EDUCATION
I have a Master of Psychology degree in Clinical and Counselling Psychology from Adler in downtown Toronto, where I also completed my Bachelor of Science at the University of Toronto in Psychology and Sociology as well as a Post-Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Addictions from Ryerson University. I am registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and registering with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO).
EXPERIENCE
My experience lies in both public and private settings. I interned at a mental health centre for adolescents (R.I.S.E.A.) in my birthplace of Ravenna, Italy, working under mentorship and in close collaboration with various health professionals in a team-based setting. I worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings at the local hospital there as well as at Sunnybrook Hospital’s Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre in Toronto. I have most experience working at a variety of private practices, providing therapy and assessments to clients.
APPROACH
I work with a wide range of clients and concerns including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, family and interpersonal relationships, and life transitions. I am informed by evidence-based therapies, including primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), but also others such as Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy, and mindfulness-based therapies. I am currently in a 3-year core training program specializing in ISTDP, which is a form of brief psychotherapy originally designed for chronic pain that targets many treatment-resistant disorders, self-defeating behaviors and emotional/physical blocks in the body.
ISTDP works not only to manage but to eliminate symptomatic suffering by removing the barriers of access to the client’s ability to function at their highest level. The therapy involves active dialogue, where both the client and therapist are not passive but active participants in the therapeutic relationship, teaming up to face and confront the difficulties the client is struggling with. This process also opens up the possibility of ongoing feedback between the client and therapist, to make sure the therapy is designed to fit the specific needs of the client.
Our first meeting is called a trial therapy, where we schedule two hours to do a thorough initial exploration of the focus of the therapy, and decide together what the therapy will look like. We will need the time to explore in an experiential way, where we will find out together how whatever you are coming in with is affecting you in the present, including how it is being expressed in your body. Most people get a lot out of just the first session, having a deep understanding of their body’s capacity for anxiety and emotion regulation.
WHY THERAPY?
When we are inevitably faced with unexpected and overwhelming challenges in our lives, it can be difficult to know how to ask for help and what kind of help we are looking for. We all have the capacity to live full-heartedly and even to change, despite how difficult it may be — but those innate capabilities can only emerge when we are encouraged and embraced for who we are, as we are.
As your therapist, I am glad to invite you to a safe, compassionate and non-judgmental space. I am here to listen and support you through a strong therapeutic relationship. Together, we will uncover the emotions as well as the thoughts and behaviours that keep you from accessing your innate capabilities to face your unique challenges.I am committed to understanding your world through your eyes and to work together to uncover your inherent capacity for enduring change.
CONTACT
You are welcome to contact me via the contact form if you have further questions or want to make a first appointment.
