If you're based in Lisbon and you're considering starting psychotherapy for the first time, you might be wondering how it can benefit you. The honest answer is: it depends. It depends on you, your therapist, your personal circumstances, and your therapeutic goals. In this article, I will explain how psychotherapy works in general to give you a better understanding of what to expect.

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy, often referred to as talk therapy, is a treatment that supports individuals with various mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. It also helps people cope with major life events and challenges, improve relationships, and enhance their overall sense of well-being and connection.

How Does Psychotherapy Work?

Psychotherapy works by providing a safe and supportive space for individuals to discuss their thoughts, feelings, memories, and experiences. A trained psychotherapist in Lisbon can help you understand your problems, identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs or thought patterns, and develop healthy coping skills. Increased self-awareness and access to appropriate resources make it easier to make life choices aligned with your true self and needs.

Different therapy modalities, such as humanistic, psychodynamic, or cognitive-behavioral approaches, share common goals:

- Gaining Insight and Self-Understanding: Helping people understand themselves better.

- Emotional Awareness and Regulation: Improving emotional control.

- Coping Skills Development: Addressing challenges and developing strategies.

- Promoting Healthier Relationships: Including a better relationship with oneself.

- Facilitating Positive Changes: Assisting clients in making desired changes.

Innovative Psychotherapy Modalities

In Lisbon, newer psychotherapy modalities such as Brainspotting (BSP) and EMDR are available. These techniques engage the subcortical brain by utilising the client’s visual field. As a certified Brainspotting practitioner, I understand that our brain and body are connected, holding certain thoughts, feelings, and memories in specific 'brain spots' in our visual field. Brainspotting involves locating and focusing on these spots to support processing and releasing stuck emotions. This neurophysiological process helps transform triggers into memories that no longer cause strong emotional reactions.

What to Expect in Psychotherapy in Lisbon

A strong therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client is crucial for successful outcomes. In the first few sessions, we will get to know each other, discuss your symptoms, history, and expectations. This helps me understand more about you and your issues, allowing us to develop an initial plan.

Once you feel comfortable, we will dive deeper into your thoughts, feelings, memories, and life experiences. During our sessions, I will use various techniques and tools, such as grounding practices, active listening, questions, worksheets, or BSP.

Duration of Psychotherapy

Typically, psychotherapy sessions last 50 minutes and are held once a week in n my office in Lisbon. While psychotherapy is a powerful healing tool, it is essential to be patient and realistic about expectations. The length of therapy varies based on individual needs, goals, and the type of therapy. Some clients may benefit from short-term therapy, while others may require longer-term psychotherapy.

Successful outcomes depend on the client’s commitment, time, and effort. Therapy is a collaborative process between the therapist and the client. I encourage my clients to consider if they are at a point in their lives where they can invest time and energy into their mental health and well-being. If you feel ready, please feel free to book an initial video call. Let’s talk soon!

Conclusion

Starting psychotherapy in Lisbon can be a significant step towards improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or just need support with life's challenges, psychotherapy offers a path to understanding and change. If you're ready to invest in your mental health, reach out and let's begin this journey together.

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*The information provided in this blog post is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical or mental health professional advice. If you are struggling with any of the issues described in this post, please seek appropriate personalised help from a qualified mental health professional.

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Sources:

Psychotherapy: A Handbook for Theory, Research and Practice by R. J. Corsini

The Efficacy of Psychotherapy by D. F. Shafran

The American Psychological Association Handbook of Psychotherapy by D. H. Barlow