Liliana da Silva Freitas Ferreira da Costa

Liliana da Silva Freitas Ferreira da Costa

Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist & Research Scientist

Oporto Medical Centre | Av. da Boavista 117, 5o andar, cons. 504, 4050-115, Porto, PRT.
Observador Ciência ID

About

Highly accomplished Clinical Psychologist with a PhD, currently pursuing a second PhD in Forensic Sciences, specializing in Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology. Her extensive background encompasses clinical practice, psychotherapy research, and academic teaching, with a focus on adverse experiences, intrapersonal/interpersonal offenses, and psychological well-being. She effectively integrates evidence-based therapeutic interventions with cutting-edge research to drive impactful outcomes in mental health and forensic contexts.

Work

Clínica Médica Privada

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Clinical Psychologist | Psychotherapist

Porto, Porto, PRT

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Summary

Provides advanced psychological care, including assessment, diagnosis, and therapy, within a private clinical setting.

Highlights

Administered comprehensive psychological assessments to evaluate diverse mental health conditions and inform treatment strategies.

Provided evidence-based individual and group psychotherapy, focusing on adverse experiences and intrapersonal/interpersonal offenses.

Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic patient care and integrated therapeutic approaches.

Clínica Médica Cirúrgica Gonçalves Dias

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Clinical Psychologist | Psychotherapist

Porto, Porto, PRT

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Summary

Offers expert psychological services, including assessment, diagnosis, and therapy, within a medical-surgical clinical environment.

Highlights

Conducted clinical interviews and diagnostic evaluations for patients presenting with a wide range of psychological concerns.

Implemented tailored individual and group therapy interventions, utilizing specialized knowledge in psychotherapy research.

Contributed to patient well-being by addressing psychological factors related to medical conditions and recovery processes.

Boa Nova Health | Private Practice

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Founder & Owner, Clinical Psychologist | Psychotherapist

Porto, Porto, PRT

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Summary

Established and led a private clinical psychology practice, providing comprehensive assessments, diagnoses, and tailored psychotherapy to diverse clients.

Highlights

Successfully launched and managed all operational aspects of a private practice, ensuring high standards of patient care and ethical compliance.

Delivered individualized and group psychotherapy, applying specialized expertise in Emotion-Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Conducted thorough psychological assessments and diagnostic evaluations to develop effective, patient-centered treatment plans.

Cultivated a strong professional reputation, attracting and retaining a consistent client base through effective therapeutic outcomes.

University of Maia - ISMAI

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Invited Assistant Professor (University Teacher)

Maia, Porto, PRT

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Summary

Taught Neurosciences at the undergraduate level, contributing to student development in psychology.

Highlights

Designed and delivered engaging lectures and comprehensive course materials for Neurosciences to undergraduate psychology students.

Facilitated interactive learning environments, fostering critical thinking and scientific understanding of brain-behavior relationships.

Mentored students on academic topics and research methodologies, supporting their educational and professional growth.

University of Maia - ISMAI & Centre for Psychology at University of Porto (CPUP)

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Researcher

Maia, Porto, PRT

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Summary

Conducted extensive research in Clinical and Forensic Psychology, focusing on self-forgiveness, psychological well-being, and depression, contributing to over 20 publications.

Highlights

Led and contributed to numerous research projects, including significant studies on 'Forgiveness and self-forgiveness' and 'Stop Depression' initiatives, resulting in multiple peer-reviewed publications.

Authored and co-authored over 20 academic outputs, including journal articles, books, and magazine articles, disseminating complex research findings to diverse audiences.

Managed all phases of research, from methodology design and data collection to advanced statistical analysis, ensuring scientific rigor and ethical adherence.

Collaborated effectively with national and international research teams, fostering interdisciplinary understanding and advancing mental health interventions.

Presented research outcomes at over 10 international and national conferences, actively contributing to the broader scientific community and knowledge exchange.

University Institute of Maia (ISMAI)

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Trainee Psychologist

Maia, Porto, PRT

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Summary

Gained foundational clinical experience through supervised assessments, diagnoses, and therapy delivery at a university support center.

Highlights

Conducted initial psychological assessments and diagnostic interviews under direct supervision, developing core clinical competencies.

Assisted in delivering individual and co-therapy (group format) sessions, applying principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy.

Participated in regular clinical supervision, refining therapeutic techniques and ethical practice in a supportive environment.

Contributed to the Psychology Support Center (CASP) by providing direct patient care and supporting various therapeutic programs.

Education

Faculty of Medicine - University of Porto

Porto, Porto, PRT
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PhD Candidate Forensic Sciences | Forensic Psychology & Psychiatry

Courses

Thesis: "Neurological Disorders in Women: An Epidemic Crisis of Violence Crimes in Intimate Partner"

University of Maia - ISMAI

Maia, Porto, PRT
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PhD Clinical Psychology Grade: Approved unanimously, with Distinction

Courses

Thesis: "Self-Forgiveness, Self-Criticism, and Psychological Well-Being: Theory, Correlational Research, Intervention and Case Studies"

Portuguese Society for Emotion-Focused Therapy (SPTFE)

Porto, Porto, PRT
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Specialization Diploma Emotion-Focused Therapy Grade: Approved

University Institute of Maia (ISMAI)

Maia, Porto, PRT
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Master Health and Clinical Psychology Grade: 18

Courses

Thesis: "Immersion, Distancing and Assimilation of Problematic Experiences in Good Outcome Cases in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Emotion-Focused Therapy"

University Institute of Maia (ISMAI)

Maia, Porto, PRT
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Bachelor Psychology Grade: 15

Polytechnic Institute of Porto (ISEP)

Porto, Porto, PRT
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Bachelor Chemical Engineering Grade: n/a

Awards

Paul L Wachtel Travel Grant | Best Communication Panel

Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration (SEPI)

Awarded for excellence in communication at the SEPI annual meeting, recognizing significant contributions to psychotherapy integration.

PhD Research Grant

Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)

Secured competitive funding to support doctoral research in clinical psychology, enabling in-depth study and significant academic contributions.

Publications

Forgiveness and Self-forgiveness in Youth & The Benefits for Well-being

Singapore Psychologist

Explored the crucial role of forgiveness and self-forgiveness in promoting well-being among youth, offering insights into psychological development.

Porque é tão difícil perdoar, mesmo quando queremos?

Observador

Published a newspaper article exploring the complexities and challenges of forgiveness, providing psychological perspectives on this intricate human experience.

Artificial Intelligence & Neuroscience: Convergence Between Two Worlds

Singapore Psychologist

Authored an article examining the growing convergence between artificial intelligence and neuroscience, discussing implications for mental health and psychological research.

Group Intervention for Depression: Manual for health care professionals

Developed a comprehensive manual for healthcare professionals on implementing group interventions for depression, providing practical guidance and evidence-based strategies.

Christina: A good outcome case study integrating Emotion-Focused Therapy and REACH Forgiveness model

Presented a detailed case study demonstrating the successful integration of Emotion-Focused Therapy and the REACH Forgiveness model in achieving positive clinical outcomes.

Construct validity of two measures of self-forgiveness in Portugal: a study of self-forgiveness, psychological symptoms, and well-being

Research in Psychotherapy: Psychopathology, Process and Outcome

Investigated the psychometric properties and construct validity of self-forgiveness measures within a Portuguese population, linking findings to psychological symptoms and well-being.

Self-Help Book for Depression: How to treat depression, step-by-step.

ISMAI Editions

Co-authored a practical self-help book designed to guide individuals through evidence-based strategies for managing and overcoming depression.

Languages

Portuguese

English

Spanish

Skills

Clinical Psychology

Psychotherapy, Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, Individual Therapy, Group Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Forensic Psychology, Suicide Prevention, Depression Treatment, Mental Health Interventions, Case Studies, Psychological Well-being, Trauma-Informed Care.

Research & Academia

Quantitative Research, Qualitative Research, Research Design, Data Analysis, Scientific Writing, Academic Publishing, Peer Review, Grant Writing, Neurosciences, Psychopathology, Statistical Analysis, Teaching, Curriculum Development, Mentoring, Oral Presentations.

Professional & Management

Private Practice Management, Clinical Supervision, Stakeholder Engagement, Project Management, Ethical Practice, Cross-functional Collaboration, Public Speaking.

Interests

Psychotherapy Research

Emotion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Self-Forgiveness, Psychological Well-being.

Forensic Psychology

Forensic Psychiatry, Neurosciences, Adverse Experiences, Intrapersonal/Interpersonal Offenses.

Mental Health Interventions

Depression Treatment, Suicide Prevention, Digital Mental Health Solutions, Primary Care Mental Health.

Projects

Forgiveness and self-forgiveness and their influence in psychological well-being

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Summary

Research project exploring the impact of forgiveness and self-forgiveness on psychological well-being, funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).

Stop Depression, stepped care treatments and digital solutions for depression and suicide prevention in primary care

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Summary

Collaborative project focused on developing and implementing stepped care treatments and digital solutions for depression and suicide prevention in primary care settings, funded by EEA Grants.

Decentering and change in psychotherapy

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Summary

Research project investigating the concept of decentering and its role in psychotherapeutic change processes, funded by FCT.