About Me

I am a chartered Counselling Psychologist trained at a doctoral level with more than 15 years of experience in the NHS, charitable and private sectors.
Over the years I have helped an uncountable number of clients. I am passionate about the interaction of early relationships with the present that are often in the base of many of the issues. This was reflected in my Doctoral thesis focused precisely on the interaction of early attachments, relationships, and sexuality.

Experience and areas of work

Areas I work with include depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship problems, stress/ burn out, work related issues, overall emotional problems, life changes, identity and expat’s experienced difficulties, cultural issues, self-growth. I have worked extensively with expats/foreign nationals/ immigrants and refugees and have a deep understanding of the specific challenges they face.

MY THERAPEUTIC STYLE

I work collaboratively with my clients in a sensitive and warm manner towards an aim that we jointly identify. I draw from a wide range of therapeutic approaches and models to tailor the best treatment plan for you. When working with you I will consider your past relationships and early experiences to understand and inform your present life and current difficulties. I use different techniques drawing on from the breadth of knowledge and experience I acquired during my training and work. I keep a good balance between challenging and supporting clients. I am confident on my approach due to very good feedback I received from my clients who feel listened to, empowered, and report a deeper understanding and acceptance of themselves and the world they interact with.

FIRST CONTACT

Starting therapy can be a daunting process but you can rest assured that this is a journey where I will be alongside you, providing a safe, warm, supportive, confidential, and non-judgmental environment where you can comfortably express yourself and your motivations for therapy.
Usually, I offer an initial brief 20 minutes phone consultation. If we both feel we could work together we then book an initial session. If we choose to continue therapeutic work, we will normally meet at the same time each week. We might agree on brief work (e.g.,8 weeks) or an open-ended approach, depending on your needs and goals.

I offer therapeutic sessions in English and Portuguese. Face-to-face in Kensington and remotely (Zoom, facetime and over the phone)

Training and Qualification

I trained as a psychologist in Coimbra at one of the best Universities in Portugal.
I then trained in London and obtained a qualification in counselling, a master’s in counselling psychology and completed a Postgraduate Degree in Counselling Psychology at City University London. Following from that I obtained a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology focusing on relationships, attachment, and sexuality.
Throughout those years I continued seeing clients on a regular basis.

EXPERIENCE

I have worked for several years in:
- The NHS, Primary care mental health services, hospital and Gp based,
- voluntary sector - counselling services
- and in private practice.

APPROACHES

My main training approaches are:
-Psychodynamic therapy and more recently DIT (Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy)
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy),
-Person-Centred therapy

I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Counselling and am a chartered member of the British Psychological Society.

I am passionate about helping you gain a better understanding of yourself and supporting you in changing your life for the better. People are diverse and I work with a wide range of individuals from all sexual identities, religions, ethnicities and cultures.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION :

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Disclaimer

Although Therapport Limited, the owner of the practice, is thorough in checking the qualifications, insurance and professional registration of each of our practitioners, the relationship is ultimately between the client and the practitioner themselves. Therapport Limtied provides space for clinicians and is not responsible for the clinical work they provide. Dr Sandra Couto is a HCPC Registered Clinical Psychologist, therefore the complaints should be direct to Health & Care Professions Council.