Cris Ferraz Prade
Psychotherapy and Counselling
Fully qualified, registered and insured to practice psychotherapy in the UK.
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy registered member (MBACP).
As a licensed psychologist and psychotherapist in London, I help individuals facing serious physical illnesses, stress, mood disorders, work related and relationship conflicts, bereavement etc. My expertise also extends to assisting clients seeking a more fulfilling and balanced life.
With a strong background in psychology and more than 20 years of experience, I am committed to supporting your mental health and well-being.
I creatively approach each person's unique needs, using techniques from various psychological perspectives and sometimes integrating creative approaches such as music therapy, writing and poetry. I prioritise connection, respect, and understanding.
My foundation is in existential therapy, particularly inspired by Viktor Frankl's work on finding meaning in life.
While studying psychology at Mackenzie (São Paulo, Brazil), I volunteered at GRAACC (Support Group for Children and Adolescents with Cancer) from 1992 to 1995.
This experience with pediatric cancer patients and their families taught me the real-life impact of therapy.
How My Professional Journey started
Connection, Respect, and Understanding
After graduating, I attended a family psychotherapy course at Boston University and volunteered at a school for children with emotional needs. I then completed my master's in music therapy at NYU, where I interned with renowned music therapist Joanne Loewy at Beth Israel Hospital.
My passion for working with critically ill patients led me to join pain and comfort care team meetings and volunteer at University Hospice, supporting adult patients in palliative care.
At NYU, I explored various therapeutic modalities, including music therapy, drama therapy, and Guided Imagery and Music (GIM), expanding my knowledge beyond psychoanalysis to humanist, existentialist, and transpersonal approaches.
After my master's, I worked at Mount Sinai Hospital in paediatric oncology and ICU, specialising in Child Life Care.
NYU Master's in Music Therapy
My Professional Journey
Hospital Albert Einstein (São Paulo)
Palliative Care Education and Assistance
At HIAE, I founded Casa do Cuidar (“The house of care”) together with Ana Claudia Quintana Arantes (MD), Toshio Chiba (MD) and Francisco Carlos Gomes dos SAntos (Psy), in 2007. Brazil's first non-profit focused on palliative care education and assistance. Our shared passion for palliative care made this dream a reality.
Working with end-of-life patients deepened my commitment to existential psychotherapy and Viktor Frankl's work. In 2010, I joined Hospital Sírio Libanês's Integrative Care team, led by Plínio Cutait.
Concurrently, Casa do Cuidar's advanced courses and the Caring for the Caregiver program, sponsored by J&J, flourished. Resulting in 2 books on the theme of Burnout Prevention. The voluntary service project Corrente do Cuidar (“Chain of Care”) began to take shape.
Psychotherapist in London
In 2015, I embarked on a new professional journey. Before starting my practice as a psychotherapist in London, UK, I took a sabbatical year focused on family. I missed work and sought new opportunities, taking a mindfulness course and attending lectures at the Cicely Saunders Institute, which deepened my understanding of the NHS and palliative care.
I then worked at Factor Humanus Scientia for two years, specialising in leadership development with top professionals. In 2019, I have volunteered weekly at Trinity Hospice, supporting palliative care patients. Currently, I collaborate with Casa do Cuidar Portugal in the Compassionate Volunteer program as a mentor.
I work for Breast Cancer Now as a group facilitator for women with secondary Breast Cancer and I dedicate myself to developing Vital Kompass workshops as well as working at the clinic in Kensington and Chiswick.
After my return to Brazil, I opened my private practice in 2002 and started working at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (HIAE) in São Paulo, where I initially focused on neurological patients and later combined music therapy with psychotherapy, working in bone marrow transplant, palliative care, and oncology units. I also gained certification in Simulation-based Education.
Throughout eight years of working alongside colleagues in the psychology department, nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, and nutritionists, I learned the importance of self-care for preventing burnout.
Moreover, my personal therapy journey included Gestalt and Buddhist psychotherapy.
People, projects and NGOs that I worked with
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