Background:

Due to my father’s career, our family travelled somewhat and we lived in Portugal, United Kingdom and Canada.  I struggle to answer the “where are you from” question. I was born in Portugal and have a little bit of me from all the other countries I lived in. Having had the privilege of experiencing different cultures has made me a more compassionate, tolerant and understanding human being.

I continue to travel as much as possible. Especially after studying psychology, it fascinates me to observe how other cultures function, how people live, their customs and traditions. Every time I travel, it gives me great pleasure to talk to locals and understand how life is where they live, their hopes, dreams, expectations, etc. Ultimately we are all human beings and with all our differences we are all the same.

I have a BA in Health Psychology from Universidade Lusiada do Porto, Portugal. A Post-Graduate degree in Clinical Psychology: Psychological Consultation, Psychotherapy and Clinical Neuropsychology from Associacao Portuguesa de Psicologia Relacional Historica, Porto, Portugal.

I follow the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of conduct by the Order of Portuguese Psychologists (OPP).

I have worked in schools and hospitals for well over 10 years, following a Cognitive-Behavioral approach. I have volunteered for Doctors of the World and now I have embarked on a new journey by starting my own Online Psychology Clinic: EXPERIENCE CHANGE – DR SORAIA ESTEVES. It has always been a dream of mine. Following our dreams seems daunting, and it is. Whatever the outcome, I am very happy that I took the risk.

Website: www.drsoraiaesteves.com

Instagram @soraiaestevestherapy

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/soraia-esteves

How you had the idea of your business?

I have had the nine to five job. I used to love the work pace. However I started realizing that life is more than just work. Having an online business does not mean you work less, it means you work better. I feel I have time for everything. I have a more balanced work/personal life pace, which is fundamental for me.

Having an online psychology clinic is positive both for myself and my clients. We save time on commuting and more time on working out the issues that concern them. I have only had positive feedback and am happy that it is working out well.

What are the important turning points in your life?

Having a child is a turning point in anyone’s life! Everything changes! She is a young adult now and I couldn’t be more proud of the person she has become. She inspires me to be the best version of myself, always.

Starting my own business is definitely an important turning point. I have wanted to do so for many years. Fear and lack of time always discouraged me. I am happy that I took the risk and decided that time for dreams coming true is now.

What are your favorites?

Taste : Salted caramel ice cream.

Scent : Pine trees and ocean scent.

Feel : Warm sand on my feet.

Scene : Scuba diving: surrounded by crystal clear water, colorful fish and coral.

Sound : Crickets chirping on a warm summer evening in the country side.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Being a single mother is by far my greatest achievement and one which I am very proud of.

What do you most value in your friends?

Honesty.

What do you expect from the future?

It can be so unpredictable. I guess I expect that whatever challenges come my way, I will be able to rise to the occasion.

What was the last gift you gave someone?

Time. I am a firm believer that the best gift to give someone is your time.

What inspires you?

People that against all odds and adversities follow their dreams with courage and determination.

What will be your advice for a fulfilled, significant and happy life?

Follow your dreams.Whatever they might be. If it matters to you, you can find a way, it might take a while but never give up. Having your dream come true makes up to all the hard work, sweat and tears.

Be true and honest with yourself. Not everyone will like nor think the same way you do. It is ok. We are all different, honestly it’s refreshing to meet people that are not afraid to speak their mind, be true to their values while keeping an open mind.

Be kind with yourself. We are our worse enemies. We judge and expect the world from ourselves. I believe we should be as kind to ourselves and we would be with others (if not more).

Travel. Getting out of our comfort zone allows us to understand our limits and our capabilities. We become more in touch with ourselves, our instincts, we learn to live in the now. We become more compassionate and understanding.

Save money.I follow my grandmothers advice: if you earn 10, put 3 aside. Rainy days creep up fast.

Surround yourself with people that make you grow. I have always heard that you are what company you keep. Choose friends wisely. They are the family you choose.

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