Be mindful, be fearless, and be happy!

 

My Background and Training

 

I am Molly Chan-Heyes.  Having endured a childhood full of sadness and loss, I have been obsessed with studying the human condition for most of my life!  I finally started formal education in psychology in my late teens, motivated by the opportunity to better understand myself and others around me.  My early post-grad work experience involved supporting youth and children in residential care, all of whom had experienced varying degrees of trauma and abuse.  Knowing that I would likely revisit the caring professions in a different capacity, I then took a diversion into a career in the energy markets, which taught me a lot about grit and resilience.  I soon realised that market behaviour, as depicted in graph form, is like a metaphor for life's highs and lows.  Our mental well-being and stability are largely dependent on our tolerance of the highs and lows.

 

The next chapter of my life involved diverting all my energies into motherhood, but my desire to help others (as well as my children) in heart-led work never went away.  It felt inevitable that I would eventually return to the path of a psychotherapist; in hindsight, it was a life-long goal and a culmination of my life's work in a much broader sense.  In terms of my formal credentials, I have a BA (Hons) in Social Sciences, an MBA, and a Diploma in Transpersonal Therapeutic Counselling.  But perhaps more importantly, I bring empathy, humility, wisdom and acceptance - all born from my own experiences of overcoming adversity, from having lived in 3 different continents and shared stories, struggles, tears and laughter with people from many walks of life and cultural backgrounds.

 

I am a member of the International Council of Integrative Psychotherapists (ICIP - Registration #362470).  My practice operates within the ICIP's professional standards and guidelines and adheres to their Code of Ethics.  For further information, please visit www.the-nicp.org.

 

 

My Approach in Therapy

 

My integrative approach is client-centred, with emphasis on feelings as well as thoughts and behaviours, and is underpinned by the belief that we each have the capacity to find our own solutions with the gentle guidance of a therapist.  I adopt elements from Gestalt therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) theory and somatic experiencing.  I am trained in Flash Technique Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).  I am also inspired by Buddhist psychology and encourage practice in meditation, mindfulness and yoga to regulate the nervous system and increase embodied self-awareness.

 

My professional training is in transpersonal psychology, which is a fancy way of saying that the individual is seen in terms of their connection to something larger than themselves (e.g. through interpersonal relationships, art, nature, physical activities, spiritual beliefs, anything encompassed in the whole human experience of the world).  My work is also influenced by Bowen Family Systems theory.  Essentially, this means that individuals and their struggles are seen in terms of the wider context of their family of origin since it is usually our primary connection to the world.  Furthermore, relational problems are seen as a social process where we try to avoid labelling villains and victims.

 

My role as a therapist is mainly to listen and guide with questions rather than to give advice.  Thus, my aim is that clients see themselves as the agent of change in their personal growth.  I can help you to uncover blind spots in making sense of your presenting disposition; I can also provide tools, strategies, and psychological education; but the real magic is in your willingness to apply what you learn about yourself.

 

Are you ready to take a step towards positive change?  Contact me today!

 

 

Fees

 

An initial 20 minute "discovery call" is free of charge.  You  will have the opportunity to ask any questions about the process.  This allows us to decide if working together will be a good fit for your needs.  Thereafter, a block of 5 sessions is recomended to start.  Sessions can be in-person in the Algarve or online via video conference.

 

€75 - individual session (55 minutes)

 

€120 - couples (75 minutes)

 

A travel surcharge may apply for appointments in Vilamoura and Lagos.

 

Block discounts available by prior arrangement.