Somatic sessions · online, worldwide · English · Português · Español
I'm Gonçalo Moreira, a somatic practitioner and musician. In gentle one-to-one sessions online, we slow down and notice what's going on in your body and mind, not just in your words, so that what feels stuck can ease and make sense. For stress and overwhelm, for sensitive and neurodivergent minds, and for anyone at a crossroads.
What sessions are like
You know when something bothers you but you can't quite say what it is? Usually there's more going on than thinking can reach: a tightness in the chest, a restlessness in the legs, a feeling with no name yet.
I listen to all of you, not just your words. Sometimes what matters most shows up as a feeling in your chest, an image, a movement of your hands or a long pause, and then that's where we stay for a while. From the start, we look for what helps you feel safer and more supported, and we keep building on that. When there's enough safety, we may gently approach what's difficult, never more than you can manage without feeling overwhelmed. We make room for your body, or a sense you can't yet put into words, to show us the next step.
Given enough safety and support, people tend to move towards what they need, the way a plant turns towards the light. Little by little, things can loosen, and what you need can become clearer.
Company along the way
My own long search for what really helps led me to this way of working: gentle, neurodiversity-affirming and at your own pace. I don't offer a cure. I offer a steady presence and close attention while you find your own way.
I came to this work as a musician. Composing taught me to hold a feeling and wait until the right note comes, and that's very close to what we do in sessions. I'm also neurodivergent, so I know this terrain from the inside.
How we work
Whatever you bring, these stay the same:
Words, but also sensations, feelings, movements, posture, expressions and silences. We spend time with whatever matters most in the moment. Every part of you is welcome, even the parts that pull in different directions: each is usually looking after something you need.
From the start, we look for what helps you feel safer and more supported (that's different for everyone: music, a rhythm, rocking, looking out of the window), and we keep building on that. Only when there's enough safety may we gently approach what's difficult.
Some things are easier to draw, show with your body or turn into sound than to say. There's no need to be artistic: music taught me to trust what happens beyond words.
My approach draws on Experiential Focusing, Somatic Experiencing® and the expressive arts, with neurodivergent-friendly ways of calming the nervous system, including work with all eight senses (the usual five, plus balance, body position and inner signals like hunger).
What people often bring
For when demanding work, caring for others, or simply too much for too long has left you constantly on edge, or switched off. We work gently so you can feel calmer and more at home in yourself.
For those who feel deeply and think differently — highly sensitive, autistic, ADHD, gifted, or any mix of these — often while holding responsible jobs and full lives. I'm neurodivergent too, so you won't need to explain or apologise for the way you are.
For a decision, a transition, or a project that won't yet come clear — a book, a thesis, a business idea, a creative piece — when you sense more than you can yet put into words. We try out words, images or gestures until something fits what you sense, and the next step may show itself.
Ways we can work together
Sessions are one-to-one and online, in English, Português, or Español.
A short, relaxed call to sense whether working together feels right. This is where everyone begins — nothing to prepare, and no obligation afterwards.
Book a free callA full session, listening to all of you, not just your words. For those who have already had a first conversation with me.
Book a sessionPayment is made at least 24 hours before each session — I’ll send you the details before our first session. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let me know at least 48 hours before, and I'll refund you in full or find you a new time. With less notice, I'd ask you to let me keep the fee, as I hold that time just for you. Your legal right always comes first, though: if you cancel within 14 days of booking and before your session takes place, you get a full refund, whatever the notice. Genuine emergencies happen too, and I'll always consider those case by case. Full booking terms
Common questions
Often we begin by sensing what helps you feel safe and supported today: for some people it's looking around the room, for others a sound, a movement or something to hold. We keep building on that, and from there we may turn towards whatever is most present for you, at your pace.
I pay attention to more than words: sensations, feelings, the way you sit or move, your expressions, a sigh or a deep breath. I gently let you know what I notice, so you can notice it too, and whatever is there gets time and room to show itself, in whatever form it takes. Near the end, we may take a moment to notice what has changed and what you'd like to carry into your week.
No. Words are one way of experiencing things, and there are many others: sensations, movement, images, feelings. We spend time with whatever matters most in the moment. You don't even need to know what to say: we can start from a vague feeling. Many people close their eyes, and silences are welcome.
No. This is Experiential Focusing companionship, coaching, and education — not psychotherapy — and I don't diagnose or treat mental-health conditions. Rather than starting from a diagnosis or a problem to fix, I help you notice what's going on in you and follow what is already trying to happen, so the change comes from you.
Many people find it a supportive complement to other kinds of care, rather than a replacement. And if therapy is what you need, I'll gladly help point you toward the right support.
This isn't a treatment for anxiety, depression or any other condition, and it doesn't replace therapy or medical care. It can sit alongside them, though, as a gentle space to listen to yourself.
Not at all. This is a neurodiversity-affirming space. Your way of feeling and thinking isn't something to manage or mask — we adapt the process to fit you, whether that means more movement, working with image and metaphor, longer pauses, or whatever helps your nervous system feel safe. You're welcome exactly as you are.
That's completely normal — and often a wise, protective response, not a sign anything has gone wrong. We start slowly and gently, sometimes just noticing something outside you, or a place in your body that feels neutral. There's no pressure to feel anything in particular. The practice itself can help you reconnect, softly, at a pace that feels safe.
Online works well. On video I can still notice the small things — your breathing, your posture, the subtle shifts as we go — and many people find that being in their own space makes it easier to settle.
As for how often: there's no fixed rule; we find the rhythm that suits you. Many people find weekly sessions work well, especially at the start, as each session builds on the last. Some come twice a week for a while, others every two weeks, and later some come less often. Each session is complete in itself, and you're never locked in.
In their words
As someone with AuDHD, I have a need to feel safe and held… He did this by co-creating a supportive container with me, and using gentle, resonant invitations for me to access my body's wisdom.
Kaye Heyes — Neurodivergent Coach & Supervisor
The three sessions I had with Gonçalo were transformative! … The palpable outcome for me was that an old, ingrained pattern was able to release, such that I now feel more free, expansive and able to make positive practical changes in my life.
Kay Hoffmann — Focusing Professional & Coordinator
His steady presence supported me in hearing and feeling the strength of my essence. After our sessions, I often find myself honouring my voice and speaking up from a place of clarity and choice.
F.C. — Focusing Professional & Teacher
A gentle note: this work is Experiential Focusing companionship, coaching, and education — a way of accompanying your own process. It isn't psychotherapy, and I don't diagnose or treat medical or mental-health conditions. If that's what you're looking for, I'll gladly help point you toward the right support.
Ready to begin?
If something here resonates, I'd love to hear from you. The first conversation is free, and there's no pressure — just a chance to sense whether we're a good fit.
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