Directory entry

Zaida Fontes, NCPS

Credentials: NCPS
Experience: 9 years
Practising in: United Kingdom
Languages: English, Portuguese
Sessions: Online only
Client ages: Adults, 18 and over

Works with Addictions Trauma and abuse Self esteem Depression Coping with life changes

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Zaida Fontes is a counsellor who aims to help people who feel stuck, overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward. She speaks English and Portuguese and encourages people to use their own strengths to cope with hard times. Zaida describes taking the first step towards change as an act of courage and offers steady support as people work through painful issues.

She helps with addictions, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, depression, grief and coping with life changes.

Background and approach

Parenting concerns, anger and family problems are also areas she addresses, along with related issues such as abandonment, attachment worries and codependency. Zaida also supports people facing cancer, caregiver stress and separation or divorce. Her way of working centres on building a trusting relationship where the person’s experience is listened to and respected.

Sessions focus on what a person wants to change and on practical steps they can try between meetings. She draws on approaches that emphasise connection, emotion and mindful coping to guide each plan. Zaida trained as a counsellor and holds the NCPS credential.

She has nine years of professional experience working with a range of emotional and behavioural challenges. That background helps her blend different methods to suit each person’s needs. People can expect a calm, patient style and a focus on small, manageable goals.

Zaida offers online work and can support people in English or Portuguese as they explore change and recovery.

Therapeutic approaches and online options

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early connection patterns shape current relationships. It helps people understand attachment worries and change ways of relating that cause distress. Client-Centred Therapy places the person at the heart of the work, with the counsellor offering empathy and support while the client leads what they want to talk about. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, or DBT, teaches practical skills for managing strong emotions and improving coping when stress becomes overwhelming.

Finding the right approach is part of therapy. Zaida will work together with each person to decide which methods fit their goals, needs and preferences. That collaborative process means plans can change as progress is made and new priorities arise.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to meet - video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging. Video is useful for a full conversation with visual cues, while phone sessions can fit into a short break or when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and messaging suit quick check-ins, ongoing support between sessions or people who prefer writing. These formats make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and busy lives while keeping the focus on practical steps and emotional recovery.

What concerns does Zaida focus on?

She works with people dealing with addictions, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, depression, grief and major life changes. She also addresses parenting, anger and family-related issues plus related topics like codependency and attachment worries.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her style is supportive and person-centred, with attention to emotions and relationships. Sessions aim to listen carefully and work on practical steps that make daily life easier.

How long has she been practising?

She has nine years of professional experience helping people with a range of emotional and behavioural challenges.

What credential does she hold and where is she based?

She holds the NCPS credential and works from the United Kingdom.

Which languages are offered in sessions?

Sessions are offered in English and Portuguese.

Can people outside the UK work with her?

International clients are accepted and can take part in sessions from other countries.

What session formats are available?

She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.

How are costs and scheduling handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Most often

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 9 years
Registered with: NCPS
Languages: English, Portuguese

Contacting Zaida

Zaida takes enquiries through BetterHelp. You answer a few questions about what you are looking for, then arrange sessions if it seems like a fit. Browsing costs nothing and you are not committing to anything by reading this page.

Zaida Fontes, NCPS

Background and approach

Therapeutic approaches and online options

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Others working with addictions