Each of us deserves to feel good, with a happy and fulfilled life. However, we all go through difficult moments in life when we feel overwhelmed with a mix of feelings that affect the way we feel about ourselves and our lives.
You may be stuck in negative patterns of thinking and behavior, feel sad for no apparent reason, feel stuck in a relationship or career that doesn't fulfill you, or be going through a difficult life phase that interferes with your emotional stability, security or identity.
Whatever the reason, doing therapy can bring benefits and well-being to our lives and personal relationships. It's important that you know that you don't have to cope alone.
"YOU ARE NOT WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU, YOU ARE WHAT YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME"
Carl Jung
Art Psychotherapist Nº AS14668
Hello, welcome to my page!
My name is Inês and I was interested in art and psychotherapy from an early age. Therefore, combining psychotherapy with creative expression in order to help people on a deeper level is an ideal combination in my work.
I am a qualified and registered Art psychotherapist with the Health Professions Council of the United Kingdom (HCPC) and my professional practice is based on the codes of ethics established by it. I completed a Masters in Art Psychotherapy in 2013 at the University of Roehampton, London, UK and have 11 years of clinical experience in various work contexts such as Healthcare Units, community services, IPSSs and private practice of Art Psychotherapy. At the moment I dedicate myself full time to the private practice of Art psychotherapy.
My goal is to offer you a safe space for reflection and acceptance, where healing and inner growth take place and are experienced as greater self-acceptance, emotional well-being, better personal relationships and quality of life.
What to expect from therapy with me?
Sessions are conducted in a private and confidential setting, and my goal is to create a supportive environment where you feel safe to express your
thoughts and feelings without judgment. We will work together to help you
overcome your difficulties. Working with me is a collaborative process aimed at helping you understand yourself better and improve your emotional
health and quality of life. My approach is client centred, meaning I tailor the
therapy to your specific needs and goals and may use different therapeutic
techniques, depending on what suits you best.
Who do I work with?
I primarily support adults going through particularly challenging life phases, such as situations of loss or change, relational difficulties, or professional problems affecting their emotional stability and other significant areas of life. They might be experiencing an identity crisis, disorientation, and/or existential questions, or they might wish to process past events. Some of the symptoms and emotions that lead individuals to start therapy include low self-esteem, self-criticism, anxiety, sadness or emptiness, lack of motivation, guilt, anger, among many others.
"THE MOST CREATIVE ACT YOU WILL EVER UNDERTAKE IS THE ACT OF CREATING YOURSELF"
Deepak Chopra
What benefits can you expect from therapy?
Common benefits of therapy are feeling understood and supported in an environment of respect and acceptance during a difficult phase of your life. Developing greater awareness about the origin of your emotional suffering, your patterns, and how to change them. Greater emotional stability, more self acceptance, increased personal satisfaction and healthier relationships. Increased trust in yourself, your worth and dignity, and the ability to respect your needs and set your boundaries. A stronger sense of identity and greater clarity about what you need, and more courage to follow your path.
How does creative expression benefit the therapeutic process?
Creative expression in therapy serves as a complement to dialogue, allowing the expression of emotions and thoughts that can be difficult to articulate with words. It is a useful and safe way to release repressed emotions, reduce stress and alleviate anxiety, helping us to gain greater self-awareness and understanding of our own feelings, behaviours and experiences. You do not need any prior experience with creative expression to benefit from this therapeutic approach and although it is not mandatory, you may be surprised at how this process can help you on your path to change and well-being. I will be here to guide and assist you in your therapy process.
I have known Inês for many years and I deeply value her beautiful ability to bring together compassion and care with insight and understanding. Inês is a very thoughtful and kind person with so much to offer. She has helped me immensely to develop my self understanding and self expression. I recommend her to anyone.
Richard Williams
A Inês é uma pessoa naturalmente carinhosa e sensível, sempre em sintonia com as necessidades do outro. Ela é uma profissional reflexiva, uma excelente ouvinte e muito criativa. A sua vasta experiência com vários grupos populacionais e contextos de trabalho faz com que ela seja uma profissional com muitas competências. Não hesitaria em recomendá-la como arte psicoterapeuta.
Catarina Vasconcelos
Contact me using the form below to schedule your initial free call to understand what you would like to work on in therapy and to answer to any questions you may have. After this call and if we both agree that you could benefit from us working together, we will then schedule your first session.