José Pereira, BACP

José Pereira is a counsellor and psychotherapist with deep experience in addiction and related disorders. He holds an MSc in Counselling - a master level qualification in the field - and several specialised qualifications in Addiction Counselling, and has focused his career on helping people overcome compulsive behaviours and substance use problems.

Since beginning work in the addictions field in 2003, he has gained extensive clinical experience in residential treatment settings, serving in roles that include Counsellor, Senior Counsellor, Head Therapist and Clinical Manager. In those positions he oversaw multidisciplinary teams and worked directly with individuals for extended periods, supporting long-term and sustainable recovery and personal change.

As an integrative practitioner José draws on a wide range of therapeutic models to tailor treatment to each person. He uses approaches such as cognitive behavioural techniques, relapse prevention, psychodynamic ideas, systemic thinking and Gestalt methods, alongside clinical tools developed specifically for addiction and compulsive behaviours. He also facilitates psychoeducational workshops and interpersonal psychotherapy groups in addition to individual therapy.

José communicates fluently in English, Portuguese, French and Spanish, and brings a practical, experience-driven perspective to work with addiction, mental health and related interpersonal issues.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Addiction and Relationship Work

José uses several evidence-informed approaches adapted for online work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and supports building a values-driven life - it is useful for anxiety, depression and patterns of avoidance. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relational experiences shape current connections and helps people address attachment injuries, intimacy struggles and family-of-origin problems through exploring emotional patterns and improving relational awareness. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers practical strategies to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, making it effective for anxiety, depression, addictions and compulsive behaviours.

Finding the right approach is part of the collaborative process. José works with clients to assess needs, goals and preferences, and tailors a mix of methods that fit each person rather than using a one-size-fits-all model. The choice of techniques evolves as therapy progresses and is reviewed together.

Online work makes it possible to access therapy with registered professionals from home or elsewhere, using video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging. These options offer flexibility around scheduling, allow continuity when travel or time constraints arise, and let clients engage in the format that feels most comfortable for them.