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Lilian Maria Borges de Souza

Details
Name
Lilian Maria
Last name
Borges de Souza
Degree
LPC
Language
Portuguese, English, Spanish
Biography

Lilian Borges is an American-Brazilian clinician, teacher, and trainer of therapists with over 30 years of experience in psychotherapy and education. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Lilian operates a dynamic private practice where she provides therapy to adults, couples, and families, catering to English, Spanish and Portuguese-speaking populations. Her multicultural background and extensive experience make her particularly adept at understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by multicultural couples and individuals.

As an expert in various therapeutic modalities, Lilian employs a diverse range of approaches tailored to meet the specific needs of her clients. Her expertise spans couples therapy, hypnosis, Ericksonian approaches, mindfulness, family therapy, gestalt therapy, and psychodrama. This adaptability allows her to effectively support clients in navigating their personal challenges and enhancing their relationships. Lilian is also a seasoned educator and practitioner of hypnosis and brief therapy, and she conducts seminars both in the United States and internationally. Her approachable style and ability to simplify complex concepts have made her classes popular among students and professionals alike.

For 22 years, she has been a faculty member at The Milton Erickson Foundation, where she teaches Ericksonian Hypnosis and related approaches in Intensive courses. Her comprehensive knowledge of hypnosis extends to her work with couples, individuals, and families, significantly increasing the effectiveness of her therapeutic interventions.

Since embarking on her training in the Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT) in 2016, Lilian has completed Level 1, level 2 a few times, level 3 in 2023 culminating in her PACT Certification.

Prior to her time in the United States, she served as the director of a Brief Therapy School Clinic in Brazil, where she honed her skills in providing effective, solution-focused therapy. With a passion for empowering individuals and couples to achieve their therapeutic goals, Lilian Borges continues to be a guiding force in the field of psychotherapy, dedicated to fostering healing and growth in her clients.

Location
Phoenix, AZ, USA
location_lat
33.4483771
location_lng
-112.0740373
Publications
Publications
  • Borges Zeig, L. (2022) Dolor y Ansiedad Generalizada, in Hipnosis en el Manejo del Dolor, Manual Internacional. Editorial Aula Magna, McGraw-Hill Interamericana de España S.L.
  • Borges Zeig, L. (2011) Ten Commandments for the Multicultural Couple, in Ten Commandments for Couples. ZeigTucker & Theisen Publishers.
  • Borges Zeig, L. (2009) La Relacione di Copia, in La Escarpe della Principessa. Donne e l’Arte di Diventare Se Stesse. FrancoAngeli.
Contact
Website
http://www.beyourhigherself.co
Presentations/ teachings
Qualifications

Education & Professional Training

  • PACT Certification – Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy
  • Certified Couples Therapist, August 2023
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Training
  • TRI Alliant EFT, Alliant International University, California, USA
  • Externships: May 23-26, 2012 (28 hrs), June 11-14, 2012 (28 hrs)
  • Core Skills Completed, April 2013 (48 hrs)
  • Supervision (2013-2015) (55 hrs)
  • Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
  • U.S. Equivalence granted by ECE, February 9, 2004, Milwaukee, WI, USA

The Milton Erickson Foundation

  • Certificate of Teaching Competence in Ericksonian Therapy, 2000, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
  • Specialization in Ericksonian Psychotherapy and Hypnosis
  • Instituto Milton H. Erickson de Belo Horizonte, Brazil, 1996
  • Specialization in Family and Couples Therapy
  • Instituto Milton H. Erickson de Belo Horizonte, Brazil, 1997
  • Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology
  • Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil, 1990

Professional Experience

Private Practice | Phoenix, AZ
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
2009 – Present

  • Provide individual and couples therapy, specializing in Ericksonian therapy, hypnosis, anxiety, depression, and relationship dynamics.
  • Work with diverse clients, applying culturally informed therapeutic approaches, including hypnosis for trauma and stress reduction.
The Milton Erickson Foundation | Faculty
2005 – Present
  • Facilitate intensive trainings in Ericksonian Hypnosis, leading workshops for mental health professionals globally.
  • Conduct advanced hypnosis courses and live demonstrations, including sessions on experiential therapy and attachment.
  • Present special workshops at conferences organized by the Milton Erickson Foundations: Couples Conference, Anxiety and Depression conference, etc.,
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine | Adjunct Faculty
2009 – 2012
  • Taught courses on Medical Psychology and Medical Hypnosis, integrating hypnosis into holistic care models for medical professionals.
Phoenix Interfaith Counseling (PIC) | DBT Residency
2007 – 2009
  • Worked with SMI populations in a DBT program for Borderline Personality Disorder, chronic suicidal and self-harming patients.
  • Trained in DBT and CBT techniques, enhancing clinical expertise for severe mental health conditions.
Instituto Milton Erickson de Belo Horizonte | Faculty and Scientific Coordinator
1997 – 2001
  • Taught hypnosis and Ericksonian therapy, designing and implementing 360-hour psychotherapy courses for mental health professionals.
  • Coordinated scientific work for the Institute’s newsletter and workshops.


Key Skills

 

  • Clinical Hypnosis: Expertise in Ericksonian techniques, medical hypnosis, and utilizing hypnosis for trauma, anxiety, and chronic pain management.
  • Couples & Relationship Therapy: Extensive training in couples therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and hypnosis for relationship issues.
  • Multicultural Sensitivity: Special focus on adapting therapeutic techniques to diverse cultural backgrounds, with a particular interest in Asian and Latin American cultures.
  • Ericksonian Psychotherapy: Advanced knowledge and experience in utilizing Ericksonian approaches in clinical settings.
  • Mindfulness & Spirituality: Incorporating mindfulness and spirituality into psychotherapy, with a focus on holistic healing and resilience.
  • Training & Supervision: Experienced trainer and supervisor in psychotherapy and hypnosis techniques, having mentored numerous therapists globally.


Conference Presentations

  • Third Chinese Congress of Clinical Hypnosis | April 2025

Workshop: Using Different Languages in Hypnosis
Workshop: Couples Therapy and Hypnosis
Advanced Techniques in Hypnosis: Sequence Technique to Treat Bad Habits

  • Japan Erickson Conference | September 2023

Workshop: Erickson Meets Bowlby: Hypnosis and Attachment (Live Demonstration)

  • Anxiety and Depression Conference | September 2024

Workshop: Relational Aspects of Depression and Anxiety
Panel: “It’s Not Me, It’s You: How to Deal with Therapeutic Resistance” (with Dr. David
Burns)

  • XIII Mexican Family Therapy Conference | February 2013

Keynote: Couples Therapy
Workshop: Experiential Treatment for Bipolar Disorders

Certifications

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Arizona, United States of America
  • PACT Certification – Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (August 2023)
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – TRI Alliant EFT (Core Skills, 2013)
  • Certified Ericksonian Hypnotherapist – The Milton Erickson Foundation, 2000

 

Radio Shows and Podcasts

  • The Modern Couples Podcast – Co-host with Rick Miller

Discussing relationship issues, stories, and practical tips for modern couples.

  • Caldero Radio, Mexico – Expert on relationships and couples, Spanish-speaking radio segments.

International Teaching & Trainings

  • China: Workshops on Hypnosis, Changchun University (2017)
  • Singapore: Couples Therapy and Ericksonian Hypnosis Master Classes (2011-2012)
  • Hong Kong: Advanced Ericksonian Hypnosis Training (2009)