Helena Saldanha

Helena (pronounced Elena) is a provisional psychologist and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). She is also a member of AAPi.

Helena’s approach consists of identifying the primary cause regarding her clients’ mental health needs and to work alongside them in order to alleviate symptoms and bring autonomy to their day-to-day decision making. Through establishing a trusting relationship with clients, she has experience assessing past traumas that reflect on clients’ current life and working collaboratively and non-judgementally to change behaviour patterns and improve quality of life.

Helena has experience in supporting adolescents and adults going through major life transitions by applying a variety of resources that increment self-knowledge and growth. She is passionate about treating adults with anxiety and mood disorders aiming to develop healthy coping mechanisms when facing daily life events. With four years experience working with children and families in Australia, Helena has developed skills to support families, carers, and other stakeholders to deal with children’s developmental challenges and needs.

Furthermore, Helena has experience using Life Design and Psychoanalysis approaches and she is currently studying a post-graduate course in Positive Psychology as a resource to improve clients’ mental well-being and quality of life. She is also undertaking professional development focusing on women’s peri- and post-natal mental health. She invites clients to be active participants throughout the therapeutic process and reassess therapy goals from time to time as a way to encourage self-evaluation and self-awareness.

Sessions are available in English and Portuguese.