Tessa

Tessa Garrelts

Clinical Psychologist

“You feel stuck and are struggling with self-criticism, regulating emotions or being frustrated in your current life situation? I create a safe space for you to improve your relationship to yourself and others.”

About Me

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed by self-criticism, or struggling to regulate your emotions can feel isolating. I offer a safe, confidential space to gently untangle these challenges. We'll explore what keeps you feeling frustrated, helping you understand patterns and find new ways forward. My aim is to support you in building a kinder relationship with yourself. This fosters healthier connections with others, allowing you to navigate life with greater ease.

Approach

When frustration and harsh inner voices arrive, I help you notice what sparks them and slow the pace so we can try different responses together. Sessions in Lisbon or online, in English or German, tend to blend quiet reflection with practical steps—you’ll often leave with small experiments to try between meetings. We draw on grounding, dream exploration and values-based reflection to map patterns, repair relationship ruptures and steady rhythms during relocation or burnout. This steady, collaborative way of working suits people wanting more self-compassion and emotional balance.
Contact Tessa

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

In-person & Online

Services

Services Offered:

  • Coaching

    A goal-oriented practice focused on identifying objectives, overcoming obstacles, and taking action, centred on the present and future rather than past difficulties.

  • Crisis Counseling

    Immediate, short-term psychological support during an acute mental health crisis such as a panic episode, suicidal thoughts, or overwhelming distress.

  • Spiritual or Faith-Based Counseling

    Counselling that integrates spiritual or religious beliefs into the therapeutic process for people who want faith to be part of their healing.

  • Mindfulness

    The practice of paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgement, used to reduce stress and increase awareness of automatic reactions.

    Learn more about Mindfulness
  • Online Therapy

    Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.

    Learn more about Online Therapy
  • Psychology

    The scientific study and clinical practice of understanding the mind, emotions, and behaviour, applied to promote healthier functioning.

    Learn more about Psychology

Works With:

  • Adults
  • Groups
  • Individuals

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Stress / Burnout

    The body and mind's response to prolonged or excessive demands. When sustained, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced functioning (burnout).

    Learn more about Stress / Burnout
  • Dream Work

    The exploration of dream content (themes, symbols, and emotions) to gain insight into unconscious feelings, conflicts, and desires.

    Learn more about Dream Work
  • Relocation / Expat

    The psychological challenges of moving to a new country or city, including loneliness, culture shock, identity shifts, and loss of social support.

    Learn more about Relocation / Expat
  • Relationship Issues

    Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.

    Learn more about Relationship Issues
  • Self-Esteem

    A person's overall sense of their own worth and value. When chronically low, it can drive self-doubt, avoidance, and difficulty in relationships.

    Learn more about Self-Esteem
  • Spiritual or Faith-Based Counseling

    Counselling that integrates spiritual or religious beliefs into the therapeutic process for people who want faith to be part of their healing.

  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety

Professional Title:

  • Clinical Psychologist

    An advanced mental health professional trained to assess and treat a wide range of difficulties, from anxiety and depression to trauma and complex conditions.

Credentials

Registrations

Clinical Psychologist

Psychologist

Qualifications

Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt am Main

University of Trier

Service Areas

Private Online Practice

In-person & Online

Lisbon, Lisbon

Portugal