Depression is not a lack of willpower or a weakness. It is a real condition that drains your energy, your pleasure and your sense of meaning. Living far from home, without your usual support, can make it heavier. You do not get through it on willpower alone, but you do get through it with the right support. And that path can start today.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, and also one of the most misunderstood. It is not simply "feeling down" or "a lack of willpower". It is a real, lasting change in mood, energy and the way we live, affecting the body, our thoughts and our daily life.
People living with depression are not being weak or dramatic. They are facing something that makes even the simplest tasks feel heavy. Recognising this matters, because depression is treatable, and psychotherapy is one of the approaches with the best results in recovery.
Persistent sadness, emptiness, irritability, loss of interest and pleasure in what once mattered.
Constant tiredness, changes in sleep and appetite, slowness, aches with no clear cause.
Intense self-criticism, guilt, difficulty concentrating, a negative view of yourself and the future.
"Depression lies. It tells us it will always be like this. Therapy helps you recover the voice that knows it is not true."
We all go through periods of sadness, and that is part of life. Depression is different: it is deeper, longer-lasting and interferes with your ability to function day to day. Telling the two apart helps you know when it is time to seek support.
In treating depression I mainly use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, one of the most evidence-based approaches in this area. We work at your pace, without pressure, so you can recover energy, meaning and a sense of connection with life. Sessions are in fluent English, so nothing gets lost in translation.
Explore your story and what keeps the depression active, without judgement and at your pace.
Gradually recover energy and routines, and work on the thoughts that feed the suffering.
Find meaning, pleasure and connection again, and prevent relapse with lasting tools.
Treating depression benefits from a structured, evidence-based approach. Throughout my career I have dedicated advanced training precisely to this area, and I work in fluent English with the international community in Lisbon.
"Recovery from depression is rarely a straight line. My role is to walk with you, including on the days that feel hardest."
You do not need to be sure before seeking support. If you have felt down, without energy or interest in things, for weeks, and it affects your daily life, it is worth talking. The first session is precisely to understand together what is happening.
Therapy does not involve medication and, in mild to moderate cases, can be effective on its own. In more intense cases, therapy and care from a psychiatrist can complement each other. Any decision about medication always rests with a doctor and is assessed case by case.
I understand, and that is part of depression itself. That is exactly why online sessions by video call exist: they let you start from home, without the effort of travelling. Later, if you wish, you can move to in-person sessions.
Both options are available. In-person sessions take place in Lisbon, on Avenida do Brasil. Online sessions are held by video call, with the same quality of support, wherever you are.
Yes. I offer therapy in fluent English to the international community living in Lisbon and across Portugal. Being able to talk about what you feel in your own language makes a real difference, especially with depression.
If you feel you cannot go on, or you have thoughts of harming yourself, please seek help immediately. In Portugal you can call the national health line SNS 24 (808 24 24 24) or the emotional support line SOS Voz Amiga (213 544 545). In an emergency, call 112. You are not alone, and help is available right now.
Book your session, at your own pace, and start to find colour in your days again. In person in Lisbon or online, by video call.
Book a Session50-minute session · in person or online · confidential