Panel Discussion: The Bridges & Boundaries between Coaching & Therapy

This year, our annual panel discussion brings together five accomplished Lisbon-based practitioners as we explore the bridges and boundaries between coaching and therapy -- where the two fields converge, where they differ, and how they shape one another.

As hybrid practitioner roles become more common, questions arise around overlapping methods, the meaning of trauma and healing, and how each profession navigates ethics, regulation, and scope of practice. This conversation brings together diverse voices to examine not only the challenges but also the opportunities at the edges of both disciplines. Rather than seeking definitive answers, the panel aims to open space for new perspectives, candid dialogue, and the possibility of reinvention.

The discussion will be moderated followed by time for participant Q&A. There will also be an opportunity to continue the conversation afterwards in Tribe's bar area. This is an inclusive event open to all genders.

Practicalities
The event will take place at Tribe Social Club (located on the 1st floor of Le Consultat Hotel in Chiado) and will begin promptly at 7:00pm. Please ensure that you are seated before then so as not to disrupt the energy of the event. Drinks will be available at the bar both before and after the event.

There is no charge for attendance but we recommend a voluntary donation of at least €5 for those who are able to contribute, to help cover the use of the venue, administrative costs and event preparation work.

If you have any questions about this event, please feel free to reach out to Kat LeRoy.

About the Panelists
Claire Battistella, Leadership Coach & Akashic Practitioner
Claire is a certified EMCC Senior Practitioner, leadership coach, and trainer with 12+ years of experience guiding individuals and groups through moments of expression and transformation—from leadership coaching and hypnotherapy to women’s circles and Akashic journeys. Her work weaves clarity and presence with creativity and soul, as she helps people deepen self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and authentic leadership presence. Alongside this, she is creating Femme Voyage—a sister project dedicated to soulful journeys for women, inspired by Sappho, by the spirit of travel, and by the strength of circles. *Substack: https://substack.com/@clairebattistella23?r=6c9ftb&utm_medium=ios*

Magdalena Thé, Mental Health Counselor & Brainspotting Consultant
Magda is a certified Mental Health Counselor through the US National Board of Counselors and a Brainspotting Consultant. Since 2007 she has been working with older teens, and adults in a wide variety of settings: clinical and private practice, international schools, as well as faith based and humanitarian settings in China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Portugal.
Magda’s work has always been informed by attachment theory and interpersonal neurobiology and she has a great passion to come alongside people’s healing and expansion journeys -- be it healing from attachment injuries, developmental and complex trauma and other trauma-based disorders -- and from there to expansion and spiritual growth to support the fulfillment of her clients’ highest good and potential. *Website: www.theliving-tree.com*

Samantha Whetstone, Professional Development Coach (ICF ACC) & Jungian Psychoanalyst in training
Samantha is a certified ICF ACC professional development coach, consultant and facilitator (and a former corporate lawyer), with 16 years' experience working within the corporate world. She is also training as a Jungian psychoanalyst with the CG Jung Institute in Zurich and is one of the co-founders of the Lisbon Therapists & Coaches Connect community.
Given the divergence of her specialisms, Samantha has spent several years reflecting on, researching and managing the lines between coaching and psychotherapy as part of her own practice. While she believes that it is important for certain lines to be safeguarded, she also sees exciting potential for the two disciplines to collaborate and learn from each other - hopefully ultimately benefitting those seeking coaching or therapeutic support. *Website: www.citrinitascoaching.com*

Anita “Niah” Sommers, Systemic Couple and Family Psychotherapist
Known for her warm, proactive and understanding style, Anita specializes in working with individuals, couples and families looking to make meaningful changes in their lives and relationships. Her focus areas include strengthening relationship connections, healing past trauma, understanding family-of-origin patterns, reflecting on attachment history and breaking free from destructive cycles. Anita has had her own private practice since 2018 and moved to Lisbon a year ago where she now works with clients both online and in-person.

Kayla Nickells, Somatic Therapist
Kayla holds a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with specialized training in attachment and trauma-informed Somatic Experiencing, Nature-based therapies, and Family systems work (couples/families/nature-based play therapy). During her 11 years founding and directing outdoor preschools and elementary schools in the US, Kayla began exploring somatic and socio-emotional work with her students and their families in natural settings and realized this was the part of her work that brought her the most joy. Kayla enjoys working with clients 1:1, in group and retreat facilitation, with couples, and with children and families in nature-based settings. Instagram: @kaylajnickells