personal development, where it is possible to explore potential, broaden perspectives and invest in long-term well-being.
The psychotherapeutic work is guided by a systemic approach, meaning that each person is understood within the context of their relationships—family, romantic,
professional, and social—while valuing their history, patterns, meanings, and dynamics that influence the way they experience life and emotions.
More than treating symptoms, psychotherapy aims to promote clarity, awareness, and change. Each session creates a safe and collaborative space, with the goal of
understanding what is happening, identifying what needs care, and gradually building new ways of relating to oneself and others.
The frequency of sessions, goals, and duration of therapy are adjusted for each
individual, always taking into account the specific needs of the person seeking support.
Couples therapy is a clinical space dedicated to understanding and caring for the marital relationship. It may be sought during times of crisis, strain, conflict, emotional distance, communication difficulties, experiences of betrayal, family transitions, or changes in intimacy and sexual life.
Sometimes clients seek therapy in moments of crisis, but increasingly we work with couples who simply want to better understand themselves or each other or, as a
preventive measure, have constructive conversations with a therapist to prepare for a new stage in life: moving in together, preparing for parenthood or relocating to another country. Couples therapy can be seen as a preventive approach to strengthening the relationship, not only as an intervention during high-turbulence situations.
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The approach we use is systemic, meaning that the couple is seen as a unique relational system, with its own history, patterns, expectations, and ways of interacting.
The intervention focuses not only on current problems but also on the dynamics that have developed over time and influence how each partner relates to the other.
Rather than viewing problems as a direct reflection of each individual’s personal
development, we focus on the couple’s current communication processes.
Our work pays particular attention to how different communication styles are established, how they evolve into recurring patterns that cause emotional dysregulation, and how the
couple finds negotiated solutions to address their challenges. We do not take sides with either partner; instead, we work collaboratively to identify mutually enriching solutions. In this respect, our approach differs from other perspectives that view couples’
difficulties solely as a reflection of internal issues present in each individual.
Whenever necessary, this clinical work includes the integration of clinical sexology,
recognizing that issues of intimacy, desire, the body, and sexuality are integral to marital life and deserve to be addressed in an open, careful, and evidence-based manner.
The goal of therapy is not to “save” a relationship, but to create a space to think, communicate, and make conscious decisions, promoting changes that respect each partner’s desires, boundaries, and needs.
The frequency and duration of sessions are adjusted on a case-by-case basis, depending on the therapeutic process and the goals established collaboratively.
Divorce is a moment of significant emotional and relational impact for all family members. This consultation, led by a family therapist trained in systemic therapy,
provides a structured space to support the couple—and, when necessary, the children— through this transitional process.
Separating as a couple does not mean ceasing to be a parenting team. This consultation is designed for parents who are considering separation or have already made that
decision and seek support to prepare their children and reorganize family life. We help structure dialogue with children, build cooperative parenting and manage transitions in a clear, respectful, and emotionally safe manner. The focus is on minimizing the impact of separation while keeping the children’s well-being as the top priority.
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A space for support, reflection, and calm during a time of change
Focusing on the well-being of everyone involved, the intervention promotes respectful communication, conscious decision-making, and the reorganization of family dynamics, taking into account the needs of each member, especially the children.
The sessions are not intended to reconcile the couple but to facilitate a healthier separation, reducing the effects of conflict and promoting an emotionally safe and cooperative environment. This approach can be essential for preventing parental alienation, enhancing co-parenting, and ensuring the continuity of emotional attachments within new family configurations.
Family therapy is a specialized, systemic intervention aimed at understanding and transforming relational dynamics within the family. It is based on the principle that problems are not located solely in one individual, but in the interactions,
communication patterns, and family cycles that develop over time.
Family therapy is particularly effective in promoting change in family communication and addressing the impact of certain behaviors on the family as a whole. Parents
sometimes struggle to understand their children’s difficulties, and at certain stages of the family life cycle, families face periods of change and transition.
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Family therapy is designed to improve communication among family members and help them discover ways to support one another through these different stages. It is a distinct intervention model, highly effective for certain challenges, that promotes better communication and negotiation among family members and fosters healthier and more satisfying relational patterns for everyone.
This clinical work is intended for families experiencing crisis, conflict, or change that affects emotional balance and relationships among members. Through a safe space guided by a qualified therapist, each family member is invited to express themselves, listen, and be heard, promoting the construction of new ways to understand and live family relationships.
In some cases, therapy may be conducted by two therapists, allowing for the integration of different clinical perspectives and enriching the observation and intervention process, while ensuring greater neutrality and support for the family.
Participation of all family members may vary depending on the stage of therapy and the goals set. The sessions are always conducted with impartiality, respect, and attention to the uniqueness of each family system. The goal is to restore dialogue, strengthen bonds, and promote collective well-being, supporting each family in building more functional and healthier ways of living together.
The frequency and duration of sessions are adjusted for each case, according to the family’s needs and the pace of the therapeutic process.
Childhood and adolescence are critical stages in emotional, cognitive, and relational development. During these periods, challenges may arise that affect the well-being of the child or adolescent, as well as family balance and/or school integration.
In the Child and Adolescent Consultation, we support children and adolescents
experiencing emotional, behavioral, or relational difficulties, such as mood disorders (anxiety, prolonged sadness, or depressive symptoms), challenging or oppositional
behaviors, periods of transition, and other related issues.
The work is conducted in an individualized manner, adapted to the developmental stage of each child or adolescent. We value an integrative approach, based on active listening, building trust, and collaborating with the wider support network (school, pediatric care, etc.), whenever necessary.
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We believe that, with appropriate support, it is possible to promote healthy emotional growth and strengthen the internal resources and autonomy of children and adolescents.
The frequency and duration of sessions are adjusted on a case-by-case basis, depending on the therapeutic process and the goals established collaboratively.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is the medical specialty focused on preventing,
diagnosing, and treating children and adolescents whose psychological and emotional development has been impacted—temporarily or permanently—by factors affecting their emotions, behavior or socialization abilities.
The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry consultation is conducted by a physician with specialized training, using an approach that combines clinical rigor with an
understanding of the family, social, and emotional dynamics influencing the development of children and adolescents up to 18 years of age.
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It is indicated for situations of emotional distress, behavioral changes, learning or socialization difficulties, sleep or eating disturbances, anxiety, depression, grief, and other challenges that may compromise the well-being and overall functioning of the child or adolescent.
In addition to diagnosis and, if necessary, medication prescription, the consultation may include clinical guidance, parental support, and referral to therapy, following a shared plan tailored to the age, history, and specific needs of each case.
The goal is to promote mental health, emotional development, and relational harmony in a safe, ethical environment that respects the uniqueness of each individual.
The evaluation involves careful listening to the child or adolescent, as well as to parents and caregivers, recognizing the importance of the family system and context.
The approach is systemic and collaborative, and can involve coordination with other team professionals—such as psychologists, family therapists, educators, or others—whenever necessary.
Living in a new country is a profound challenge. In Portugal in general, and Lisbon in particular, many expatriates face the delicate balance between integrating into a new culture and maintaining ties with their country of origin.
This consultation provides a safe space to explore issues such as cultural adaptation, loneliness, rebuilding social networks and conflicts in multicultural couples. We support those living between cultures in finding meaning, balance, and belonging. Your experience has value—and deserves to be acknowledged. The expatriate consultation is designed for individuals living outside their country of origin who face emotional, relational, or adaptation challenges associated with the migration experience.
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Cultural changes, distance from support networks, integration difficulties, loneliness, language barriers, and the impact of relocation on family or couple systems are some of the topics frequently addressed.
The approach is systemic and integrative, and can combine different areas of
intervention—such as individual psychotherapy, couples therapy, family therapy, or clinical sexology—according to the needs of those seeking support.
Collaboration with other professionals on the team is always available, following a multidisciplinary, cooperative, and culturally sensitive approach.
This is a space for emotional support, as well as understanding, adaptation, and personal and relational rebuilding, taking into account the impact of migration on mental health and family dynamics.
Consultations can be conducted in Portuguese or English, and are intended for adults, couples, or families in the context of international mobility.
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- Anxiety, stress, and panic attacks
- Depression and persistent emotional distress
- Burnout
- Sleep disturbances
- Grief and processes of mourning
- Existential crises and life transitions
- Difficulties with self-esteem, identity, and self-concept
- Body image disturbances, including body dissatisfaction, dysmorphia, obesity, and excessive weight loss
- Eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating)
- Emotional regulation difficulties and mood disorders
- Sexual difficulties (desire, pain, orgasm, erection, ejaculation)
- Sexual and reproductive health concerns
- Hormonal changes and their impact on emotional well-being
- Communication and intimacy problems within couples
- Female sexuality
- Changes in sexual desire
- Infidelity and crises in romantic relationships
- Marital conflicts and relational breakups
- Sexual counseling
- Contraception and family planning
- Sexually transmitted infections (prevention and treatment)
- Sexual difficulties/dysfunctions
- Sexuality across different life stages and circumstances (menopause, pregnancy and postpartum, aging, and/or chronic illness)
- Sexuality in the LGBTQIA+ population
- Challenges in experiencing sexuality (individually or as a couple), including preferences, practices, and relational dynamics
- Support during divorce processes
- Challenges in parenting
- Issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation
- Family and intergenerational conflicts
- Specialized support during divorce and family restructuring
- Impact of physical or mental illness on family dynamics
- Situations of familial, marital, or sexual violence
- Adaptation to family changes (divorce, birth of siblings, etc.)
- Emotional difficulties in childhood and adolescence
- Behavioral disturbances in childhood and adolescence
- Academic, motivational, or attention/concentration difficulties
- Situations of bullying, exclusion, or social isolation
- Neurodevelopmental disorders (including autism spectrum disorders and ADHD)
- Psychological support in expatriates communities (in Portuguese or English)
Fields of Intervention
These are some of the areas for which we are most frequently sought, and in which we have expertise and specialized training.
We work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, always using an approach adapted to the needs of each individual or family system.
- Anxiety, stress, and panic attacks
- Depression and persistent emotional distress
- Burnout
- Sleep disturbances
- Grief and processes of mourning
- Existential crises and life transitions
- Difficulties with self-esteem, identity, and self-concept
- Body image disturbances, including body dissatisfaction, dysmorphia, obesity, and excessive weight loss
- Eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating)
- Emotional regulation difficulties and mood disorders
- Sexual difficulties (desire, pain, orgasm, erection, ejaculation)
- Sexual and reproductive health concerns
- Hormonal changes and their impact on emotional well-being
- Communication and intimacy problems within couples
- Female sexuality
- Changes in sexual desire
- Infidelity and crises in romantic relationships
- Marital conflicts and relational breakups
- Sexual counseling
- Contraception and family planning
- Sexually transmitted infections (prevention and treatment)
- Sexual difficulties/dysfunctions
- Sexuality across different life stages and circumstances (menopause, pregnancy and postpartum, aging, and/or chronic illness)
- Sexuality in the LGBTQIA+ population
- Challenges in experiencing sexuality (individually or as a couple), including preferences, practices, and relational dynamics
- Support during divorce processes
- Challenges in parenting
- Issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation
- Family and intergenerational conflicts
- Specialized support during divorce and family restructuring
- Impact of physical or mental illness on family dynamics
- Situations of familial, marital, or sexual violence
- Adaptation to family changes (divorce, birth of siblings, etc.)
- Emotional difficulties in childhood and adolescence
- Behavioral disturbances in childhood and adolescence
- Academic, motivational, or attention/concentration difficulties
- Situations of bullying, exclusion, or social isolation
- Neurodevelopmental disorders (including autism spectrum disorders and ADHD)
- Psychological support in expatriates communities (in Portuguese or English)
NEWS
What is Systemic Therapy?
Systemic therapy views the person within their context — because no one exists in isolation.
The Value of Interdisciplinary Teamwork
Different perspectives on the same person can make the difference in the therapeutic process.
More Than a therapeutic appointment: A Space to foster Connections and Care
SPES is more than a clinical service — it is a space designed to be welcoming to all.
Sexology and Psychotherapy: A Necessary Dialogue
Sexuality is an integral part of health and deserves its place in psychological care.