I started personal therapy as a client in my early twenties after a romantic relationship break-up left me hurting more than I could comprehend. Therapy soon became a protected space to explore my feelings, collect my thoughts and my uncertain sense of self, away from everyday noise.
Years later, I became an UKCP-accredited psychotherapist and earned a MSc in existential-phenomenological psychotherapy, having completed a five-year training programme with the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling (NSPC), which equipped me with a philosophical outlook on life and its unavoidable struggles. I abide by UKCP’s Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.
What Is Existential-Phenomenological Psychotherapy?
In a nutshell, existential-phenomenological psychotherapy helps clients explore the way they construe meaning and relate to others by focusing directly on their immediate, lived experience, rather than treating distress as a mental illness to be cured. While the “existential” side deals with people’s relationships with freedom, choice, mortality, and isolation, the “phenomenological” side attempts to unpack the client’s worldview, setting aside personal assumptions.
My practice is integrative in nature, drawing inspiration from multiple traditions including narrative therapy (how we tell our stories), intersubjective psychoanalysis (how we co-create meaning with others as well as the importance of early caregiver attunement), Gestalt (the significance of the “here and now”) and active imagination approaches (inner visualization exercises during sessions).
Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a journalist. I still write, and I believe in a therapeutic use of writing – something we can explore in our sessions together. Aside from work, I am a father, a lover of mountain hiking, a traveller, a clumsy Pilates practitioner and a disgruntled football fan.
I am committed to providing a space that is inclusive and respectful to all, regardless of background, body, race, religion, sexuality or gender-identity.
I speak and offer therapy in English, Italian and Spanish. My first degree was in Italian and English Literature at the University of Milan.
“There is a great deal of pain in life and perhaps the only pain that can be avoided is the pain that comes from trying to avoid pain.”R.D. Laing
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.
