EMDR Therapy in Lisbon
A gentle, focused approach to healing for expats and locals alike—online or in person.
A Warm Welcome – Therapy for Expats in Lisbon
If you’ve recently moved to Lisbon—or have lived here a while—you’re not alone in experiencing the emotional ups and downs that come with a big move. I split my time between Lisbon and London, and I know that relocation can bring unexpected challenges.
I offer EMDR therapy in Lisbon, both in-person and online, for individuals looking for support with anxiety, trauma, adjustment stress, and more. My practice blends Gestalt, EMDR, IFS, and somatic approaches to help you feel grounded, safe, and at home within yourself.
My approach to Therapy
I'm a Gestalt therapist with six years of training, an accredited EMDR practitioner, and have also trained in attachment-focused EMDR, IFS (Internal Family Systems), and somatic approaches like polyvagal theory. My work blends these modalities, always starting with a collaborative assessment of your needs.
Whether you’re looking for standard protocol EMDR, attachment-focused EMDR, or a more blended approach, our work will be guided by what feels right for you.
Why Does EMDR Work?
In this short video, you learn what EMDR is, how it works on the nervous system, and why it can help release stuck trauma or emotional patterns—even when traditional therapy hasn’t.
Why EMDR in Lisbon?
Relocation can bring up unresolved emotions, even if it was your dream move. EMDR helps expats with:
Post-relocation grief or disillusionment
Anxiety, panic, or identity loss
Language barriers and cultural adjustment
Parenting in a new system
Career, financial, or creative blocks
Isolation and relationship tension
EMDR is especially useful if you want something focused and effective, rather than long-term talk therapy.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
EMDR helps the brain process unhelpful beliefs and stuck emotions by using bilateral stimulation—like eye movements or tapping. You stay with a present-day issue, trace it to its roots, and reprocess it so your nervous system can finally let it go.
This isn’t about rehashing the past—it’s about updating your nervous system with new information so you can respond with clarity and calm in the present.
Will EMDR Help Me?
EMDR can be transformative if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down by past experiences. It’s used to treat everything from anxiety and depression to trauma, creative blocks, and relationship stress. Even if you've tried talk therapy before, EMDR works differently—by helping your nervous system fully release what's been held inside.
Case Study :
One client came to me after relocating to Lisbon, feeling isolated and anxious despite a successful move on paper. Through EMDR, we uncovered an old belief that she was “too much” for people—something formed in childhood but still affecting her confidence today. Within a few sessions, that belief began to shift. She started socializing more, taking creative risks, and even launched a side project she'd been dreaming about for years.
Will EMDR Work for Me?
EMDR has been shown to help people heal from anxiety, trauma, depression, and stuck patterns—even if you’ve had therapy before. It’s especially effective if you're open to exploring how your past affects your present.
We’ll begin with an assessment to see what approach works best for you.
Can EMDR Be Done Online or Virtually?
Yes—online EMDR therapy is just as effective. In fact for some people it can work even better than in-person sessions as you may feel more safe and comfortable in your own space.. We can use tools like audio tones or tapping to deliver bilateral stimulation over a specially designed for EMDR video call platform called Bilateral Base. Whether you’re in Lisbon or traveling, you can continue sessions from wherever you are.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s an evidence-based therapy originally developed for PTSD, now used for anxiety, depression, identity shifts, and more.
It helps you release old stuck patterns, not just by talking about them—but by transforming how they live in your nervous system. For a more in-depth overview, visit my full EMDR Therapy page.
Why Work With Me?
Six years of Gestalt therapy training
Accredited EMDR therapist with advanced certification
1000s of client hours in a wide range of settings and all walks of life from residential trauma settings to private practice to private psychotherapy clinics.
Integrative training in IFS, polyvagal theory, and somatic practices
Lived experience of relocation and cultural identity as a mixed-heritage woman
LGBTQ+ affirming and trauma-informed
Yoga, breathwork, and body-based awareness integrated into sessions
Ready to Begin?
We’ll start with a 50-minute assessment session to explore your needs and determine the best therapeutic approach. I offer both in-person sessions in Alfragide and online EMDR therapy.