José Pereira, BACP

José Pereira is a counsellor and psychotherapist with more than 22 years' experience. He holds an MSc in Counselling and has worked extensively in addiction services since 2003. He speaks English, Portuguese, French and Spanish, and practises in the United Kingdom.

He has spent much of his career in residential treatment settings. Roles have included counsellor, senior counsellor, head therapist and clinical manager. In those roles he worked alongside multidisciplinary teams and oversaw clinical programmes.

José has long-term experience offering one-to-one work over extended periods. This background means he is familiar with helping people manage compulsive behaviours and substance addictions while aiming for sustainable change.

He uses an integrative approach and draws on a number of therapy models. Some of the methods he uses include cognitive behavioural techniques, acceptance and commitment ideas, attachment-focused work and elements from dialectical behaviour approaches. Sessions focus on practical skills, understanding patterns and building strategies that fit everyday life.

People come to him with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions and relationship or family concerns. He also works with issues such as codependency, attachment difficulties, guilt and shame, hoarding and problems linked to family of origin. The emphasis is on clear, steady progress tailored to each person's situation.

How José blends approaches for online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings and commit to actions that match their values; it is often used for anxiety, avoidance and low motivation. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships shape current emotional responses and helps people change unhelpful patterns in their close connections. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy focuses on identifying and changing thinking and behaviour patterns that keep problems like anxiety and depression running.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. José will discuss goals and preferences and then agree a plan together. That collaborative process helps decide which methods to emphasise and how to pace sessions to fit each person's needs.

Online therapy can make regular sessions easier to fit into a busy life. It can reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and make it simpler to schedule around work or family commitments. Confirm the current session options before booking so you know which formats are available and can choose what works best for you.