The inset staff session on Mental Health and Wellbeing was well received by all staff at ISS. They were engaged and eager to share ideas and thoughts on how best to support our student’s mental health and well-being. The focused resources presented during the workshop which focused on engaging teenagers in discussion on this important topic was particularly valuable . Thank you to Ana and Soraia for presenting an engaging and thought-provoking workshop to all ISS staff.

The topic of this training is particularly interesting and urgent. It was a very light session but it sparked very interesting conversations. Furthermore, the dynamics contributed to an increase in our own self-awareness, both individually and within our team. Finally, add that Soraia managed to create a safe environment for certain shares in a short time and this is even more valuable.

Soraia has a beautiful way of talking about the themes and capturing our attention. Not only because of the way she talks about the topics, but also what she conveys, real examples, etc. 

Soraia enlightens our thoughts, understands and brings new perspectives. Her empathy, knowledge and calmness help us keep walking the paths we have been choosing.

Soraia is a good listener, who does not judge or criticize, guiding us through the process in order to help us accept the situation as it is. She is a person who puts humanity into her work. His sensitivity and maturity allow him to analyze situations objectively, distinguishing those, sometimes of greater fragility or confusion, in which we mainly need to externalize and feel heard, from those in which some powerful questions are needed, which make us reflect, establish priorities and move forward. He is a person with whom it is easy to create empathy, who, having a preponderant role in the processes, does not replace the main role that each of us has in our therapeutic process.

For 9 years I have needed to take medication to help me control my anxiety and the most difficult moments in my life. I always thought that I didn't need psychological support and that I could overcome my insecurities and unresolved issues on my own and I never stopped to analyze what was holding me back in life. Fortunately for me, life allowed me to meet the psychologist Ana Cruz and I never thought I would “grow up” so much at this stage of mine. The last year, due to sad health issues, her support was fundamental and life changing. Talking to Ana is like venting to someone who doesn't judge us and gives us the tools to analyze, question, relativize and prioritize impactful and important aspects of our lives. Today I can say that it was the best decision I made to be monitored weekly and that I feel changed for the better. And I can say that I am very proud of what I managed to overcome and of the courage I learned to have, to, step by step, “close my drawers”, with her support. Thank you Ana for the impact on my life. Thank you for everything you made me achieve so far. Without a doubt, I recommend Ana Cruz as an exceptional professional to everyone

I was at very low point in life, struggling with a job and co-workers that I hated, regretting the decision to relocate, and generally feeling very unhappy with my career and life. But thanks to my counseling sessions with Ana, I am in a much better place with a positive outlook for the future. I have learned about setting boundaries with myself and others, understanding the impact of expectations, and I am feeling positive about future career opportunities. Ana has made me feel very comfortable throughout this process and it has become an integral part of my self-care. I would highly recommend Ana to anyone, and I have already recommended her to several friends that are struggling with their work-life balance. I’m very happy that I decided to give therapy a try and it has improved my overall well-being.

Our family were coping well for the first few years following my husbands death, until we weren’t. He died in 2018 from Stage 4 renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer). My daughter was 11 at the time of her dad’s death, after his 2 1/2 year battle. I was recommended Ana, my daughters counsellor, following COVID and thank goodness for her. During the isolation, lock downs and new way of living something triggered my daughters emotions and grief to come pouring out of her at an unfathomable rate. My daughter has been seeing Ana weekly, and when needed, more, for the past few years. Ana has been able to talk my daughter through her daily struggles of navigating being a teenager whilst dealing with grief, functioning in the world, being diagnosed and then medicated for anxiety and depression, the highs and lows of changing friendships and family dynamics, dealing with school and exams, self harm, sensory issues and more. My daughter’s sessions with Ana, which have included CBT and meditation, have been such a blessing and they come at the most needed times during her overwhelming and often over stimulating week. Ana has created a safe and comfortable space for my daughter, which allows her to talk openly and confidentially. Over the years they have met in person and via Google Meet. My daughter is comfortable with Ana’s care and support. Ana is extremely personable. I have regular parent check in sessions where Ana gets my perspective on how I see my daughters challenges and progress. Seeking my daughters approval, Ana is able to also give me perspective on my daughters progress and needs. I have recommended Ana to many friends for their children, as I cannot recommend her more highly. Ana’s background working in schools really allows her to understand my daughters day to day and various pinch points in her year. The difference Ana makes to my daughters week is like a breath of fresh air. Her strategies have made such a difference to my daughter and in-turn our family, we are forever grateful.

A Soraia acolhia o meu filho, em cada sessão, num ambiente calmo e acolhedor, desenvolvendo estratégias simples (recorrendo a conversas comigo e com o meu filho e, posteriormente a “brincadeiras” a sós com ele), através das quais reunia impressões para me fornecer orientações de como atuar em casa no momento de deitar o meu filho. Através de jogos de “força” e de autocontrolo de emoções ao deitar, comecei a notar evoluções o meu filho: desde a aquisição de autoconfiança e de mentalização de “sou capaz” até à perda de medo do escuro. Tudo contribuiu para que o “problema” da enurese desaparecesse. O processo foi longo, mas não tão longo como antecipei. A amabilidade, a transmissão de serenidade e a empatia natural da Soraia foram determinantes no caminho percorrido e o acompanhamento efetuado à distância, entre sessões, simplesmente fantástico, demonstrando a Soraia, em todos os momentos, um destacado profissionalismo, interesse e disponibilidade. A Soraia Jamal é uma profissional credível e confiável na área da psicologia que recomendo sem reservas.