Uncategorized - Psychotherapy Lisbon

FAQ (questions and answers)

How can I find an English-speaking therapist in Lisbon for personality-focused work? Answer: Finding the right support in a foreign city is crucial. In Lisbon, I provide specialized psychotherapy in English for the expat community, focusing on deep-rooted personality patterns and character development. My practice is conveniently located for those seeking professional mental health support in a language they feel most comfortable with. 2. What are “Character Styles” in psychotherapy and how do they affect my life? Answer: Character styles are the consistent ways we think, feel, and relate to others, often shaped by early experiences. Drawing on the work of Nancy McWilliams and psychoanalytic diagnosis, I help clients identify their unique personality organization (such as narcissistic, schizoid, or depressive styles). Understanding these patterns is the first step toward lasting emotional change. 3. Does my personality type (e.g., Schizoid, Narcissistic, or Obsessive) require a specific therapeutic approach? Answer: Yes. According to the framework established by Nancy McWilliams, each personality organization has different needs and defense mechanisms. For example, a “Schizoid” style might focus on safely connecting with others, while an “Obsessive-Compulsive” style might work on integrating emotions. My therapy in Lisbon is tailored to these specific diagnostic nuances. 4. Why is a psychoanalytic diagnosis important for my therapy? Answer: A psychoanalytic diagnosis isn’t about “labeling” you; it’s about understanding the “map” of your internal world. By identifying your level of character organization (neurotic, borderline, or psychotic), we can choose the most effective interventions. This depth-oriented approach goes beyond surface symptoms to treat the person as a whole. 5. Do you offer therapy for expats in Lisbon dealing with identity and character issues? Answer: Absolutely. Being an expat often amplifies underlying character traits or brings hidden patterns to the surface. I specialize in helping the international community in Lisbon navigate these challenges by combining cultural sensitivity with a deep understanding of personality dynamics and relational patterns.

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Emotional Fitness: Mind Training

Emotional Fitness: Training for Your Mind At first, this term might seem amusing—just another addition to the so-called “mental health industry.” However, after a moment, we can see that the idea of Emotional Fitness (EF) is an excellent way to cultivate an additional healthy habit. Regular physical exercise is already becoming a standard, so perhaps it is time for an emotional exercise routine? Inspired by the observations of Dr. Emily Anhalt, we briefly describe the foundations of EF below. The 7 Pillars of Emotional Fitness According to Dr. Anhalt, being emotionally fit requires the consistent training of seven key “muscles”: For more details we invite to visit the author’s site – Dr. Emily Anhalt Why Start Your training / Therapy in Lisbon? Living abroad as an expat brings a unique set of stressors—from cultural adaptation to professional pressure. These 7 pillars are your toolkit for navigating these challenges without losing your sense of self. In our practice, we combine these proactive principles with ISTDP (Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy). This allows us to work on these “muscles” in real-time during our sessions, uncovering the unconscious patterns that hold you back. Whether you are seeking individual or couples therapy, professional support in English is available – contact us. Let’s start training your emotional fitness today. Psychotherapy Lisbon

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Symptoms of anxiety – check list

The below list consists of common symptoms of anxiety. Some of the symptoms might becaused by other health related issues. Please read the list and examine which of thefollowing symptoms do you experience right now or which of the following symptoms youhave when you are very anxious. It is normal to have some level of anxiety (green one) when excited or talking aboutemotional issues. This practice aims to help you be more aware of your signs of anxiety and in results helps toregulate it better. Only with well regulated anxiety it is possible to experience emotions andaddress emotional issues. Manifestations & Symptoms Anxiety Level Somatomotor manifestations (striated muscle patterns): Muscles of the hand (moving of the thumb) The mouth (rabbit-like movement) Forearm (clenching the fist) Tension in the upper arm, shoulders, neck Tension in the muscles of the face Low↓ Clenched the jaws Tension in the vocal cords Tension in the intercostal muscles (frequent sighs) Tension in the belly Tension in the lower muscles of the back Legs (tension or restless legs) Tension from the head to toes Medium Sympathetic reactions: Dry mouth and throat, dry eyes Vaginal dryness Sweating in armpits, sweating of the palms Cold hands Blushing Acceleration of heart rate and force Shivering High Parasympathetic reactions: Light-headedness, dizziness, fainting Constipation, diarrhea, urge to urinate Nausea, over-secretion of digestive hydrochloric acid Wobbly legs, weepiness Manifestations of cognitive/perceptual patterns: Disturbances in thought processes (incoherent, delayed, accelerated) Disturbances in thought content (orientation towards time/place/persons) Disturbances in perception (visual/auditory acuity, tunnel vision, tinnitus, hallucinations, dissociation) ↓Very High

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Do I have low self-esteem?

Self-esteem is not what popular culture tells us it is. We are told that self-esteem is a positive perspective on who we are, how we look, move speak, do, etc. This perspective makes us think that the way of achieving better self-acceptance is through numerous ways of bettering ourselves: diets, exercises, routines, etc. This or valid ways of changing something in your life but they won’t support your self-esteem. What we consciously think about ourselves, what others think about us doesn’t reach to the levels where our self-value permeates. This space, deep inside of our psychic life is where we find ourselves connected and respectful towards who we are (high self esteem) or running away from a close encounter from our emotions, pains, values, and thoughts (low self-esteem). In this sense, our acceptance towards ourselves is enriched with a different meaning. To value myself means to respect my emotional life – knowing my feelings, recognizing their meaning and taking emotionally informed actions. Self-esteem is the foundation of our emotional well-being and overall happiness. It is a vital component of our mental health that influences how we perceive ourselves and our abilities. A positive self-esteem can help us build better relationships, achieve our goals, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence. However, many people struggle with low self-esteem, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.In this post, we’ll explore what self-esteem is, why it’s important, and how to improve it. We’ll also discuss some common myths about self-esteem and provide practical tips for boosting your self-esteem. What is self-esteem? Self-esteem refers to how we feel about ourselves and our worth as a person. It is the subjective evaluation of our own abilities, qualities, and attributes. It is not a fixed trait, but rather a dynamic and evolving concept that can change over time.Why is self-esteem important?A healthy self-esteem is important for several reasons. First, it enables us to cope with life’s challenges and setbacks. When we have a positive self-image, we are more resilient and better equipped to handle stress and adversity. Second, self-esteem affects our relationships with others. People with high self-esteem tend to have more fulfilling relationships and are more assertive in expressing their needs and boundaries. They are also less likely to engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse or risky sexual behavior. Finally, self-esteem is crucial for achieving our goals and pursuing our passions. When we believe in ourselves and our abilities, we are more likely to take risks, try new things, and persist in the face of obstacles. Myths about self-esteem There are many misconceptions about self-esteem that can hinder our efforts to improve it. Here are some common myths: Myth #1: Self-esteem is the same as narcissism. Narcissism is a personality disorder characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy for others. Self-esteem, on the other hand, is a healthy belief in one’s worth and abilities. Myth #2: Self-esteem is something you’re born with. While some people may have a natural disposition toward higher self-esteem, it is not an innate trait. Self-esteem can be cultivated and improved through conscious effort and practice. Myth #3: High self-esteem means never feeling bad about yourself. Everyone experiences negative thoughts and feelings from time to time, regardless of their self-esteem level. The difference is that people with high self-esteem are better equipped to cope with these feelings and bounce back from setbacks. Tips for improving self-esteem If you struggle with low self-esteem, there are many things you can do to improve it. Here are some tips: Self-esteem is a vital component of our emotional well-being and overall happiness. By understanding what self-esteem is, why it’s important, and how to improve it, we can cultivate a positive self-image and navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and confidence. Remember that self-esteem is a dynamic and evolving concept that requires ongoing effort and practice. With time and dedication, you can improve your self-esteem and live a more fulfilling and satisfying life. @Therapy Lisbon

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Piotr Szmyt becomes IEDTA member!

I am proud to share that I have officially become a member of the International Experiential Dynamic Therapy Association (IEDTA). This membership, following 3 years of intensive training in ISTDP, recognizes my commitment to the highest international standards of experiential therapy. For my clients in Lisbon and online, this means access to deeply transformative, evidence-based treatment focused on lasting emotional change. My practice remains dedicated to providing the expat community with world-class therapeutic support in English. Learn more about my approach in therapy: psychotherapylisbon.com

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Sylwia Latacz becomes OPP member!

We are pleased to announce that Sylwia Latacz has officially become a registered member of the Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses (OPP). Registration number: 31224 At Psychotherapy Lisbon, we are committed to providing the highest standards of professional care. Sylwia’s registration further strengthens our mission to offer expert, English-speaking mental health support to the international community in Portugal. Professional, certified help for anxiety, relationship issues, and personal growth is now even more accessible. Book a session in person at our Lisbon office or online. Learn more: https://psychotherapylisbon.com

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