Counselling and Psychotherapy,
CBT, EMDR
Adlerian Counselling and Psychotherapy
I offer counselling and psychotherapy based on the psychology of Alfred Adler (1870-1937). Breaking with psychoanalysis, Adler developed a humanistic approach to psychotherapy which embraces depth work (exploring early experiences and unconscious processes) and a practical understanding of wellbeing based on encouragement and belonging. Adlerian psychology is aligned with existential as well as spiritual perspectives, and stands on the following key principles:
Social Belonging
Our need to belong is inscribed in our very biology. In moments of disconnection from those who matter, our vulnerability is laid bare and discouragement takes root. When we turn toward others and offer ourselves in community, we discover a sense of safety and usefulness which create the base for self-worth.
Creativity
As life changes, so too can our sense of what matters most, reminding us that there are no absolute truths. We may not choose the soil we are given, yet like a gardener we can tend and shape what grows. Similarly, therapy invites us to unearth memories, loosen old roots and draw on our creativity to cultivate a more alive and authentic sense of identity.
Purposiveness
Often without realising it, we orient ourselves toward destinations shaped by early experiences: proving our worth and striving for recognition, or avoiding failure at any cost. By connecting to our deepest needs and desires, we can recalibrate the compass away from goals that limit or isolate, and towards growth, and freedom.
Subjectivity
However difficult our circumstances, there is often a margin of choice from which change can begin. Yet at the same crossroads one traveler may feel lost, whilst another stirred to a new direction. Therapy encourages us to reflect on what truly matters, and to reconnect with the inner strength needed to take that first step.
Holism
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. When turning inwards, attuning to the body and to our intimate emotional experiences expands our capacity to relate to others. In relationship with others, we can foster community feeling. In community, we can deepen a sense of “home” and care for the world we inhabit.
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has developed over the last century into a range of evidence-based approaches tailored to specific concerns. It is widely recognised as a first-line treatment by organisations including the NHS, NICE and the WHO. Typically time-limited, CBT may not be suited to every issue, but can support you in actively examining your thoughts and behaviours, and experimenting with new strategies in a structured, focused, and practical way. It may be especially helpful for:
Anxiety, Fear, Worry
Including generalised anxiety, panic, social anxiety, health anxiety, emetophobia, body dysmorphia, perfectionism
OCD
Persistent fears that significantly impact daily life, often linked to specific behaviours or rituals. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is regarded as the gold standard treatment for OCD
Depression
Low mood and rumination impacting on motivation and on the ability to function in the day-to-day
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy designed to help people process distressing memories and experiences that may feel “stuck” in the mind and body. Originally developed for trauma, EMDR uses sets of eye movements, sounds, or taps to stimulate the brain’s natural ability to reprocess difficult events. This helps to reduce the emotional charge of past experiences, so they can be remembered without overwhelming feelings or distress. NICE and the WHO recommend EMDR as a treatment for PTSD.
Client Feedback
“Giacomo is an excellent therapist, he listened to all my concerns in a non-judgemental way. Although I did find some sessions challenging, I have enjoyed attending these sessions. I found the practical elements of CBT and ERP very helpful in the sessions. I have been able to utilise these techniques in my day to day life. I can’t thank you enough!”
“Thank you, this was my first time accessing talking therapy apart from one session of grief counselling, and you were very easy to talk to, even though I usually find it very hard to talk about myself. Often, I’d even be cycling over thinking I didn’t want to talk today, I can’t talk today, but I was always able to once I arrived. I am living more mindfully and less reactively as a result of our sessions.”
“Giacomo’s therapeutic approach combines professional expertise with genuine warmth and care. He helped me understand my emotional patterns and relationships in new ways, while offering practical tools for personal growth. His ability to help me see connections between my past experiences and current patterns was truly invaluable. I’m deeply grateful for our work together and the positive impact it has had on my life.”
“Giacomo delivered exceptional therapy, thoughtfully adapting his approach to meet my specific needs with great flexibility.”
How My Process Works
Booking a Call
When thinking about starting therapy, it can be difficult to know what approach or how many sessions you may benefit from. A free 15-20 minute telephone call can give us a sense of whether we might be a good fit, and how therapy may help.
Booking an Initial Session
On a first session we can explore the issues you would like to work on and your expectations for therapy. By the end of this session, I will check with you if you would like to continue working with me, and when to review our work together.
Reviewing Ongoing Work
Whether our sessions are time-limited or open-ended , it is good to regularly review progress in therapy. I aim to work alongside you in deciding the duration of therapy, monitoring our process together and setting review dates collaboratively .
