Psychology seeks to understand and improve the way people function, their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. A psychologist can help with many different situations and problems:
- When we have to deal with difficult life experiences or feelings, such as the end of a relationship, the loss of someone we loved or feelings of fear, sadness or guilt;
- When we have painful experiences or situations in our past that interfere with our lives and prevent us from achieving our goals;
- When you have a physical illness that is interfering with your life and health;
- When our thoughts, feelings or behaviors interfere with our normal day-to-day functioning, or when we feel overwhelmed with our work, raising our children or caring for a sick or elderly relative.
In fact, you don’t need to have a “problem” to seek the help of a psychologist. A psychologist can help when we want to build good self-esteem, change psychological traits and characteristics in ourselves or simply get to know ourselves better. Or when we have a general feeling that something isn’t right and we want to discover and create meaning in our lives. In turn, it can also help resolve mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, eating disorders, stress-related problems, problems in relationships with others, addictions or serious mental disorders.
The work of psychologists also includes:
- Prevention (of bullying at school or stress in the workplace, for example);
- Promoting positive health and mental well-being or learning and academic success;
- Psychotherapy based on scientific evidence makes it possible, through a collaborative effort between the psychologist and the person seeking it, in a safe and confidential support environment, to develop healthy and effective strategies for dealing with thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
- Vocational guidance and career development processes.
- Intervention in psychosocial risks can increase our satisfaction and productivity at work, as well as improving the functioning of organizations.
- Helping people prepare for surgery or adapt to a physical health problem or cope with the emotional and social demands of a particular health treatment.
- Support victims of violence, harassment or other crimes.
- Collaborating with the courts in different legal proceedings, for example providing advice in cases of sexual harassment, divorce or parental custody.
- Help athletes, artists or executives improve their performance and reduce anxiety.
A psychologist can help anyone – an executive in a large company, a student or an unemployed person; children, teenagers, adults or the elderly; healthy people or those suffering from a disabling or even terminal illness; men and women of any race or religion. All of us, for different reasons and at different times in our lives, can benefit from the help of a psychologist.
We can expect a psychologist to respect us and provide us with a safe, trusting and private environment in which to explore our problems and feelings. A psychologist makes a collaborative effort with us to help us think more clearly and flexibly and resolve our difficulties.
Simplify Your Appointment
We offer psychology consultations by video, at your convenience, anytime, anywhere.
Dra. Sílvia Salomé Costa
Academic Background
Psychologist specializing in Clinical and Health Psychology – professional certificate from the Portuguese Psychologists’ Association, no. 7501
PhD from the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Pernambuco (Scholarship holder from the Foundation for Science and Technology)
Direct Clinical Activity
Personal and family intervention in the processes of adaptation to illness and disability (cancer, seropositivity, pain and chronic illness and addiction situations)
Psychotherapeutic intervention in situations of work-related stress, depression, suicide, Anxiety disorders (panic, social anxiety, phobias), bipolar disorder, bereavement, obsessive-compulsive disorder, parenting and marital challenges, bullying, psychological adjustment difficulties in general, coaching, managing emotions and promoting emotional intelligence.
Indirect Clinical Activity
Training of health technicians – burnout in health technicians, the HIV-positive patient, the doctor-patient relationship, the terminally ill patient, the patient with chronic pain, oncology, patients with chronic illnesses and disabilities requiring psychosocial and emotional adjustment
Member of the research team of the Health and Rehabilitation Unit of the Psychology Center of the University of Porto (Foundation for Science and Technology)
Member of the Portuguese Society of Health Psychology
Psychologist certified by the EFPA – European Federation of Psychologists Associations PT-067501-202112
Scientific publications in various specialist journals (Revista Psiquiatria Clínica; Arquivos de Medicina; Psicologia, Saúde & Doenças)
Invited to take part in a panel discussion on Suicide and Para-suicide, at the Mental Health Festival, 2018 (Direção Geral de Saúde and Programa Nacional da Saúde Mental)
Intensive training in Neuropsychopharmacology
Training in Psychological Intervention in Crisis and Catastrophe
Dr. Luís Cunha
Academic Background
Psychologist with professional registration number 25513
Degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in Psychology of Work, Organizations and Human Resources from the University of Minho
Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Minho
Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from the European University of the Atlantic (Spain)
Current Activity
Provision of clinical psychology services, namely psychological counselling/psychotherapy, psychological assessment of drivers and psychological assessment of private security, as well as training in the area
Provision of organizational psychology services, such as professional coaching, recruitment and selection and training
Other professional experience
Project development in the area of professional and organizational development, such as management and coordination of training and recruitment of professionals
Postgraduate degree as a Senior Occupational Safety Technician from the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda
International Certified Professional Coach by the Association for Coaching
Advanced specialization in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy in Depression and Anxiety (in Training)
Dra. Alexandra Nunes
Academic Background
Clinical Psychologist with solid academic training and diversified experience in Psychological Assessment and Intervention contexts.
Degree and Master’s Degree in Clinical and Health Psychology from Universidade Lusíada do Porto, with a Postgraduate Degree in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies from Instituto CRIAP. Professional license from the Portuguese Psychologists’ Association, nº 16409.
Current Activity
Clinical Psychology Consultation, with a special focus on children and adolescents, promoting emotional well-being and healthy development.
Psychological Assessment in multiple contexts: Driving, Private Security, Recruitment, Vocational Guidance, among others.
Other professional experience
Certified trainer (CCP), specializing in the following subjects: bereavement, school failure, learning difficulties, sexuality in adolescence and sports ethics.
During her professional career, she has taken the following courses:
Psychological Intervention in Disaster Situations;
Relaxation Techniques;
Psychological Assessment of Drivers and Private Security;
Psychosocial Risks and Stress at Work;
Specialized courses in dyslexia, reading and writing;
Training in psychological assessment tests: WISC III, NEO-PI-R, ALEPE, ALPE;
Participation in workshops and conferences on anxiety, depression, psychological intervention, positive education, autism, gender equality, ADHD, sports ethics, among others.
Call now and book your psychology appointment on the number:
+351 222 011 186
Calling the national fixed network
Or be contacted
Contact Information and Hours: Clinic
Rua Sousa Aroso, nº 599, 4450-289 Matosinhos
Phone: 222 011 186 (Call to the national landline network)
Mobile: 92 811 0150 (Call to the national mobile network)
Email: clinica@medilav.pt
Monday through Friday
8:30 AM–1:00 PM | 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is psychology?
Psychology is the area of health dedicated to the study of behavior, emotions and mental processes. Through psychological intervention, it is possible to understand difficulties, develop strategies and promote emotional balance and well-being.
What is a psychology consultation for?
Psychological consultations provide support in managing emotions, anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties and other day-to-day situations. Advice is tailored to each individual, with a focus on improving quality of life.
When should you see a psychologist?
You should see a psychologist whenever you experience emotional difficulties, mood swings, persistent anxiety or a negative impact on your well-being. Early intervention can help prevent situations from worsening.
How to choose a psychologist?
When choosing a psychologist, you should consider their training, experience and therapeutic approach, as well as how you feel during the consultation. At Medilav, psychology consultations are tailored to each person’s needs, guaranteeing structured, individualized care.
Where to go for a psychology consultation in Porto?
If you’re looking for psychology in Porto, Medilav in Matosinhos offers psychology consultations with personalized support, focused on emotional management and personal development.
