José Pereira , BACP

José Pereira is a counsellor and psychotherapist who brings a long history of work with addiction and related mental health concerns. He holds an MSc in Counselling (Master of Science in Counselling) and several qualifications in addiction counselling, and he has been working in the field since 2003. Over two decades of practice have given him a depth of experience with compulsive behaviours, substance dependence, and the emotional problems that often accompany them.

His career has been focused in leading residential treatment settings, where he has served as Counsellor, Senior Counsellor, Head Therapist and Clinical Manager. In those roles he has overseen multidisciplinary teams and provided extended one-to-one therapy that supports sustainable recovery and long-term change. That practical leadership background informs his clinical work and his ability to coordinate care for people with complex presentations.

As an integrative therapist, he draws on a variety of therapeutic models to match the needs of each person, including cognitive behavioural approaches, cognitive analytic therapy, motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, psychodynamic ideas, systemic perspectives and Gestalt techniques. He also facilitates psychoeducational workshops and interpersonal psychotherapy groups in addition to offering individual therapy. He is fluent in English, Portuguese, French and Spanish.

Approaches for online recovery and relationship work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and take steps toward a meaningful life even when difficult thoughts and feelings are present. It is often used for anxiety, stress and persistent patterns that get in the way of daily functioning.

Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relationships shape current patterns of relating and emotional responses, and it can be especially helpful for relationship difficulties, abandonment concerns and attachment issues. The approach focuses on improving emotional connection and understanding relational dynamics.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured approach that examines the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and teaches practical skills for managing symptoms of anxiety, depression and addictive behaviours. It supports concrete changes in thinking and action.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. He works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods best fit their needs, goals and preferences, adjusting the plan over time as progress is made.

Online therapy with him is offered by video call, phone session, live chat or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and situations. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, attend sessions from where one is most comfortable, and access ongoing support between meetings.