About Me

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Hello! My name is Ana Amaral and I am a Portuguese Psychologist living in the Netherlands since 2019. Being an expat myself, I believe the first and most important thing in a good therapy is the relationship of trust, comfort, non-judgment and empathy established with the person that searches for a more stable and satisfying life.


During my professional journey I have worked with people of various ages, backgrounds and cultures, having experienced first-hand what it is like to support, counsel and evaluate clients always having in mind the improvement of their well-being and quality of life.


In my practice I use a flexible and customized approach mainly based on Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). I also integrate parts of Systemic therapy and Psychodynamic therapy. Therapy is focused on your past and present difficulties, with the aim of creating a better quality of life and well-being in the present and future. I will help you develop skills and strategies adapted to you, your needs and your goals. 

Living as an expat can sometimes be very challenging, being because of language barriers, work environment, culture, family issues, making connections with others as well as the emotions that can, sometimes be very overwhelming, contradicting and confusing, like longing, loneliness, anxiety and sadness. You are not alone.

Qualifications

Education and Professional Experience

  • Independent practice with Expats

  • Psychologist at AMI - For a Global Humanitarian Action (Lisbon)

  • Psychologist at Almada Health Centre (Internship)

  • Master’s Degree in Clinical and Health Psychology by the Faculty of Psychology (University of Lisbon)

  • Erasmus Program at Università degli Studi di Padova (Italy)

  • Advanced Specialization in Family and Couple Therapy by CRIAP (in training)

  • Recruitment, selection and Employee Onboarding by the CRIAP Institute

  • Member of the Order of Portuguese Psychologists (OPP) N.º 24480

  • European Certificate in Psychology Europsy No PT-065291-202010

  • Psychological Intervention in Disaster Situations by the OPP

  • Psychological First Aid Online Course by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)

  • Training in the Evaluation of the Family Change Potential