Dr. Inês Mendes
Accredited Clinical Psychologist
PhD in Clinical Psychology
‘In therapy, we walk side by side, embracing emotions, understanding patterns,
and discovering new ways of living with greater balance and wellbeing.’
About Me
My name is Inês Mendes, and I’m from the vibrant city of Braga in northern Portugal.
Although my academic path began - and remains – rooted in my hometown, I’ve always carried a strong desire to experience life beyond its borders. That wish has taken me to live in some fascinating places:
Salamanca and Barcelona in Spain, the bustling city of Toronto in Canada, and, most recently, seven enriching years in London, UK.
Each of these experiences has profoundly shaped my perspective on the world. They have expanded my understanding of different cultures and strengthened my ability to connect and empathise with people from diverse backgrounds.
Professionally, I have found a rewarding balance between teaching and clinical practice. I am a lecturer at the School of Psychology at the University of Minho, where I teach both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Alongside my academic role, I dedicate one day each week to private clinical practice. My
passion for connecting with others lies at the heart of all my work. I feel deeply fortunate to be able to combine teaching with clinical practice, both of whichgive me the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Professional Background
I hold a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Minho, and for the past 17 years my professional career has combined both academic and clinical practice. Teaching and therapeutic work are areas I am deeply committed to, united by a shared purpose: the opportunity to connect with people and support their growth, academically in the former, and personally in the latter.
As a clinical psychologist I have training in a range of evidence-based therapeutic treatments. This flexibility allows me to provide a personalised treatment to each individual, ensuring it meets their unique needs and circumstances.
My role is not to “fix” you, but to walk alongside you as we explore the patterns, beliefs, and emotions that shape your life. Over the years, I have been privileged to support clients facing a wide range of challenges — from moments of acute crisis to deep journeys of personal growth.
Clinical Training & Specialisation
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Constructivist Grief Therapy
Professional Accreditation
Portugal:
Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses (OPP)
European Union:
EuroPsy Certificate
United Kingdom:
HCPC accreditation as
Clinical Psychologist Practitioner
How I Can Support You
My work is guided by evidence-based approaches, with methods
grounded in scientific research and shown to help people make meaningful
and enduring changes in their lives.
I believe one of the cornerstones of therapy is a warm, confidential,
and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship. I believe works best when it’s built on empathy, collaboration, and a genuine understanding of your unique experiences.
I offer individual therapy for adults — either in person or online — for a range of difficulties, including:
Depression
Depression is more than sadness — it often involves loss of energy, lack of motivation, and difficulty enjoying life. Therapy can help you understand its roots, develop coping strategies, and find renewed meaning and vitality.
Generalised
Anxiety
Generalised anxiety involves persistent worry and tension about many areas of life. Therapy provides tools to manage excessive worry, reduce physical symptoms, and restore a sense of calm and control.
Social
Anxiety
Social anxiety is marked by intense fear of being judged, embarrassed or rejected in social situations. Therapy helps you challenge unhelpful beliefs, build confidence, and feel more at ease connecting with others.
Panic
Attacks
Panic attacks involve sudden, intense feelings of fear with physical discomfort. Therapy focuses on understanding triggers, calming the body’s physiological response, and regaining a sense of safety.
OCD
OCD involves intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or rituals (compulsions). Therapy can help break this cycle, reduce distress, and restore a greater sense of freedom.
Complex
Trauma
Complex trauma may stem from repeated or prolonged difficult experiences, often leaving deep emotional wounds. Therapy offers a safe space to process these experiences, build resilience, and reconnect with yourself and others.
Burnout &
Work Stress
Burnout arises from prolonged stress and often leads to exhaustion, detachment, and reduced motivation. Therapy helps you recognise warning signs, set boundaries, and develop strategies to restore balance.
Sleep
Difficulties
Sleep difficulties can affect mood, concentration, and overall health. Therapy helps address the underlying causes — whether stress, habits, or thoughts — and supports healthier sleep routines.
Time Management
Struggling with time management often leads to stress and feeling overwhelmed. Therapy can help you understand patterns, prioritise effectively, and build strategies to feel more organised and in control.
Complicated
Grief
Grief is a natural response to loss, but sometimes it persists and interferes with daily life. Therapy supports you in processing your grief, honouring your loss, and gradually finding ways to re-engage with life.
Relationship Problems
Relationship difficulties may involve communication issues, conflict, or feelings of disconnection. Therapy offers tools to improve understanding, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional bonds.
Neurodivergence
Being neurodivergent often brings unique strengths, but also challenges in daily life and relationships. Therapy provides support in self-understanding, navigating social situations, and managing stress in a world not always designed for neurodiverse minds.
