Cindi Santos
Specialisation
Systemic Family Therapy, Counselling
Languages Spoken
Portuguese and English
Experience
With over 8 years of experience in Portugal and in Dubai, I have worked in international schools, mental health clinics, therapeutic communities, and child psychiatry units, which have given me a more comprehensive understanding of children, adult, and family mental health across diverse settings. I am passionate about supporting clients through life transitions, relational stress, and moments of change with clarity and compassion.
I am a Systemic Family Therapist and Social Counsellor working with teenagers (12+), adults, and families. With over eight years of professional experience across Portugal and Dubai, I support clients through emotional regulation, identity development, family conflict, life transitions, and complex relational dynamics.
I completed a 5-year accredited training in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice with the Portuguese Society of Family Therapy (EFTA-accredited). This training deeply shapes my understanding and evidence-based clinical approach. I integrate a range of modalities into my therapeutic work, including Systemic Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Conscious Parenting.
I work with clients experiencing anxiety, stress, low mood, self-esteem and identity challenges, grief, and academic or work-related pressures. I also support families in strengthening communication, connection, and healthy boundaries, as well as parents navigating parenting stress, co-parenting, and conflict management. Within a relational and systemic framework, I address family patterns, relational dynamics, and body image or eating-related concerns, offering a collaborative, compassionate, and culturally sensitive approach.
My approach is warm, grounding, and deeply attuned. I provide a safe, non- judgmental space to explore emotions, understand patterns, and strengthen connections, helping clients build insight, resilience, and healthier relationships.
Areas of Expertise
- Anxiety, stress, low mood, self-esteem, identity development, and resilience-building (ages 12+)
- Life transitions, grief, relocation, divorce, academic/work-related pressure, and other major life changes
- Family communication, connection, and emotional safety
- Parenting and co-parenting support with managing parenting stress, differing caregiving approaches, and managing conflictual dynamics
- Boundaries, family patterns, and mental health impacts within the family
- Body image challenges and relational patterns around eating
Treatment Techniques
- Systemic Family Therapy
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Conscious Parenting & Positive Parenting Models
Qualification
- EFTA-accredited training in Family Therapy & Systemic Practice, Portuguese Society of Family Therapy
- MA in Social Education & Intervention (specialised in Psychosocial Intervention), University of Porto
- Postgraduate Certificate in Child & Youth Psychopathology, CRIAP Institute
- Postgraduate Certificate in Family Mediation, University of Coimbra
Licenses & Professional Memberships
- CDA Licensed Social Counsellor, Community Development Authority - Dubai
- Member of the International Family Therapy Association (IFTA)
- Member of the Portuguese Society of Family Therapy (SPFT)