I would like to seek your services for my child. What can I expect will happen?

Please email me with a brief outline of your concerns and what type of support you are looking for. We can then have an initial 15 minutes phone call so I can understand more about your child’s/family’s needs. This is free of charge. If I don’t feel I am the best person to offer support, I can think with you where you may access it.

If we decide to proceed, we would have an initial consultation/assessment appointment where we would discuss in more detail what your concerns are and what you would like to be different. This usually lasts approximately 60 minutes. Depending on the nature of your concerns, you can choose for your child to be present or not. We can think together what would be suit your family’s needs best.

Following this, I would recommend a plan which may involve assessment of your child’s needs or an intervention where I would meet your child or family for a number of sessions. The formulation (understanding of the concerns) will influence the plan. We will decide together what approach will be best.

How do you keep what we discuss private and confidential?

Everything we talk about will remain private and confidential unless I am worried about your child’s safety or anyone else’s safety in your family. In these circumstances, I have a professional responsibility to share information with relevant professionals. Unless, there was a specific reason not to, I would always inform you about this beforehand. As is the case with all registered psychologists, I have regular supervision with an Educational and Child psychologist to discuss my work and ensure I am delivering the best possible care for my clients. Information during supervision is anonymised and no personal information is disclosed.

I am a parent interested in your services, what type of therapy sessions do you offer?

Therapy interventions may be recommended once perspective on the presenting concerns is gained. I offer a number of interventions:

• Individual therapy with children/young people

  Therapeutic based 1-1 sessions drawing upon a range of therapy models including; Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness.

• Family Consultancy

  Family Consultancy sessions involve working with both the child and close family members to improve relationships, communication and family well-being. This is based on the idea that in order for change to occur within a family, all members play a role in contributing to this change and therefore all are invited to take part in the sessions. Family Consultancy is a brief intervention (approximately 3 sessions are offered over a number of weeks, but this is dependent on the need) to improve family resilience using a range of tools including drawing and talking based therapy. Principles from Systemic Theory, Solution Focused Therapy and Mentalisation are used to facilitate new learnings regarding concerns and problems and a Family Action Plan is co-generated by all to try out, which is reviewed in subsequent sessions.

  
  

• Video Interaction Guidance

  Video Interaction Guidance focuses on in improving communication and functioning between a parent-child relationship. This can be offered to parents/carers with children of any age; from young baby to young adult. I will first film you playing or doing something with your child together. I then edit this into a short video clip. In a follow up session this clip is viewed and discussed together (usually just with the parent if your child is young) in a specific way to help you reflect on your relationship with your child and on your parenting.
  

Where are your services based?

I work in the community in the Lisbon and in surrounding areas. I offer an outreach service so many of my services can take place in your home. This allows for flexibility on appointment times, but it also can help your child feel more comfortable in meeting a psychologist. Sometimes, my work is carried out at your child’s school, depending on the nature of the concerns. I also offer clinic appointments in Algés, Lisbon. We can discuss your preferences in your initial phone call with me and together agree what would be best.

Do you offer an online service?

Yes, most of my services can be delivered via video conference. However, there are some services, such as the delivery of certain standardised assessments that cannot take place over video. Please contact me for further information to discuss your preferences.

My child has some worries about meeting a psychologist. What can I do to help him or her?

Many children show some worry or reluctance in meeting a psychologist. It is sometimes best to involve your child from the start in your decisions and plans in wanting to seek some support. Hold in mind your child’s developmental age and needs, tell them why you think this may be a good idea and perhaps give them some examples of how you want things to be different for them. Really listen to their views on what they have to say, and perhaps make a list of their questions or worries before your first session. Often saying that you as their parent need outside help in order to support them with some difficulty, takes the pressure off your child. In your initial call with me, I will discuss this more with you and support you in how to prepare your child for their first session.

What are your fees?

I have a standard fee charge. Depending on the nature and length of the work e.g. assessment or therapy sessions, different packages are available. I offer concession fees for families on low incomes.

When we have our initial phone call fee charges will be discussed with you.

An additional fee of 15 euros within Lisbon city centre is charged for travel time and costs.