Psychotherapy for adults navigating complex transitions
In English · Based in Porto · Online sessions available
When life no longer makes sense in the same way
My Approach
My name is Maryia and I thank you for being here. I work with adults who are outwardly functional but internally navigating a shift that hasn’t fully settled.
Often, something significant has disrupted how life used to make sense — a loss, relocation, illness, major transition, or a profound experience that changed how you see yourself or the world. Life continues, but the internal framework no longer fits in the same way.
My work is not focused on quick fixes or surface-level coping strategies. It is depth-oriented psychotherapy for people who want to understand what has changed, integrate it meaningfully, and move forward without oversimplifying their experience.
Sessions with me are reflective, structured, and grounded in both psychological depth and practical movement.
What can I expect from my first session?
The first session is a structured conversation, not an assessment or a commitment.
We begin by understanding what feels unresolved and what brings you here, without pressure to explain everything clearly or have a finished story. You don’t need to prepare.
This session is also for you to decide whether this way of working feels right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is therapy right for me / how do I know if this is a good fit?
Choosing a therapist is a personal decision, and the quality of the therapeutic relationship matters at least as much as the method or approach. Therapy works best when there is trust, a sense of being understood, and confidence in the therapist’s way of thinking and working.
Generally speaking, even though it sounds biased, I believe everyone can benefit from therapy. It’s a process that allows you to get a better understanding of yourself, your needs and your fears. I sometimes describe it as the Mirror of Galadriel: it doesn’t offer answers or predictions, but reveals what is already present when you’re able to look carefully.
My practice tends to suit adults who are reflective and curious about their inner life, especially when something no longer makes sense – even if things appear stable from the outside. I place a lot of importance on the therapeutic alliance: paying close attention to how we work together, whether the pace feels right, and whether the space allows you to speak honestly without having to perform or simplify your experience.
Therapy isn’t about fixing what’s “wrong,” nor is it a solution for every situation. It’s a process of understanding yourself more clearly – how you think, relate, protect yourself, and make meaning – so that you can move through life with more coherence, agency, and hopefully joy.
What is the difference between individual therapy and self-exploration & preparation?
Individual therapy is open-ended and unfolds over time, allowing space for deeper, ongoing work.
Self-Exploration & Preparation is a shorter, more structured process focused on orientation – clarifying identity questions, inner anchors, or readiness before an important step, which may stand alone or naturally lead into longer-term therapy.
See more details here.
Do you work with psychedelic experiences?
Yes – within clear clinical, legal, and ethical boundaries. I work with preparation for psychedelic experiences and with the psychological work around meaning, identity, and integration that follows. This is an area I’m deeply engaged in, both clinically and academically: I’ve conducted research on psilocybin and am involved in a large research initiative focused on psychedelics and mental health. While I’m broadly supportive of psychedelic-assisted therapies, it’s important to be clear about current local limits: in Portugal, only ketamine-assisted treatment is approved within the public system, other substances cannot yet be offered in a truly safe, regulated therapeutic setting.
People often reach out not because they want to talk about the experience itself, but because of what it brings up – questions about identity, direction, vulnerability, or change – or because they feel drawn toward such an experience and want to approach it thoughtfully rather than impulsively. In this work, we focus on readiness, context, risks, and how psychedelic experiences fit into the broader arc of a person’s life, rather than treating them as isolated or inherently transformative events.
If this is relevant for you, there might be some useful questions to consider, like:
What is drawing you toward this now? What are you hoping it might clarify — and what support would you need for it to be integrated responsibly into your life? Feel free to drop me a message if you’d like to discuss further.
Do you work online or in person?
I offer both in-person sessions in Porto and online sessions. Many people choose a combination, depending on their circumstances and the kind of work we’re doing.
If you’re curious about the in-person format – I have a lovely space in central Porto, courtesy of OneLeaf.
What Suits your Needs?
Psychotherapy
Individualized therapy focusing on emotional healing, personal growth, and resilience.
Psychological Testing & Evaluations
Comprehensive assessments to evaluate cognitive, emotional, and behavioral health.
Psychological Consultations
Professional guidance and insights for mental health challenges and life transitions.