João Francisco H. B. R. Rodrigues
Clinical Psychologist
Introduction
About me
I’m a Clinical Psychologist and Somatic Experiencing practitioner based in Lisbon. I work with people who feel stuck in cycles of anxiety, chronic stress, people-pleasing, or self-criticism, helping them reconnect with their bodies and regain a sense of safety and choice in their lives.
In our sessions, we slow things down and pay attention not only to thoughts and emotions, but also to signals from the nervous system, such as breath, tension, posture, and impulses. This helps change be felt in the body, not only understood intellectually.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in curiosity about how early experiences, trauma, and long-term stress can shape the way we relate to ourselves and others. Together, we create a space where your pace is respected while also working with clear focus and practical tools that support meaningful change.
If you are looking for a therapeutic space that is both gentle and active, where you can explore, understand, and gradually shift patterns that no longer serve you, I would be glad to meet and see if we are a good fit.
How it works
Includes tax & admin fee
Free 15-minute intro call
Not sure if it's the right fit? A chance to explore how we can work together before making any decisions.
Focus areas
What I help with
My approach
What it's like to work with me
Our first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. The focus is on helping you feel safe and comfortable rather than immediately diving into difficult topics. We’ll talk about what brings you to therapy, explore some of your background at your own pace, and I’ll explain how I work. I may also introduce a simple grounding or regulation exercise that you can begin using between sessions.
Progress often means feeling more regulated in your body, recovering more easily after stress, and having more choice in how you respond instead of repeating old patterns automatically. Over time, many clients notice that challenging situations feel more manageable, relationships feel less driven by fear or people-pleasing, and their inner dialogue becomes more supportive.
Between sessions, I may suggest simple practices to help you build awareness and support your nervous system. These might include grounding exercises, paying attention to breath and body signals, or bringing more awareness to everyday activities such as rest, movement, and connection.
Therapeutic approaches
Personal
Beyond therapy
Why I love being a therapist
What I value most about being a therapist is the sense of fulfilment that comes from supporting people as they reconnect with themselves and begin to experience meaningful change in their lives.
My interests & joys
Background
Professional experience
João Francisco Rodrigues is a Clinical Psychologist working in private practice in Lisbon, where he provides psychological therapy for adults experiencing anxiety, stress, trauma-related symptoms, and relationship challenges.
In addition to his clinical practice, he is trained as a Somatic Experiencing practitioner, a body-oriented approach focused on the resolution of trauma and chronic stress.
Earlier in his career, João worked as a neurophysiology technician in a clinical and research setting, contributing to neurofeedback assessments and multidisciplinary treatment planning. He also completed a clinical internship in ethnopsychology at ISPA, collaborating with organisations such as the Portuguese Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, and the Portuguese Refugee Council to support refugees and migrants through culturally sensitive psychological services.
Training
Credentials
- OPP (Member of the Portuguese Psychologists’ Association)
Studies
Educational background
Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, ISPA – Instituto Universitário (2018–2021)
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, ISPA – Instituto Universitário
Exchange Programme in Psychology, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner Training – Somatic Experiencing® Institute
Psychological Intervention in Domestic Violence
Psychological Intervention in Alcohol-Related Problems
Psychological Intervention with Children and Youth at Risk
Psychological Intervention with Older Adults
Psychological Intervention with LGBTQ+ Communities