FAQ · Cascais
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions specific to seeing us in Cascais — for general questions about therapy itself, see our individual and couples pages.
Where exactly is the practice, and is it in Cascais itself?
We're in Cascais, part of the municipality of Cascais, about six kilometres inland from the seafront — roughly a ten-minute drive from Cascais centre or Estoril. It's not on the coast, and we say so clearly because the trip matters when you're deciding whether to come in person.
Is there parking?
Yes — free, on the street, directly outside the building. It's one of the practical advantages of being away from the centre, where parking in Cascais or Estoril is scarce and usually paid.
What does a session cost?
Individual therapy is €80 for 50 minutes, weekly. Couples therapy is €120 for 70 minutes, weekly. We also offer a 90-minute ISTDP session at €140, every two weeks, for people doing more intensive individual work.
Can I get to you by train from the Cascais line?
No. The Cascais line runs along the coast, and Cascais isn't walkable from any station on it. If you're coming without a car, you'll need a taxi for the last stretch — we'd rather tell you now than have you find out at Estoril station.
How long does it take from Estoril, Birre, Manique or Carcavelos?
About 10 minutes from Estoril, 5 from Birre or Manique, and 15 from Carcavelos, all by car in normal traffic. Add extra time crossing Cascais between 17:30 and 19:00.
Do you have appointments that fit around international school hours?
Yes. Several international schools are a few minutes from us, and we keep mid-morning slots, roughly 9:00 to 11:30 (very limited availability), specifically for parents who've just done the school run. Say so when you book and we'll fit you into that block.
Can I choose which of the two therapists I see?
In most cases, yes. Tell us a little about what you're looking for and we'll suggest who to start with, or say directly if you have a preference — including a preference for a particular gender, which is a common and reasonable request for couples work.
What's the difference between your Cascais and Lisbon practices?
Right now the main difference is location: this office serves people living around Cascais, Estoril, Cascais and the towns inland, so you're not driving into Lisbon. Both practices are run by the same two therapists. If you're roughly equidistant from both, ask us and we'll help you decide.
We just moved to Portugal. Is it too early for therapy?
No — if anything, early is often useful. Many of the couples and individuals we see start within the first year, exactly while they're adjusting, rather than waiting until a pattern has set in.
Can my partner and I be seen by the same therapist separately?
We generally recommend against it for couples work, since it can compromise trust in the joint sessions. If you each want individual therapy alongside couples work, we'll usually suggest seeing different therapists for that.
Do you work with couples where only one person wants to be here?
Yes — that's a common starting point, not a barrier. We'll say plainly in the first session if we think a different kind of support, including individual therapy for the more reluctant partner, would serve you better.
Do you offer sessions outside school hours?
Yes — early morning and evening slots after 18:00 are available alongside the mid-morning school-run block, on weekdays.
Can you issue an invoice with my NIF for insurance reimbursement?
Yes, every session comes with an invoice carrying your NIF, which you submit to your insurer yourself. Reimbursement levels depend on your specific policy, so it's worth checking that before you start.
What if we move away from Portugal mid-therapy?
Online sessions continue exactly as before, at the same time and with the same therapist, from wherever you are. This is common enough that it's simply part of how we work, not an exception.