Catarina Coelho
Braga,Portugal
Summary
I am a dedicated psychologist with a strong interest in both research and clinical practice, particularly in the areas of cognitive functioning and emotion regulation. My background integrates experience in neuropsychology, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and neurostimulation, focusing on developing and applying innovative, science-based approaches to improve mental health and well-being. I have hands-on experience in neuropsychological assessment and intervention, and I thrive in collaborative, interdisciplinary environments where analytical thinking and empathy come together to produce meaningful outcomes. Guided by curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning, I aim to contribute to advancing mental health care through research-informed clinical practice and the development of effective, evidence-based interventions that enhance cognitive and emotional functioning.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Doctoral fellow
Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)
Braga, Portugal
09.2022 - 08.2025
- Designed and conducted two experimental studies exploring emotion regulation and non-invasive brain stimulation (tDCS, tACS).
- Developed and implemented an online survey examining mediators of the relationship between early life trauma and the development of negative emotional states in adulthood, with around 1000 participants.
- Published peer-reviewed articles to disseminate research findings, contributing to greater engagement within academic and clinical research communities.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, fostering national and international partnerships and promoting knowledge exchange across psychology and neuroscience fields.
- Mentored master’s students, providing guidance on research methodology, best practices, and professional development.
Professional Internship
aPsi - Associação de Psicologia da UMinho
Braga, Portugal
01.2021 - 03.2022
- Conducted neuropsychological assessments and implemented tailored intervention strategies for a case of severe traumatic brain injury, focusing on cognitive and emotional rehabilitation.
- Administered and analyzed performance on cognitive tasks (e.g., Go/No-Go, N-Back, and Task Switching) in healthy individuals.
- Developed and validated emotional films for the Emotional Movie Database, ensuring accurate representation for experimental and clinical research purposes.
Research fellow
Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)
Braga, Portugal
11.2020 - 07.2022
- Conducted training sessions of tDCS application.
- Performed psychological assessments to diagnose major depressive disorder (using SCID and other
psychological assessment instruments). - Evaluated neuronal functioning through EEG in individuals with and without depression.
- Co-authored a systematic review.
- Actively participated in scientific meetings to discuss and disseminate research findings.
- Presented research at national and international conferences, enhancing scientific communication skills.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Catholic University of Portugal
Braga 09.2014 - 07.2017
Master of Science - Clinical and Health Psychology
Catholic University of Portugal
Braga 10.2017 - 02.2020
Postgraduate qualification - Specialization in Clinical Neuropsychology and Neuropsychological Intervention
Instituto Português de Psicologia (INSPSIC)
Porto 11.2019 - 04.2021
Postgraduate qualification - Specialization in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapies
Instituto Português de Psicologia (INSPSIC)
Porto 05.2021 - 08.2022
Doctor of Philosophy - Applied Psychology
University of Minho
Braga 09.2020 -
Skills
- Communication proficiency
- Advanced scientific writing
- Neuropsychological assessment
- Clinical assessment techniques
- Cognitive-Behavioral therapy
- Quantitative data analysis (R, SPSS)
- Literature review proficiency
- Student support
Languages
English
Intermediate
Portuguese
Proficient (C2)
Certification
- EuroPsy - European Certificate in Psychology (Registration Number: PT-067772-202205)
- Member of the Order of Portuguese Psychologists (OPP) - Professional Licence: 26594
Accomplishments
Program IMFAHE´S Platform of Talent 2024-2025:
- IMFAHE´s Nodal Award – Shark Tank 2025: Project EmpathAI
- Second Best Oral Presentations 2025: The Impact of Prefrontal Cortex tDCS and Cognitive Reappraisal on Psychophysiological Responses to Negative Emotions
Timeline
Doctoral fellow
Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)
09.2022 - 08.2025
Postgraduate qualification - Specialization in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapies
Instituto Português de Psicologia (INSPSIC)
05.2021 - 08.2022
Professional Internship
aPsi - Associação de Psicologia da UMinho
01.2021 - 03.2022
Research fellow
Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)
11.2020 - 07.2022
Doctor of Philosophy - Applied Psychology
University of Minho
09.2020 -
Postgraduate qualification - Specialization in Clinical Neuropsychology and Neuropsychological Intervention
Instituto Português de Psicologia (INSPSIC)
11.2019 - 04.2021
Master of Science - Clinical and Health Psychology
Catholic University of Portugal
10.2017 - 02.2020
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Catholic University of Portugal
09.2014 - 07.2017