Alicja Szalinska

The relationship between the client and the counsellor is essential for a successful outcome.

I’m Alicja, the therapist you’ll work with if you choose therapy at Lisbon Counselling, so let me tell you a little more about myself and how I work with clients as a psychotherapist.‍

How do I work?

‍I work with clients in-person in Lisbon and online. I am a qualified therapist with a diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and an MSc in Clinical Psychology.

In my clinical work, I use predominantly person-centred talking and creative therapy as well as brain-based therapy.

I value a client-led approach, but at the same time, I can offer treatment methods, techniques and strategies to help my clients achieve their well-being goals.

I firmly believe in empowering my clients. I create a highly-attuned client/counsellor relationship and a safe, nurturing and non-judgemental environment, in which we explore issues and we work together towards gaining insight, finding relief, personal growth, psychological resilience and the changes the client desires.

Who can benefit from this type of therapy?

‍Person-centred approach is right for clients who are ready for self-exploration and need help tapping into their inner resources.

It is helpful for individuals who wish to recognise what is right for them and what they need to become the most fulfilled version of themselves – to ‘self-actualise’.

As a person-centred practitioner, I see my clients as fundamentally capable and equal to the counsellor and we work together to explore both their issues and the resources available to them.

I use empathy, congruence and acceptance to create a powerful therapeutic relationship and an environment in which a person can become empowered and thrive.

While the therapy process is client-led, I offer treatment methods, techniques and strategies to help my clients achieve their well-being goals.

What type of clients tend to work with me?

I work with individuals, and I support adults in all stages of life.

I have worked with clients to resolve problems around family and romantic relationships, stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, self esteem, bereavement and relocation.

I can also help clients in improving self-awareness, finding relief and achieving personal growth.

Counselling for the international community in Portugal – why choose to talk to me?‍

I see myself as a multicultural person. I spent my childhood and teenage years in Poland. In my adult life, I have lived in Scotland, England and Portugal.

Migration is a major life event and I can relate to the experience of moving and settling into a new country.

I’m aware that it can be both an exciting and challenging time and I enjoy helping international communities in Portugal in navigating their new reality and a different culture.

The majority of my website is written in English. However,  I also provide essential information about therapy in Polish.

Clients can choose from appointments in Lisbon’s city centre therapy room (off Avenida de Liberdade) or online sessions.

Working online through Zoom or WhatsApp allows me to successfully offer expat therapy to clients locally as well as in other parts of Portugal such as Porto, Coimbra, the Silver Coast or the Algarve.

What is my background?

‍I trained as a counsellor in the historic city of York in England and I hold a diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.

I continued my professional education in Warsaw, Poland and I also hold an MSc in Clinical Psychology.

During my training I worked in the National Health Service in England, seeing clients in two busy GP clinics, and I am qualified and experienced in therapy for adults.

Before I became a therapist, I earned a degree in BA (Hons) in Business Management from a university in Edinburgh and I enjoyed a 10+ years career in entrepreneurship and marketing.

Today, my business acumen and first-hand knowledge of workplace pressures enable me to empathise with clients who face challenges at work.

I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and my qualifications and clinical work comply with the strict requirements and ethical framework for mental health professionals.

BACP membership, professional insurance and regular supervision enable me to conduct a safe and professional practice.