In Portugal, relationship challenges are increasingly visible. According to Statistica, there are roughly 47 divorces for every 100 marriages, reflecting how many partnerships face serious strain.
Whether you’re dealing with communication breakdowns or emotional disconnection, couples therapy can offer the tools needed to heal and grow together. From improving communication skills to rebuilding trust, therapy isn’t just for crisis moments – it’s to ensure crises never arrives in the first place.
Keep reading to discover the 10 best therapists for couples in Portugal who can help you find a healthier way forward. Please note that some of the therapists listed below work exclusively online.
Get Couples Therapy Online from Experts In Portugal
Confidential. Compassionate. Culturally-aware.
1. Trevor Brown
Trevor Brown is a licensed clinical psychotherapist (MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling) and founder of The Other Therapy. With years of clinical experience, he offers online therapy to individuals and couples in Portugal and worldwide.
Trevor works extensively on intimacy issues and relational conflicts that often arise for those living abroad. His therapeutic approach combines evidence-based counseling skills with a deep understanding of modern relationships. Being one of the best couples therapists in Portugal, he is fully certified in Relational Life Therapy and PACT, and currently receiving advanced training in ISTDP.
This expertise helps him address anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and relationship struggles with effectiveness and compassion. Trevor has built The Other Therapy into a trusted therapy platform for expats who seek clarity and confidence in their personal and relational lives.
| Education | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) PACT Level 2 Trained RLT Certified Couples Therapist Certification in ACT Certification in MI Ongoing Advanced Training in ISTDP Ongoing Advanced Training in The Masterson Approach |
| Specialization | Anxiety, trauma, relationship problems, intercultural adaptation, and couples therapy |
| Therapy Mode | Online (international) |
Get Couples Therapy Online from Experts In Portugal
Confidential. Compassionate. Culturally-aware.
2. Gina Senarighi
Dr. Gina Senarighi, PhD, CPC, is one of the best couples therapists in Portugal, with over 15 years of experience. She specializes in intimacy and authenticity for diverse couples. Gina has authored the workbook Love More, Fight Less, and leads workshops on healthy relationship skills. She is particularly known for her pragmatic, no-nonsense style, and inclusive approach.
On top of that, Gina’s expertise includes LGBTQ+ couples, ethical non-monogamy, and kink-aware sex therapy. Her background in psychology and communication training allows her to equip clients with powerful tools to overcome stuck patterns in their partnerships.
| Qualification | Ph.D. in Psychology Relationship Coach Retreat Leader |
| Specialization | Intimacy and communication skills among LGBTQ+, polyamory, and sex-positive couples work. |
| Therapy Mode | Online and In-person (Porto retreats) |
3. Martha Helliesen
Dr. Martha Helliesen serves as a veteran sexologist and Gestalt therapist. Based in Lisbon, she works with adults and couples both in person and online. Martha uses Gestalt therapy to help clients untangle emotional issues and spread awareness rather than just analysis.
She has a strong focus on sexual health, as Martha helps couples overcome intimacy issues, sexual trauma, dysfunction, and painful sex. She views sexual problems as a signal of deeper relational wounds and works to heal those core issues.
| Qualification | Ph.D. in Gestalt Therapy Certified Gestalt Supervisor (EAGT) |
| Specialization | Sexual and intimacy issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, burnout, and expat adjustment. |
| Therapy Mode | Online and In-person (Lisbon) |
4. Lisa Garratt
Lisa Garratt is a licensed Associate MFT with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. She brings over 20 years of healing experience (including yoga teaching and massage therapy) to her Lisbon practice. Plus, Lisa integrates mind-body approaches and Polyvagal Theory into therapy, addressing how chronic pain and stress affect emotions.
Other than that, she guides clients through gentle meditative stretches or hands-on work during sessions to help relieve physical tension linked to emotional issues. All in all, Lisa specializes in trauma-informed care, emotional regulation, and the mind-body connection.
| Qualification | M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy (California) |
| Specialization | Trauma, pain management, and emotional regulation using mind-body (Polyvagal) approaches. |
| Therapy Mode | Online and In-person (Lisbon) |
5. Sylwia Latacz
As one of the leading therapists for couples in Portugal, Sylwia Latacz is a licensed psychologist and psychotherapist serving Lisbon and Porto. Her approach is active and direct, focusing on deep emotional understanding and change.
Her style is rooted in authenticity and honesty, as she creates a safe but challenging space, calling partners to address difficult patterns. Sylwia treats adults and couples, often addressing anxiety, depression, addiction, and relationship problems.
| Qualification | B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Psychology (Jagiellonian University) Certified Psychotherapist (Poland) |
| Specialization | Integrative psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, addiction, cross-cultural issues, and relationship and sexual problems. |
| Therapy Mode | Online and In-person (Lisbon and Porto) |
Get Couples Therapy Online from Experts In Portugal
Confidential. Compassionate. Culturally-aware.
6. Paula
Paula is a licensed psychologist who specializes in intercultural couples therapy. Having lived and worked in Shanghai, Sydney, and Lisbon, she deeply understands the joys and challenges of expatriate life. Early in her career Paula trained in CBT and EMDR, but eventually focused on relational work. Since 2017, she has practiced Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for healing relationship distress.
In her sessions, Paula creates a non-judgmental space where couples can surface underlying emotions and dynamics. Fluent in English and Spanish, she guides partners to rebuild trust and connection by sharing and understanding their deeper emotional experiences.
| Qualification | M.Sc. in Clinical & Healthcare Psychology |
| Specialization | Couples therapy, intercultural or expat relationships, and communication and trust issues |
| Therapy Mode | Online and In-person (Lisbon) |
7. Paula Gasparini-Santos
Paula Gasparini-Santos is a Brazilian-born psychotherapist and expat coach based in Lisbon. She holds advanced training in trauma therapy and depth psychology, serving couples throughout Europe. Having lived in Brazil, Portugal, and the USA, she speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese, providing guidance to people struggling with anxiety, self-esteem issues, depression, and relationship problems.
Additionally, Paula’s approach is no-fluff and highly transformational, as she directly confronts limiting beliefs and trauma. Being one of the most sought after couples therapists in Portugal, Paula blends existential techniques to guide people toward authenticity and belonging.
| Qualification | M.A. in Psychology |
| Specialization | Expatriate adjustment, identity and relocation issues, trauma, anxiety, and grief. |
| Therapy Mode | Online |
8. Enikö Hajas
Enikö Hajas is a Dutch-Hungarian psychologist trained in integrative psychotherapy. Raised in a diplomat’s family, she lived in Vietnam, Italy, the Netherlands, and Portugal, so she draws experience on when working with international clients. Enikö’s first degree was in economics, but she later earned a certification in Integrative Psychotherapy.
She takes a non-judgmental approach, using a blend of proven techniques (CBT, EMDR, NLP, mindfulness). Her integrative short-term therapy (usually 5 to 15 sessions) is flexible, combining various styles to fit each client.
| Qualification | M.Sc. in Economics Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy |
| Specialization | Integrative psychotherapy, anxiety, trauma, and stress management. |
| Therapy Mode | Online and In-person (Lisbon) |
9. Malitsa Francisco
Malitsa Francisco holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology (ISPA Lisbon) and is training to become a psychoanalytic psychotherapist. Originally from Mozambique and an expat in Lisbon herself, she offers special insight into multicultural and cross-cultural issues.
She believes psychotherapy is a journey of self-discovery, helping couples explore their emotions, memories, and past experiences to gain insight. Plus, her empathic style supports individuals and couples alike in managing life transitions.
| Qualification | M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology (ISPA Lisbon) |
| Specialization | Depression, anxiety, grief, self-esteem issues, and multicultural adjustment. |
| Therapy Mode | Online and In-person (Lisbon) |
10. Inês Moreira Rato
Inês Moreira Rato is a UK-trained family psychotherapist. She earned an M.Sc. in Family Therapy from King’s College London and is an accredited UKCP member and supervisor. Initially, Inês began her career in Chicago working with Latin American families and couples on conflict, divorce, and parenting challenges. After gaining experience in the UK, she returned to Portugal in 2012.
Now, Inês runs a private practice in Lisbon serving international couples and families. She also serves as a wellbeing supervisor at the British Embassy, addressing stress and trauma in high-pressure environments.
| Qualification | M.Sc. in Family Therapy (King’s College London) UKCP accredited supervisor |
| Specialization | Family and couples therapy, cultural adaptation, parenting issues, relationship conflict, anxiety, and trauma. |
| Therapy Mode | Online and In-person (Lisbon) |
Get Couples Therapy Online from Experts In Portugal
Confidential. Compassionate. Culturally-aware.
Conclusion
All in all, these ten therapists each offer unique expertise for Portuguese couples and expats. Whether you need help with communication or intimacy, there is a specialist for you.
Notably, The Other Therapy stands out as a resource for English-speaking, Portuguese-speaking, and Spanish-speaking couples.
What are the couple therapist Portugal prices?
Broadly speaking, you might expect session rates in the range of €60 to €100 in Europe. Some specialists charge more, as few Lisbon EFT therapists charge €140 per session.
What type of therapist is best for couples therapy in Portugal?
The ideal therapist for couples work is a qualified counselor or psychologist with specialized training in couples or family therapy. Look for professionals experienced with relationships, such as clinicians trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy or systemic couples approaches.
What is the most successful couples therapy?
One of the most widely validated approaches is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, which research shows can significantly improve relationships. Overall, about 70% of couples who attend therapy report substantial improvement.
What are the couple therapist Portugal prices?
Broadly speaking, you might expect session rates in the range of €60 to €100 in Europe. Some specialists charge more, as few Lisbon EFT therapists charge €140 per session.
What type of therapist is best for couples therapy in Portugal?
The ideal therapist for couples work is a qualified counselor or psychologist with specialized training in couples or family therapy. Look for professionals experienced with relationships, such as clinicians trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy or systemic couples approaches.
What is the most successful couples therapy?
One of the most widely validated approaches is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, which research shows can significantly improve relationships. Overall, about 70% of couples who attend therapy report substantial improvement.
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