With a strong academic and clinical foundation, I hold a PhD in PsychoNeuroImmunology (2013), a Master’s degree in Neurosciences (2006), a professional license in clinical psychology with emphasis on the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (2004). I am licensed to practice in Portugal (OPP #27065), São Paulo, Brazil (CRP/SP #06/140568), and I hold the European Certificate of Psychology (Europsi, EAFP #PT-068228-202211). In 2024, I completed my training in Somatic Experiencing® and further advanced my expertise in The Pathwork Internacional®.
My professional journey also includes postdoctoral research roles at leading institutions, such as the Champalimaud Foundation’s Neuropsychiatry Unit in Lisbon (2019–2021), the Social and Cognition Neuroscience Laboratory at Mackenzie University in São Paulo (2015–2017), the MRI Laboratory at Universidade de São Paulo (2016-2017), and the Group of Translational Psychiatry/Neurospin in Paris (2013–2015). In addition, I specialized in trauma-informed practices (2019) and served as a lecturer in Neurosciences in Bordeaux, France (2018).
As a clinical psychologist and neuroscientist, my work integrates insights into how trauma, on one hand, and emotional growth and self-development practices, on the other, impact the functioning of both our brain and body. My journey began with a personal search for answers, driven by childhood wounds and life experiences, which led me to specialize in the therapeutic approaches that helped me heal.
My therapeutic ‘blueprint’ is grounded in evidence-based research, interdisciplinary studies, a blend of psychological approaches, and years of personal work. Every individual’s journey is unique, and I tailor my approach to meet the specific needs and goals of each client.
At the core of my work is the understanding of how trauma shapes neurological development, alongside the natural impulse within each of us that drives connection and healing. I believe the brain and body co-participate in the healing process. As such, I use top-down methods—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and the Pathwork®—that explore how our thoughts, beliefs, and judgments influence our emotions. Additionally, I incorporate bottom-up methods, such as Somatic Experiencing®, which focus on how nervous system regulation affects thoughts and feelings.
Through our collaborative work, we will explore underlying patterns that contribute to suffering, identify and challenge limiting beliefs, and cultivate resilience, emotional balance, and self-awareness. The goal is to support my clients in accessing their fullest potential, moving through pain, and finding a space of greater vitality, self-compassion, and fulfillment. This journey fosters integration and self-awareness, allowing individuals to connect with their inner wisdom and live from the core of their being.
I believe in the transformative power of healing and am dedicated to creating a compassionate, safe space for my clients to explore their unique experiences and realize their fullest potential.
For more detailed information about my work, feel free to visit my homepage: www.juliadesouzaqueiroz.com
What fills my heart with the greatest joy is witnessing, both in myself and in my patients, our incredible capacity to transform the external world by first transforming our inner selves. As we gradually shift suffering into happiness, love, joy, and abundance, we open ourselves to fully embrace all that life has to offer. Through my profession, I give the best of myself—and in return, I receive the profound gifts that life has to offer.
English-speaking, Lisbon-based European-certified Psychologist specialized in trauma and self-development, offering online, in-person and telephone individual therapy sessions to adults (18+).
