SONIA PIERAMICO

CLINICAL AND HEALTH PSYCHOLOGIST
ADVANCED SPECIALIZATION IN PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA
SEXOLOGIST
PhD FELLOW IN HUMAN SEXUALITY

Driven by curiosity and a desire to understand others and the world, my journey in psychology has taken me to different corners of the world: from Italy to Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and eventually Portugal, where I completed my Master’s degree in Clinical and Health Psychology.
My clinical experience has allowed me to work across a variety of settings and with diverse populations, including university students, socially disadvantaged populations, people experiencing addiction, individuals with sexual difficulties, with trauma-related challenges, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Since 2021, I’m a member of the Ordem dos Psicologos Portugueses (OPP no. 26358), working as a clinical psychologist offering counseling in English, Portuguese, Italian, and German.
I am also a PhD researcher in human sexuality, studying the intersection of cancer, sexuality, and mental health.

My approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which focuses on helping people recognise patterns between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours with the goal of fostering positive change and well-being. Alongside CBT, I integrate techniques and knowledge from my specialised training in mindfulness, sexology, and psychological trauma, as well as strategies from Schema Therapy.

Outside of work, I am passionate about surfing, CrossFit, animals, and backpacking. I feel happiest by the sea, exploring nature, or sharing moments with the people who matter most to me.

In my sessions, I always strive to create a warm, welcoming, and genuine environment, which may include humour, everyday stories, or personal reflections. Having faced my own difficult moments and emotions, I understand how challenging—and transformative—the journey of psychological support can be, as well as how valuable it is to feel supported while (re)building an inner sense of peace and balance. Being vulnerable is difficult, but it’s also an act of courage that deserves a safe and warm space in which to unfold.

RELEVANT TRAINING

_ PhD in Human Sexuality, University of Porto, 2021–Present
_ Advanced Specialisation in Psychological Trauma, Instituto CRIAP, 2024–2025
_ Training in Mindfulness-Based Strategies, Evolui Portugal, 2022
_ Psychological Intervention with LGBTQIA+ Individuals, Portuguese Psychologists’ Association, 2022
_ Member of the Portuguese Society of Clinical Sexology, 2021–Present