João Lourenço – Licensed Psychologist | Head of Therapies for Children
Professional Background
João Lourenço is a licensed psychologist with over 14 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families in the UAE and Portugal. He currently serves as the Head of Therapies for Children at Aspris Wellbeing Centre Dubai, where he leads a multidisciplinary team in delivering tailored, evidence-based interventions for young people. João is a passionate mental health advocate and has held several leadership positions in the child and adolescent mental health field. Prior to joining Aspris, he co-founded a well-being clinic in Dubai, playing a key role in the development of therapeutic services for children in the region.

Conditions Treated
João provides therapeutic support for a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and developmental concerns, including:
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Social Anxiety & Separation Anxiety
• Specific Phobias & Selective Mutism
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Depression & Trauma-Related Disorders (PTSD)
• Emotional Regulation Challenges
• Low Self-Esteem
• Parent-Infant Attachment Difficulties
• Social Skills & Peer Relationship Issues

Treatment Expertise
João utilizes a broad range of therapeutic modalities tailored to each child’s developmental stage and needs, including:
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Training
• Mentalization-Based Treatment for Children and Young People (MBT-CYP)
• Schema Therapy
• Play Therapy & Child-Centered Interventions
• Reflective Parenting & The Incredible Years Program
• Social Skills Training & Emotional Regulation Groups

Qualifications
João holds the following academic and professional credentials:
• Master’s Degree (MSc) in Clinical Psychology – Portugal
• Bachelor’s Degree (BSc) in Psychological Sciences – Portugal
• CDA Licensed Psychologist

Professional Experience
João has worked extensively in both public and private settings, offering therapeutic services and leading child mental health programs in Portugal and the UAE. His clinical and leadership roles have included supporting schools, co-founding a Dubai-based mental health clinic, and driving early intervention services. He is particularly experienced in working with neurodiverse children and is known for his collaborative approach with families and educators.

Approach to Treatment
João believes in a strengths-based, child-centered approach to therapy that supports each young person’s individuality. His work emphasizes the importance of family engagement, helping parents and caregivers understand their child’s needs and build strong, supportive relationships. João is committed to creating a safe and empathetic space where children can express themselves, build resilience, and thrive emotionally and socially.

Languages Spoken
• English
• Portuguese (Native)