Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General Questions about Psychotherapeutic Counselling
Psychotherapeutic counselling is a safe, confidential space where you can explore emotional challenges, patterns of behaviour, and personal growth with a trained counsellor. Through structured, collaborative conversations, it supports self-awareness, coping skills, and meaningful change.
I work with children, adults, and families who want to better understand themselves, improve emotional wellbeing, or navigate challenges such as ADHD, life transitions, and the impact of unhelpful patterns.
You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling. If life feels harder than it should, if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward, counselling can provide clarity, support, and new perspectives.
Yes — what you share is confidential, with a few legal exceptions, such as if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or if required by law. I’ll explain confidentiality in detail during our first meeting so you know exactly how it works.
Each session is led at your pace. You can bring whatever feels most important to you. I’ll listen, ask questions, and offer reflections to help you understand your patterns and explore new ways of approaching challenges.
That depends on your goals and circumstances. Some clients come for a few weeks, others for several months or longer. We’ll review your progress regularly to ensure the work is supporting you in the way you need.
Coaching is often goal-focused and future-oriented. Psychotherapeutic counselling can include goals, but it also explores underlying patterns, emotions, and past experiences that may be shaping your present. It works at both a practical and a deeper emotional level.
ADHD in Children and Adults
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) can appear at any age and often looks different in adults than in children. In children, it might show as difficulty sitting still, impulsivity, or trouble focusing at school. In adults, it can present as chronic distraction, restlessness, emotional intensity, forgetfulness, or difficulty completing tasks — not just hyperactivity.
Yes. Many people reach adulthood without a diagnosis, often because symptoms were overlooked, masked by coping strategies, or mistaken for something else.
Signs can include difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, restlessness, emotional ups and downs, impulsivity, and struggling to finish what you start. These vary from person to person and can change over time.
Counselling provides a space to understand how your mind works — or your child’s mind — without judgement. Together, we can reduce shame, explore what’s getting in the way, and develop strategies for focus, organisation, and emotional regulation.
Yes. While counselling doesn’t “cure” ADHD, it can help you develop realistic strategies, increase self-awareness, and improve your ability to manage daily challenges.
Yes. While counselling doesn’t “cure” ADHD, it can help you develop practical tools, self-awareness, and self-compassion to navigate everyday challenges more effectively.
Addiction Recovery Support
I don’t provide addiction recovery treatment. Instead, I offer a safe, non-judgemental space to explore patterns that may be linked to addiction. Together, we can bring these patterns to light and decide whether pursuing dedicated recovery support is right for you.
Yes — clients must be sober during sessions so the work can be clear and effective
We can look at any habit or pattern that feels difficult to control or is impacting your life. The focus is on understanding what’s underneath and what support might be helpful.
No. My approach isn’t tied to a single programme. If you choose to join a 12-step group or another recovery programme, I can work alongside it, but our counselling sessions are tailored to your individual needs.
Yes. Relapse doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it can be part of the recovery journey. Counselling can help you understand the cycle, identify triggers, and develop strategies for moving forward.
Shame is common and often keeps people from seeking help. Counselling offers a confidential, compassionate space to talk openly, challenge that shame, and focus on understanding and change.
Practical Information
Sessions are £50. Payment is made in advance to confirm your slot.
Each session is 50 minutes long — a focused, supportive space for you to explore whatever’s coming up.
Most clients find weekly or fortnightly sessions helpful. We’ll agree on a rhythm that suits your needs, schedule, and goals.
Yes — a limited number of reduced-fee spaces are available for those experiencing financial hardship. Please mention this when getting in touch.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give at least 48 hours’ notice. Cancellations with less notice will be charged at the full session rate.
Some clients come for one or two sessions of support, others stay for deeper ongoing work. There’s no pressure — we go at your pace.
I offer sessions in person in Lisbon and online for clients internationally.
A quiet, private space, stable internet, and a phone, tablet, or computer with a camera. A cup of tea or coffee helps too.
Sessions are conducted in English.