All relationships go through difficult phases. Asking for help is the first step to getting through them together.
Couples Therapy is a safe, neutral and welcoming space where two partners can speak openly — with the support of a specialist therapist — about the challenges, conflicts and difficulties they are experiencing in the relationship. It is not a space of judgement. It is a space of listening, understanding and transformation.
In Aveiro, consultations are carried out by Vanessa Nascimento Machado — a specialist nurse with 23 years of experience, training in human sexuality and an ongoing doctorate at the University of Porto — by prior appointment and adapted to the needs of each couple.
Book your consultation now — and take the first step towards a healthier and closer relationship.
When to seek Couples Therapy?
Couples therapy can help in many different situations — not only in serious crises:
- Communication difficulties: conversations that always end in conflict
- Emotional distance: a feeling of distance or disconnection between partners
- Recurring conflicts: arguments that repeat without resolution
- Intimacy difficulties: physical or emotional
- Managing life changes: children, work, loss, transitions
- Prevention: couples who want to strengthen the relationship before problems arise
How does a consultation work?
Each session lasts 50 minutes and is conducted in a confidential and non-judgemental environment. The therapist facilitates dialogue between the two partners — helping to identify communication patterns, understand different perspectives and find paths towards greater balance and closeness. The number of sessions is defined together, according to the needs and goals of each couple.
Price Includes
- 1 Couples Therapy consultation — 50 minutes
About the Therapist Vanessa Nascimento Machado
Qualified nurse with 23 years of experience, specialising in family health, human sexuality and teaching. With experience as an adult educator, youth trainer and lecturer at Universidade Estácio de Sá, she combines solid academic training with clinical practice committed to people's wellbeing. She is currently completing a doctorate in Human Sexuality at the University of Porto — deepening her knowledge in one of the most relevant areas for the health and wellbeing of couples.
More Information
If you have anything else send us a whatsapp message on this issue link.
Contact WOU: 918 136 805
1. What exactly is Couples Therapy and how does it differ from individual therapy?
A: Couples Therapy is a therapeutic process where both partners participate together, with the support of a specialist therapist. Unlike individual therapy — which focuses on each person's personal development — couples therapy focuses on the dynamics of the relationship between the two: communication, conflict patterns, intimacy and the emotional balance of the couple as a unit.
2. When is the right time to seek Couples Therapy?
A: You do not need to be in crisis to seek couples therapy. It can be useful when there are recurring communication difficulties, emotional distance, conflicts that repeat without resolution, intimacy difficulties or major life changes such as children, loss or professional transitions. Many couples also turn to therapy preventively — to strengthen the relationship before problems arise.
3. How does the first consultation work?
A: The first consultation serves to get to know the couple, understand the current situation and define the objectives of the therapeutic process. It is a space of listening and welcome — without judgement and completely confidential. From there, the number and frequency of sessions are defined together with the therapist, according to the needs of each couple.
4. Do both partners need to want therapy?
A: Ideally yes — couples therapy is most effective when both partners participate voluntarily and with commitment. However, if one partner has initial resistance, it can be useful to start with an individual consultation to explore motivations and concerns before moving forward with the joint process.
5. Are the consultations confidential?
A: Yes. All information shared in consultations is strictly confidential. Confidentiality is a fundamental principle of therapeutic practice — the consultation space is safe and protected for both partners.
6. How many sessions are needed?
A: The number of sessions varies from couple to couple, depending on the situation and the defined objectives. Some situations are resolved in a few sessions; others benefit from more prolonged support. The process is always defined together with the therapist, with flexibility to adjust over time.
7. Can couples therapy help even when the relationship is very deteriorated?
A: Yes. Couples therapy can be useful even in situations of great conflict or distance — helping both partners to better understand what happened, to communicate in a healthier way and to make more conscious decisions about the future of the relationship.
8. How do I make a booking?
A: Consultations are by prior appointment. You can book directly through the WOU registration form or contact us via WhatsApp.
