I see therapy as a conversation about living aimed at understanding the reasons and the feelings around our suffering as well as the breadth of our possibilities. It is a jargon-free, collaborative, intimate and sometimes raw process where the quality and the nature of our relationship will be fundamental.
I’m not going to “cure,” “fix” or diagnose you. While some clients might need a more prescriptive approach, I endeavour to understand how you want to live rather than offering a series of ready-made solutions or techniques.
My aim is to gently enter your world and explore your past, present and – crucially – future aspirations. A deeper understanding of our past – a critical part of the therapeutic process – does not necessarily determine how we live in the present, or what we might want from our future. The possibility of authentic, heartfelt change stems mainly from personal awareness – and from the ability to create meaning in life and identify our values.
I don’t see therapy as an easy process – it will sometimes be hard, confusing, even frustrating, as much as life is. But it provides a rare opportunity to understand and review where you are, re-attune to yourself, and explore the bumpy as well as the smooth corners of existence. It is often in the most troublesome junctures of our lives that the real insight lies.
“The one thing you can’t take away from me is the way I choose to respond to what you do to me. The last of one’s freedoms is to choose one’s attitude in any given circumstance.”Viktor E. Frankl
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.
