My Protocol BPSE

A Bio-Psycho-Social-Existential Protocol

Introduction: 

My protocol was developed to support my clinical practice in the safest, most effective and refreshing way possible. It integrates the different branches of psychology. I have based it in areas that I trained, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as the main skeleton for my practice, Family and Systemic Therapy, Hypnotherapy and Mindfulness. I have a special interest in existential psychotherapy, so this is also included in a more philosophical yet impartial way. 

It is supported by my independent research about the science of unconditional love that I started in 2020, while I was living on the Isle of Wight, UK. I have the blessing of being able to work with students of Psychology at the University of Portsmouth. 

Background:

I have been a psychologist since 2008. I have been practicing my profession with all age groups, including individuals, couples, families and groups. I am naturally quite creative and eclectic, and I am also Portuguese. I finished my psychology training in Portugal and moved to the UK in 2010. I have been gaining quite a lot of international work experience, especially since 2020, when I joined Better Help and Regain (online clinical services platforms). 

I am a Christian by faith, however, I am scientifically minded when it comes to my beliefs. I like to understand everything logically. I am open-minded and genuine. 

Protocol Phases: 

The protocol has 2 phases only. 

  1. Stabilisation: This first phase is related to providing clients with scientific information about the protocol itself, my clinical psychology and Family therapy work experience. Scientific information about self-care is offered, including important homework. 
  1. Relational: Clients are invited to think about themselves first, to connect with their experiences and validate their feelings. Following this, I will make space for the client to also observe the other, their context, in a non-judgmental way, yet without dismissing any important information related to the other’s immediate internal and/or external/systemic relevant circumstances. 

Structure of the Protocol:

  1. Assessment ( 1-3 sessions normally)
  2. Protocol Session ( 1 session)
  3. Psychotherapy ( 6 sessions minimum or more)
  4. Relapse Prevention ( Before the end of therapy 1-3 sessions thinking about the end of our work and conclusion of therapy ( Ending Session -1 -4 sessions)

Clinical Principles of the Protocol 

  1. Motto: Emotions are not good or bad, they are all important 
  2. 50%50% Meeting self halfway as you meet the other through science.
  3. Healthy Realism instead of extreme negativism or positivism
  4. A relationship ( romantic, family or work partners)  is a shared dilemma 50%50%
  5. Cognitive health matters
  6. Creative health matters
  7. Spiritual health matters (adequate for atheists, includes Human Rights observation)

My Professional Guidelines 

  1. DSM-5-TR (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision, was published in 2022)
  2.  ICD 11 (International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision · The global standard for diagnostic health information)
  3.  Health and Care Professions Council regulates health, psychological and care professionals in the United Kingdom. https://www.hcpc-uk.org/
  4. A Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses (OPP) Portuguese Association of Psychologists https://www.ordemdospsicologos.pt › aopp
  5. CQC, the independent regulator of health and social care in England