Bem Me Quero
Our mission

How Bem Me Quero was born

Sara Valadares

The beginning of a promise

I have always believed that human complexity — the beauty of what we think and feel — can never be explained by a single cause. We are unique, deep and multifaceted beings. Yet my path in psychology began with a wound: when I was younger, I went through cold clinical experiences where I did not feel welcomed, and where my story and my confidentiality were, in a way, distorted. In that moment of vulnerability, when trust was shaken, I kept a promise in my heart: “I will never be that kind of psychologist.”

Later, life itself took it upon itself to challenge me. I went through difficult phases, moments when I lost sight of myself. It was by finding a therapeutic relationship where I was finally held, listened to without judgement and accepted unconditionally, that I understood the true power of psychology. I realised that we all deserve a safe place to welcome every part of ourselves — even those we are afraid to say out loud.

From myths to a dream

Having my own clinic seemed like a distant dream. Throughout my academic journey, I grew tired of hearing that psychology was a degree with no prospects, a field with no jobs. But when we know who we are and what moves us, there are no shortcuts or outside noise capable of pulling us off course. My purpose was firmly aligned with my values.

The name had existed in my mind for years: Bem Me Quero. I chose it because “loving myself well” is a daily practice I cultivate within me: the commitment to care for myself, to look at my own story and to embrace my needs. I wanted the clinic to be an extension of that principle: a safe harbour for the self-care of everyone who comes to us.

From a solo project to a family

Bem Me Quero began with just me. But I quickly realised that, in order to welcome each story with the quality, ethics and time it deserves, I needed allied hands and hearts.

I never wanted a cold, huge or impersonal clinic with hundreds of staff. My dream was always to build a family-like space. That is why I hand-picked every psychologist who is part of the team today. I looked for professionals who, beyond solid technical excellence and an integrative view of mental health, had an extraordinary human quality.

Today, I am immensely proud of the team we have created. We are a safe harbour for one another too. We meet and communicate often, because I believe that only by caring for those who care can we offer the best support. I look at my colleagues with the same tenderness with which I look at our patients: as whole human beings, with their own stories and needs.

Bem Me Quero was born so that you never have to carry your pain alone. This is your space: where every part of you is welcome.

My journey and clinical approach

Beyond the love and empathy that move me, I hold a rigorous commitment to science, to ethics and to constant professional development. After all, to welcome the complexity of each story, you need deep and multifaceted knowledge.

I believe there are no single moulds for different people. At Clínica Bem Me Quero, we use an integrative approach. This means we combine different therapeutic models and tools — grounded in 2nd- and 3rd-generation Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy — to adapt to your individuality and your needs.

Alongside my work in consultation, my commitment to psychology extends to developing the clinical community itself: I also act as a trainer and supervisor of other psychologists, supporting the ethical and technical growth of professionals who, like me, seek to transform lives.

Sara Valadares

Training and accreditation

  • Master's in Cognitive-Behavioural and Integrative Psychotherapy from the Faculty of Psychology of the University of Lisbon.
  • Full Member of the Portuguese Psychologists' Association (Professional Licence No. 25162).

Areas of specialisation and advanced intervention

Trauma, grief and emotional processing

With specialist training in Grief Intervention and Complex Trauma, I am also an EMDR Therapist (Level 1 and Level 2), a cutting-edge and highly effective approach for processing difficult memories and traumatic experiences.

Crisis, vulnerability and personality disorders

Advanced Specialisation in Suicide and Self-harming Behaviours, as well as intervention focused on Personality Disorders, Anxiety and Depression.

Relationships, couples and sexuality

Advanced Specialisation in Couples Therapy and Clinical Sexology, fostering spaces for dialogue, intimacy and conflict resolution.

Neurodevelopment (childhood, adolescence and adulthood)

Technical and practical skills for the Assessment and Intervention in Autism and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), with a wide range of training focused on childhood and adolescence.

Perinatal psychology

Specialist support in the transition to parenthood, pregnancy, postpartum and maternal mental health.

Diversity and inclusion

Psychological intervention with LGBTQIA+ people, ensuring a space of affirmation and complete safety.

Every part of you is welcome

Take the first step on your path to wellbeing. We're here to welcome you.

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