The Professional:
Dr Silvia Wetherell
PhD Clinical Applied Psychophysiology, Registered Counsellor, PMH-C
Counselling Services & Clinical Supervision
I’m originally from Portugal, and I've had the experience of living abroad for almost 20 years, both in the UK and Singapore. As a Registered Counsellor (SAC) and psychotherapist, I specialize in maternal mental health and was honored to receive the first Certification in Perinatal Mental Health outside of North America, granted by Postpartum Support International.
My approach to therapy is integrative, focusing on supporting clients through challenges such as pre- and postpartum depression and anxiety, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, difficulties with bonding, relationship adjustments, anger management, and early parenting struggles.
I'm also proud to serve as a Postpartum Support International Coordinator and founder of Mindful Mums, a free support group for mothers.
I offer online counselling sessions in both English and Portuguese through Alliance Counselling, and in-person through Castelo Counselling in Lisbon.
If you or your organization are interested in individual or group supervision as well as professional workshops on perinatal mental health, please get in touch.
Biofeedback & Research
I hold a Ph.D. in Clinical Applied Psychophysiology from Saybrook University in the United States, where I specialized in mind-body interventions.
I utilize brain mapping, neurofeedback, and biofeedback techniques to optimize brain function. These evidence-based methods empower individuals to ease their reliance on medication, improve focus and performance by leveraging the connection between physiology, psychology, and technology.
In addition to my clinical practice, I am actively engaged in research on innovative treatments for birth trauma and perinatal mental health. Through the use of biofeedback techniques, my research aims to develop new ways to support mental health and well-being during the critical periods surrounding childbirth.
My work is dedicated to advancing the growing field of psychophysiology, with a focus on enhancing awareness of the benefits of mind-body techniques in healthcare. I am passionate about making meaningful contributions that drive the field forward, helping others harness the natural power of their minds and bodies to achieve optimal health and performance.
Behavioral Medicine Training and Research Foundation
Through my PhD, I´ve had the honour of learning from some of the world´s leading experts in the field of psychophysiology such as Dr Richard Sherman and Dr Cynthia Kerson.
I serve as a board member for the Behavioral Medicine Research and Training Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 2000 by Dr. Sherman. The foundation is dedicated to advancing healthcare by providing continuing education for licensed and certified clinicians in fields such as medicine, nursing, psychology, counseling, and therapies. Our mission is to equip healthcare professionals with the skills needed to effectively integrate behavioral medicine techniques into their practice, enhancing patient care and outcomes.
If you´re interested in integrating biofeedback or neurofeedback into your practice, please get in touch with any questions.
The Person:
I love cats, dogs, birds, long walks on the beach, and exploring the countryside. I’m hard-working and persistent, I tackle life with a good dose of humor (much to my daughter’s frustration) and a touch of Latin temper when I’m 'hangry.' As a loving mother and perpetual daydreamer, I bring warmth and creativity to everything I do—even if I misplace my phone at least three times a day!
When I became a mother for the first time, I was struck by how little emotional support was available for new mothers.
Motherhood has been an incredibly intense and humbling journey for me, and it’s what inspired my passion for supporting new parents.
My own experience with birth trauma further motivated me to specialize in this area, leading to research and a deeper commitment to helping others navigate similar challenges.