FAQ
If you’re considering counselling, it helps to have clear answers. Below are some of the most common questions about how IntimaBalance works, what kind of support is offered, and when another kind of help may be more appropriate.
Is IntimaBalance for individuals, couples, or both?
IntimaBalance offers online counselling for adults, including both individuals and couples. Some people come alone to work through relationship patterns, uncertainty, or intimacy concerns. Others attend as a couple to work on communication, emotional connection, trust, or relationship transitions.
Are sessions online only?
Yes. All sessions are offered online. This allows clients to attend from a private space that feels safe and practical for them.
Can clients book from outside Portugal?
Yes. Because the practice is online, clients can book from outside Portugal. Sessions are offered in English and Afrikaans.
What happens in a first session?
The first session is a space to understand what is happening, what feels difficult, and what kind of support may be most helpful. It is not about rushing to a conclusion. It is about getting a clear sense of your concerns, goals, and the best starting point for the work.
How long are sessions?
Individual sessions are 60 minutes. Couples sessions are 90 minutes.
How often do people usually attend?
This depends on the concern, the goals of the work, and what feels manageable. Some clients attend weekly, especially at the beginning. Others attend fortnightly or at a slower rhythm once the work is underway. This is discussed together rather than imposed.
What kinds of concerns are a good fit?
IntimaBalance is a good fit for adults and couples seeking support with communication difficulties, emotional disconnection, desire differences, intimacy concerns, trust strain, relationship transitions, post-breakup or post-divorce adjustment, relational uncertainty, and thoughtfully navigating non-monogamy or relationship agreements.
How are sessions conducted?
Sessions are conducted online through a secure video platform. You can join from home or another private space where you feel comfortable speaking openly.
How do I book a session?
You can book through the website using the booking button. If you are unsure where to begin, the free 15-minute introduction is a gentle first step.
What if I’m unsure whether counselling is right for me?
That is completely okay. You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. The 15-minute introduction is there to help you ask questions, get a feel for the process, and decide whether this feels like the right fit.
What qualifications do you have?
Cecilia Engelbrecht has a background in education and psychology, together with further training in intimacy work, couples counselling, and sexual concerns. She is also an accredited member of ACCPH. You can read more on the About Cecilia page.
Is this therapy, counselling, or coaching?
IntimaBalance offers online counselling. The work is supportive, relational, and non-diagnostic. It focuses on clarity, communication, patterns, boundaries, and reconnection, rather than medical or diagnosis-led treatment.
Does IntimaBalance diagnose mental health conditions?
No. IntimaBalance does not provide mental health diagnosis. Where diagnosis, psychiatric care, or another specialist pathway may be needed, that should be named clearly and approached responsibly.
Is this suitable for emergencies?
No. IntimaBalance is not an emergency service. If there is immediate danger, risk of harm, a suicidal crisis, or any urgent safety concern, local emergency or crisis services should be contacted straight away.
What if there is abuse or coercion in the relationship?
Where there is active coercive control, current domestic abuse, fear, intimidation, or serious safety concerns, couples counselling may not be the right setting. A different or additional support pathway may be more appropriate.
What if I think hormones, pain, or medication effects are involved?
Some intimacy or relationship concerns can have medical or physical contributors as well. Where hormonal issues, pain, erectile difficulties, pelvic symptoms, medication side effects, or other physical factors may be involved, medical review may also be recommended. Counselling can support the emotional and relational side of these concerns, but it does not replace medical assessment.
What if I need psychiatric help?
If psychiatric care, specialist trauma support, or broader mental health treatment is needed, referral onward may be more appropriate. Counselling can be very supportive, but it works best when the concern fits the scope of the practice.
Are sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is taken seriously, and sessions are held with care and discretion. At the same time, confidentiality has limits. If there are serious concerns about immediate safety, risk of harm, or legal obligations that require action, confidentiality may not be absolute. Where possible, this would be discussed clearly and respectfully.
Do you prescribe medication?
No. As a counsellor, Cecilia does not prescribe medication. Where appropriate, clients may be encouraged to consult a doctor, psychiatrist, or other relevant medical professional.
What if I am not sure?
If you still have questions, you’re welcome to book a 15-minute introduction or get in touch through the contact page.
Do you offer online relationship counselling internationally?
Yes. IntimaBalance offers online relationship and intimacy counselling for adults, individuals, and couples in Portugal, South Africa, and internationally. Sessions are held online and are available in English and Afrikaans.
Do you offer online couples counselling in Portugal?
Yes. IntimaBalance offers online couples counselling for clients in Portugal, including those based in the Algarve and other areas, as well as clients living internationally. Couples counselling may support communication difficulties, emotional distance, recurring conflict, intimacy concerns, trust strain, and relationship transitions.
Can expats book online relationship counselling?
Yes. Many clients living abroad prefer online counselling because it allows them to access support from a private and familiar space. IntimaBalance works with English- and Afrikaans-speaking clients who may be navigating relationship strain, cultural transitions, intimacy concerns, separation, divorce, or uncertainty while living outside their home country.
Do you offer intimacy and sexual concerns counselling online?
Yes. IntimaBalance offers online intimacy and relationship counselling for adults and couples navigating desire differences, low desire, sexual communication concerns, emotional distance, confidence, intimacy difficulties, and relationship disconnection. Counselling supports the emotional and relational side of these concerns and does not replace medical assessment where physical or medical factors may be involved.
Is this couples therapy or counselling?
Many people search for couples therapy, intimacy therapy, or relationship therapy online. IntimaBalance offers counselling, not psychotherapy, medical treatment, diagnosis, or emergency care. The work is supportive, relational, and focused on communication, patterns, boundaries, intimacy, trust, clarity, and relationship decision-making.
How much does counselling cost?
Individual counselling sessions are €60, and couples counselling sessions are €85.
Three-session packages are available at €170 for individual counselling and €245 for couples counselling.
Clients in South Africa are welcome to enquire about fees, as payments are available in South African rand.