Isabel Monteiro, PGDip, MSc Reg. MBACP

About me:

Available Online & In-Person (Brighton & Hove)

I’m Isabel — a fully qualified counsellor, psychotherapist (MSc) and clinical supervisor, with over 15 years experience. I’m a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and offer sessions in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

I work with adults and young people from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and life experiences. Whether you’re looking for face-to-face sessions in Brighton & Hove, or prefer the flexibility of online therapy (Zoom, WhatsApp, or email), I provide a safe, confidential, and supportive space to explore whatever you need.

If you’d like to explore working together, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to answer your questions or arrange an initial free of charge consultation (30 minutes).

My Approach:

My work is grounded in the humanistic approach — a model that values your potential for growth, creativity and fulfilment. I focus on your whole experience, giving equal importance to thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and body awareness. This holistic perspective supports a deeper understanding of yourself and your circumstances.

Whether you’re dealing with a specific challenge or seeking personal development, I can help you:

• Make sense of your experiences
• Understand patterns in thoughts, feelings, and behaviours
• Identify meaningful choices and steps for change
• Navigate the journey with support and care

Areas I Work With:

I have extensive experience in supporting people with a wide range of concerns, including:
• Life transitions & cultural adaptation (e.g. expatriates, cross-cultural relationships)
• Anxiety, stress & panic
• Depression & low mood
• Bereavement & loss (Cruse-accredited)
• Trauma & complex trauma (PTSD)
• Addictions & compulsive behaviours
• Relationship and family issues
• Identity, self-esteem & sexuality
• Spirituality & existential questions
• Work-related stress and self-employment challenges
• Sexual abuse and sex-related issues
• Eating difficulties
• Online dating anxiety
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Online Therapy

I offer sessions through Zoom, WhatsApp, and email — ideal for people with mobility limitations, frequent travellers, or those simply more comfortable with remote support. (Please note: I am unable to offer sessions to clients residing in the USA or Canada due to local regulations.)

I’m fully trained and certified to work therapeutically online and I’ve been doing this for over 15 years – both in private practice and with charities, including therapeutic trauma work.

Background & Experience

Alongside my private practice, I have worked with several charitable organisations, including Mankind (supporting men who have experienced sexual abuse), Cruse Bereavement Care and YMCA (where I provided school-based counselling as well as support through local projects such as canine-assisted therapy and email counselling for young people). I have also worked with As You Are Centre and BHT Threshold (women’s project).

I’ve had the chance to work across education, customer services, healthcare, and the non-profit world, which has given me a really broad and meaningful professional background. I’ve lived, studied or worked in places like Portugal, Brazil, Spain, Denmark, Gibraltar and the UK—where I’ve been for over 30 years. All of this has given me a rich perspective on cross-cultural living and the ups and downs of transitioning between different environments.

Training, qualifications & experience:

Over 15 years experience as a counsellor and psychotherapist and now also clinical supervisor.

Supervision Certified: Counselling Tutor
MSc in Psychotherapy: University of Brighton
BACP Accredited Postgraduate Diploma in Humanistic Therapeutic Counselling: University of Brighton
Online Counselling Certificate: Online Training for Counsellors Ltd
Bereavement and pre-bereavement: Cruse Bereavement Care (Cruse Accredited)
Working with Trauma: Rise Counselling Service and various other courses over the years
Creative Therapeutic Communication with Children and Young People: YMCA Brighton
ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training): Grassroots Brighton
Group Supervision Training with Robin Shohet
Future Basing – A Creative Approach to Thinking About the Future: YMCA Dialogue
Therapeutic considerations when working with a child and young person who self harms: YMCA Dialogue
Awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect – Safeguarding Children: YMCA Dialogue
Building Secure States of Mind (Attachment Theory): Dr Gwen Adshead, London