Dr. Andreia Santo, HCPC
Midlife and life-change counsellor
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- Practical support
- Values-focused work
- English and Portuguese
About Andreia
Dr. Andreia Santo is a clinical and counselling psychologist who focuses on helping people facing midlife challenges, stress and major life changes. She communicates in English and Portuguese and brings 16 years of experience working in health and community settings. Her style aims to be down-to-earth and practical, helping people untangle worries and find clearer next steps.
Her background began with a psychology degree in Portugal that is academically equivalent to a British Clinical Psychology doctorate. She completed placements in early intervention services, the Portuguese National Health System and local council services, providing assessments and therapeutic support across age groups. After moving to the United Kingdom in 2010, she undertook further postgraduate training in family and systemic theory at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust and worked in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services until June 2024.
Dr Santo uses a blend of well-known approaches so sessions are practical and focused on what matters most to the person in front of her. She draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based ideas, Client-Centred work and elements of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy to support coping, emotional regulation and values-based change.
She has worked with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, sleep and eating difficulties, ADHD and mood conditions. Her approach balances talking, practical skills and reflective exploration to help people make changes that fit their life.
Dr Santo now carries out independent research on themes related to unconditional love while offering remote work through private practice. Sessions follow a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time; please check current session formats before booking.
Her background began with a psychology degree in Portugal that is academically equivalent to a British Clinical Psychology doctorate. She completed placements in early intervention services, the Portuguese National Health System and local council services, providing assessments and therapeutic support across age groups. After moving to the United Kingdom in 2010, she undertook further postgraduate training in family and systemic theory at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust and worked in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services until June 2024.
Dr Santo uses a blend of well-known approaches so sessions are practical and focused on what matters most to the person in front of her. She draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based ideas, Client-Centred work and elements of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy to support coping, emotional regulation and values-based change.
She has worked with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, sleep and eating difficulties, ADHD and mood conditions. Her approach balances talking, practical skills and reflective exploration to help people make changes that fit their life.
Dr Santo now carries out independent research on themes related to unconditional love while offering remote work through private practice. Sessions follow a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time; please check current session formats before booking.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
LGBTTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyHypnotherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapySystemic Therapy
Experience
16+ years
Credentials
United Kingdom
Languages
English, Portuguese
Therapeutic approaches for online support
Dr Andreia Santo draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Attachment-Based ideas in her work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying personal values and learning to accept difficult feelings while committing to meaningful action. It can help when life changes make it hard to choose next steps. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) addresses unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns by teaching practical strategies to manage mood, anxiety and sleep. Attachment-Based approaches look at how early relationships shape current patterns and can help people understand closeness, boundaries and trust.Choosing the right approach is part of therapy. She will collaborate with each person to decide what fits their needs, goals and preferences. This is a shared process that can change over time as issues evolve and new priorities emerge.
Confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified in the biography. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions around work, caring duties and travel. It also allows shorter check-ins when needed, or sessions without video if that helps with concentration or bandwidth. Registered or accredited professionals can use remote work to keep continuity of care and make regular contact simpler while people manage busy lives.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions and grief, among many other issues listed in her profile such as relationship and intimacy problems, sleep and eating difficulties, and coping with life changes.
What is her therapy style like?
Her style is practical and conversational, combining talking with skills practice. She aims to help people try things between sessions and see what makes a difference in daily life.
How many years has she been practising?
She has 16 years of professional experience working in health and community services in Portugal and the United Kingdom.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is registered with the HCPC and is based in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Portuguese.
Can people outside the UK work with her?
She accepts international clients; check any region-specific details when arranging sessions.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability as shown after matching.