Existential Talking Therapy, East London
Hi, I’m Luca, a psychotherapist based in East London offering one-to-one sessions both in person and online.
I believe therapy is an act of courage – the courage to take some time for yourself and explore the inevitable struggles that life presents, as well as the possibilities it can open. In my practice, I endeavour to create a confidential space for you to talk about anything you want.
There could be several reasons you might wish to start therapy. Perhaps you feel lost or stuck; your relationships bring you more grief than joy; you feel anxious, depressed or hindered by explored or unexplored traumas. Maybe you simply want to know yourself better and understand your place in the world. Other times, our struggles seem too broad, and life is marred by a lingering dissatisfaction that we are unable to locate.
I’m here to listen, help you understand your situation and support you in living your life closer to how you want to. Together, we can give voice to those areas of existence that feel problematic, congested or unfulfilled, gaining awareness on things you may wish to change, as well as reshaping our understanding of those you cannot.
There isn’t a “right” or “wrong” way to do therapy. I see it as a safe, non-dogmatic and creative space in which you can let yourself go – and then find yourself again. It is in the ebb and flow of this dynamic that some of the best therapeutic experiences may happen.
“The inferno of the living is not something that will be; if there is one, it is what is already here, the inferno where we live every day, that we form by being together. There are two ways to escape suffering it. The first is easy for many: accept the inferno and become such a part of it that you can no longer see it. The second is risky and demands constant vigilance and apprehension: seek and learn to recognize who and what, in the midst of inferno, are not inferno, then make them endure, give them space.”Italo Calvino
I have experience working with:
- Anxiety
- Addiction
- Bereavement, loss and grief
- Death anxiety
- Depression
- Family dynamics
- Identity
- Love, sex and intimacy
- Meaninglessness, lack of purpose
- Neurodiversity
- Obsessive compulsive tendencies
- Panic attacks
- Parenthood
- Relationship difficulties
- Self-esteem
- Shame and guilt
- Sexual abuse (including child and sibling sexual abuse)
- Social/gender/cultural marginalization
- Terminal illnesses
- Trauma
FAQ
How long is each session and how much it costs?
Each session lasts 50 minutes. I charge £80 per session but I hold few spaces for lower-cost therapy, for those on low income or in financial hardship.
How will a session be?
Good question! There isn’t a pre-determined scheme. We could pick-up a thread started some weeks before; or focus on a specific event/emotion you want to discuss; or simply begin from how you feel in the here-and-now. Some clients prefer to come “prepared” to a session (decide beforehand what they want to talk about); others choose to “go with the flow.” Both approaches can disclose some precious therapeutic material.
Do I need to prepare anything for my first therapy session?
There is nothing to prepare for your first therapy session. Come as you are.
How often shall we meet?
The sessions I provide are weekly. However, I am aware that everyone has schedules and commitments, so I am happy to try and accommodate your needs should you need biweekly sessions or some other arrangement.
My approach is open-ended. We might continue working together for years – or stop whenever you feel it’s time. I suggest we commit to an initial period of six sessions and then constantly re-evaluate our work. In fact, these “check-ups” often form an important part of our work together and can help us re-focus on the very things you want to explore.
Do you offer an introductory session?
Yes, I do. I offer a free 20-minute introductory phone consultation. This is an opportunity for you to get a better sense of me and how I work and for us to discuss what your expectations of therapy might be, perhaps laying some ground for our future conversations. You may also have questions about what therapy entails.
There is no correct place to begin therapy. This initial conversation will help you have a clearer idea about what seems most important to you at this point in time.
If preferred, there is also the option of beginning immediately with a full-length session at the full fee.
What happens if I need to cancel?
I do not charge for sessions you cannot attend provided you give me a minimum of two working days’ (48 hours’) notice.
Where do we meet?
In East London, in my private practice room; or online, via Zoom.
What’s the difference between in-person and online sessions?
Some people feel more confident and safer doing therapy online from within their own confidential space. Others prefer coming to a separate, specific location, and gain benefits from being in the room with their therapist. All the non-verbal elements of therapy (body language, facial expression) gained from in-person sessions can indeed be a powerful element of the work.
We can talk about this in our initial consultation and establish the best approach for you.
Are our sessions confidential?
Everything that is shared in the room remains in the room (physical or virtual) unless you disclose that your safety or the safety of another person with whom you might be involved is at risk (danger to yourself or others, including children; engagement with terroristic acts). The obligation to maintain confidentiality continues after our therapeutic relationship ends.
All sessions are conducted in accordance with the UKCP’s Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.
How do you treat diversity, equality and inclusion?
I am white cis-gendered male mindful of my own privileges and limitations. I grew up in Italy with a mixed-race mother and an Italian father, and have lived in the UK for a significant part of my life. I am a multicultural individual committed to creating an inclusive space for people of all races, genders, sexualities, classes, and bodies.
