Events Mensana
Alterações psíquicas na gravidez: o nascimento psíquico da mãe e do bebé (por Sofia Figueiredo)
A gravidez é um momento de grande transformação física e biológica, mas também psíquica. As transformações psicológicas que se operam na mente da mãe visam prepará-la para acolher e permitir o desenvolvimento deste novo ser, ainda muito imaturo, que é o bebé.
Na maternidade, uma mulher torna-se mãe de um bebé e mãe de si mesma – ao reviver-se como bebé, para poder cuidar de outro bebé sem repetir apenas a forma como foi cuidada, mas criando ou inventando uma nova forma de cuidar.
É por isso que a gravidez é uma crise e uma oportunidade ao mesmo tempo. O que ficou por elaborar pode voltar, mas pode também agora ser transformado.
Mensana Talks 2026/27: Psychological challenges throughout the life cycle
Throughout life we go through developmental phases (physiological, mental, social) that bring new challenges, which also constitute “windows of opportunity” to evolve and transform issues that had been poorly resolved at previous moments in life.
Mensana is organising a series of “Talks”, presented by clinical psychologists and psychoanalysts, to reflect on the various psychological challenges that human development presents throughout the life cycle. It will be a space for reflection, discussion and sharing, in Portuguese or English.
The talks will take place one Saturday a month, from 10am to 1pm, between November 2026 and June 2027, at Mensana – Mental Health Clinic.
Psychopedagogic Workshop on Adolescence (by Rita Marta)
Adolescence is one of the most important developmental phases of human development. Marked by puberty, it brings up intense biological and hormonal changes, rapid brain and cognitive development and major social and emotional reorganisation. Unsurprisingly, this period is often referred to as ‘Adolescent Emotional Crisis’.
Some teens move through this period relatively easily whilst others may suffer emotional turmoil and experience psychological symptoms including depression, anxiety, addictions, self-harm and suicide attempts.
For parents, this phase could be equally challenging. Many feel confused, helpless and anxious and often are unsure how to respond.
This workshop is designed to provide a safe, reflective and supportive space for parents who wish to have a better understanding of their teens. It’s also designed to help them in navigating this stage with courage and confidence.
Psychodynanic Assessment Workshop (by Katarzyna Akhtar)
This comprehensive two-day interactive workshop is designed for counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists who wish to develop or deepen their knowledge and technique of a psychodynamic assessment. Through engaging exercises, case studies and self-reflection, the participants will refine their skills in conducting an in-depth interview. The workshop is psychoanalytically informed but practitioners of other orientations are welcome!
What do we pass on (by Marina O’Connor)
What do we pass on - is a therapeutic group and 8 week transformational programme for everyone who wants to start healing from childhood wounds (passed on from one generation to the next), to better understand their family scenarios and to re-connect to their true potential.
Psychodynamic Assessment Workshop
This comprehensive two-day interactive workshop is designed for counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists who wish to develop or deepen their knowledge and technique of a psychodynamic assessment. Through engaging exercises, case studies and self-reflection, the participants will refine their skills and knowledge in conducting an in-depth interview.
The workshop is psychoanalytically informed but practitioners of other orientations are welcome!
Workshop content:
An Overview of Psychoanalytic Assessment
The Aims of Assessment: Why, What and How we Assess?
History Taking versus History Making
DSM - Friend or Foe?
Clinical Case Presentation: Making Sense of the Symptoms
Unconscious Communication in the Assessment Process
Concluding Assessment: Constructing a Psychodynamic Formulation & Treatment Recommendation
Psychodynamic Considerations in Risk Assessment & Management
Katarzyna Akhtar is an accredited psychoanalytic psychotherapist and clinical supervisor. She has over 20 years of experience of working therapeutically in a variety of mental health settings, including the National Health Service, private and charity sectors in Portugal, UK, UAE & Poland. She runs Supervision Groups, Reflective Practice Groups as well as Seminars & Workshops in the field of Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Screen Addiction Support Group (Adults)
Mensana is a place to ease your struggle.
Join a support group that can help you with your challenge.
What do we pass on (by Marina O’Connor)
What do we pass on - is a therapeutic group and 8 week transformational programme for everyone who wants to start healing from childhood wounds (passed on from one generation to the next), to better understand their family scenarios and to re-connect to their true potential.
Group Supporting Families Navigating Mental Illness Together (By Matan Sivan)
Are You Supporting a Loved One with Mental Health Challenges?
This supportive environment isn’t just about understanding—it’s about creating space for YOU, so you can find clarity, balance, and renewed energy to face the challenges ahead.