Maria Teresa Ribeiro

Maria Teresa Ribeiro is an Associate Professor at the School of Psychology, University of Lisbon (FPUL), serving as Systemic Clinical Psychology Coordinator and Co-coordinator of both the Inter-University PhD in Family Psychology and Family Intervention (PIDFIF) and the Post-Graduation in Psychology and Intervention in Crisis and Emergency. She also holds positions as School Board Member and Scientific Council Member at FPUL, demonstrating significant institutional leadership.

Education:

• PhD in Psychology (specialization area – Clinical Social Psychology) by the University of Lisbon (2003)
• Family Therapist certified by Medicine Faculty of the University of Sevilha and Portuguese Association of Community and Family Therapy (1995)

Her research focuses on relationships—specifically couple, family, and community dynamics—examining how these systems adapt to life cycle phases and overcome difficulties through a systems theory lens. Key areas include Family Psychology, Conjugality and transition to parenthood, Intervention in Divorce, Family Therapy, and Crisis Intervention. Her work aims to identify resources promoting better family, couple, and individual outcomes, with special attention to resilience-building in challenging circumstances.

Dr. Ribeiro's recent publications reveal strong interdisciplinary connections between clinical psychology, family therapy, and crisis intervention. Her work spans pediatric palliative care experiences, military family resilience, pandemic impacts on work-family balance, and family therapy protocols. Common themes include systemic approaches to family intervention, psychological assessment in crisis situations, and resilience measurement across diverse populations. Her methodological approaches combine qualitative and quantitative research with increasing focus on practical intervention protocols.

As an educator, Dr. Ribeiro teaches across undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs, with courses including Family and Community Systemic Psychology, Crisis Intervention, and Family Mediation. Her leadership extends to coordinating dissertation and internship seminars, shaping the next generation of psychology professionals.

Dr. Ribeiro is a full member of CICPSI (Clinical and Health Psychology Group of Proadapt) since 2012, previously contributing to CIPUL research center (financed by FCT since 2006). She co-coordinates the Systemic Clinical Psychology Section and Psychology in Crisis and Emergency group, demonstrating her commitment to advancing clinical psychology practice and research in Portugal.