Consultas de Psicologia
Durante a vida surgem situações por vezes mais desafiantes, que nos causam sofrimento, seja no trabalho,
na família, nos relacionamentos interpessoais, por motivos médicos, tornando-se difíceis de serem geridas emocionalmente.
Nesta página encontra algumas informações sobre as consultas de psicologia, nomeadamente como se processam, os valores,
motivos para agendamento, entre outras questões frequentes.
Cátia Castro - Psicóloga
Como se processam as Consultas de Psicologia
Como se processam as Consultas de Psicologia
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How do I know if my reason is valid for having a psychology appointment?
If you are questioning whether your reason is valid enough to seek a psychology consultation, it is important to remember that any form of psychological distress deserves to be recognized and treated. The goal of psychology is to evaluate and help in understanding and overcoming this suffering.
If something is disturbing or interfering with the way your everyday life works, then that is reason enough. Many people seek consultation to deal with a wide range of issues, which can include:
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Emotional difficulties and instability
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Depression or episodes of deep sadness
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anxiety disorders
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Self-injurious behaviors or thoughts
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Dealing with separation or divorce
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Experiences of (cyber)bullying
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Obsessive or compulsive behaviors
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Difficulties in interpersonal relationships
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Problematic use of video games or social media
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Addition to purchases, and/or other additions
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Desire for personal development
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Mental health prevention and promotion
Furthermore, it is important to point out thatpsychology consultation is not just for crisis situations or mental illness.
Many people seek psychotherapy for personal development, to better understand themselves and their behavior patterns, to promote their general well-being and their resilience in the face of future adversities.
If you believe that therapy could be of benefit to you, please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment. The first step is often the most challenging, but also the most rewarding. Remember: your well-being is always valid and important.
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What does a Clinical Psychologist do?
As a clinical psychologist I do psychological assessment and intervention that helps with construction and development, achieving a deeper understanding of your thoughts, feelings and experiences.
My work involves psychological assessment to identify problems, difficulties, needs, risk factors but also protection and potential.
I carry out clinical observation, interviews and, if necessary, apply psychological tests and/or questionnaires to gather information about psychological dynamics.
From this information, I inform about the psychodiagnosis, developing a personalized treatment plan - psychotherapy. I work collaboratively with you to set goals and develop strategies that promote healthy change.
To practice the profession of Clinical Psychologist@, it is necessary to have a degree in Psychology, complemented by a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology. In addition, it is mandatory to carry out a professional internship supervised by the Order of Portuguese Psychologists (OPP). Upon successful completion of this internship, you become an effective member of the OPP and receive a unique and identifiable professional card. The authenticity of this ballot can be verified through the search engine available on the OPP website.
The practice of clinical psychology is regulated by the Order of Portuguese Psychologists andbased on research and scientific evidence, with ethical and deontological principles framed in Portuguese law.
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How are queries processed?
Consultations, also referred to as sessions, take place in an environment designed to be empathetic, inclusive and psychologically safe.
It is a space where respect and confidentiality are paramount. The aim of consultations is to provide support, promote mental health and encourage personal development.
My sessions take place in a person-centred manner, guided by their needs and comfort. During each session, you will be encouraged to freely express your thoughts, feelings and concerns. As a clinical psychologist, I will be there to listen, try to understand, inform, using appropriate psychotherapeutic techniques to help you face your challenges and achieve your goals.
These consultations can take place in two ways, in person, in the office, or online, by video call.
The online modality offers greater flexibility, allowing you to receive support in the comfort and safety of your own home. In both cases, the focus is always on providing a welcoming and safe environment where you can feel free to explore and better understand your experience.
What is the value?
The consultation costs 50 euros, you can pay via MBWay.
When making your inquiry, I provide you with an itemized receipt which you can hand over to your insurer to obtain the applicable discount in accordance with the conditions stipulated in your policy.
Your mental health is an investment that deserves to be taken care of and accessible.
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What is Psychotherapy?
In the psychology consultation, the reason for the consultation is analysed, a clinical history of the person's development is made, the possibilities and objectives to be worked on in psychotherapy are analysed.
Psychotherapy, then, is psychological treatment that seeks to help with a wide variety of issues following a psychology consultation.
Psychotherapy is psychological treatment aimed at reducing psychological distress,
may contribute to physical and psychological well-being, promoting autonomy and free choices.
Treatment goals may include reducing symptoms, modifying behaviors, and/or achieving specific life goals.
The total duration of psychotherapy depends on the person and the desired goals of psychotherapy. It can, for example, be a few weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, or more, it really depends on the objectives and needs, as already mentioned.
Each session is 50 minutes long, sessions usually take place once a week.
They can in some cases occur twice, or more, per week depending on your needs and availability.
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There are several different types of Psychotherapywould you?
Yes, they exist.
My theoretical approach is centered on Relational Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, a modality that emphasizes the intersubjective co-construction and the intrapsychic development of the person*.
My clinical practice is adjusted to the person's needs, their problem and symptomatology, benefiting from an integrated approach, that is, sometimes also with psychoeducation/information about their symptoms, as well as more directive ways of dealing with them.
For example, some behaviors are expression of symptoms, others are an expression of what he has been learning since birth throughout his life, others may be due to the way he manages the regulation of their emotions, others may still be reactions to the behavior of others but which sometimes have an unconscious meaning that we do not consciously have access to, but which in psychotherapy we can analyze and identify what they represent for you.
*But what exactly does this mean?
Relational Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy is based on the assumption that the relationship is transformative and an engine of psychic development. is analyzed your unconscious processes, your inner world and how is reflected in the way you think and interact, so you can explore ways of thinking, feeling, in a flexible, autonomous and healthy way.
This approach carefully considersthe various stages of developmentof your life andyour relational patterns that have formed over time. However, it goes beyond the past and focuses on your present situation as well -how you perceive and interpret your current reality, how it affects your behavior and how you relate to others.
The objective is to help develop greater self-knowledge, so that, if relevant, you can make informed changes in your life and in your relationships, with a view to a better quality of life.
To become a relational psychoanalyst psychotherapist, it is necessary to have a specific post-graduate training of 3 years of theoretical training, 200 hours of bi-weekly personal psychotherapy and over 150 hours of supervision by two different supervisors.
One of the tasks of our present may be to redefine our understanding of the past.
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How is the psychology office?
What do I have to say?
Sometimes there can be uncertainties when thinking about what to expect from a psychology office and what you should share during consultations.
Allow me to shed some light on the process.
First, I want to assure you that the office is a safe and confidential environment, trying to provide a space where you feel comfortable expressing your thoughts and emotions. It was thought to be a welcoming and peaceful place, where respect for your rhythm and your personal space is fundamental.
Regarding what you should share in consultations, there is no set roadmap. The session is your space, and it is important that you talk about what you think is relevant and what you are feeling at the moment.
These could be everyday issues, problems or challenges you are facing, thoughts or feelings that are causing you discomfort, or simply reflections on your life. The most important thing is that you feel free to share whatever you want, at your own pace.
My role, as a psychologist, is to listen carefully, without judgment, and guide you through the process of self-exploration and understanding. Psychotherapy is a joint journey, in which we will work together to better understand what is happening and how we can develop strategies that help to face the challenges and promote your well-being.
Remember that there is no 'right way' to do psychotherapy. Each person is unique, and the therapeutic process is tailored to their particular needs and circumstances.
The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and supported during this process.
Photos of the Office located in Edifico Amoreiras Square, in Lisbon
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What is Psychological Assessment?
Psychological assessment is a process of collecting and interpreting information about the person with the aim of better understanding their characteristics and behaviours. This evaluation can be done through interviews, clinical observation, questionnaires, standardized tests, and is an essential complement in the clinical practice of a psychologist.
When psychological assessment is requested for an external context, it serves for different purposes, such as for a school, professional, court context and depends on who requests it.
It can help identify possible difficulties or psychological disorders, understand individual strengths and vulnerabilities, provide a diagnosis and direct the most appropriate treatment. In addition, it can also be used to assess the person's progress throughout psychotherapeutic treatment.
Ultimately, the psychological assessment provides a comprehensive picture of the person's psychological functioning, which allows the professional to offer the best possible assistance, tailored to their specific needs.
The Psychological Assessment Reports that I will be able to do as part of my training are:
- Psychological Assessment Reports within the scope of Clinical Psychology (requests by schools, doctors, family members, etc.)
- Psychological Assessment Reports within Legal/Forensic Psychology (requests for court, etc.)
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How to book the appointment?
First, you can visit the 'Contacts' page of this website. There, you will find a form that you must fill in with your contact information and any questions or comments you may have.
After sending this form, I will receive your message by email and I will contact you to schedule the appointment.
Alternatively, you may prefer to contact me directly at the telephone number 933828512. If you do not answer immediately, I will contact you as soon as possible.
I will be available to schedule your appointment Monday through Friday.
The office is conveniently located in Edifício Amoreiras Square, in Lisbon. To facilitate your arrival, you can consult Google Maps and obtain information about public transport or parking on the 'Contacts' page of this website.
If you prefer, the consultation can be carried out online, via Skype or Zoom video call, giving you the flexibility to connect from the comfort of your home or office.
Regardless of the method chosen, I will ensure that you are received in a welcoming and confidential environment.
