About Carlos Costa
Personal Profile
My name is Carlos Costa, and I am one of the psychologists at Vade Clinics, where I provide psychological and psychotherapeutic support to our patients.
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Regarding my background, I was born in France (near Paris), where I lived for about 20 years, and I have also spent approximately 30 years in Portugal. This makes me a native French and Portuguese speaker. Additionally, I lived for a year in London, UK, where I refined my English skills, becoming fluent in the language.
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I completed my psychology degree at the University of Minho, Portugal, in 2005, and I started practicing as a psychologist about two years later (during that time, I spent a period abroad in the UK).
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My professional experience is diverse and comprehensive, as I have been involved in various psychology-related projects. I have extensive experience as a psychologist and psychotherapist in addiction treatment, both in Portugal and France. I have also worked in the field of autism support at a French institution, provided rehabilitation for individuals with schizophrenia, and assisted minors under state protection, including both nationals and migrants. Additionally, I have worked as a psychotherapist at a clinic in Portugal, specializing in addictions and personality disorders.
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My therapeutic approach is varied and integrative. My core training is in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), but I have also worked for four years with a psychoanalytic approach, which has greatly expanded my therapeutic repertoire. Additionally, I incorporate Gestalt Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and third-generation CBT techniques, having completed extensive professional training in Schema Therapy, psychological assessment, and psychotherapeutic intervention.
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In my clinical practice, I view psychotherapy as a collaborative process between two experts: the psychotherapist, who brings professional expertise, and the patient, who is the expert in their own experiences, emotions, and perceptions of the world. I take an active approach, where I not only listen but also provide valuable feedback and insights, helping to facilitate meaningful change in my patients’ lives.
