Welcome, Benvenuti
Together, in your journey
Offering therapy in English and in Italian.
We Live Complex Lives, Pressured by Change
Throughout our lives, difficult issues, ranging from grief to interpersonal conflict often confront us.
Today’s “global connectivity” may leave us feeling isolated from those we care about – and at times from ourselves. Over the past years, I have developed my private practice, as well as volunteering for a national mental health charity. I am experienced in working with anxiety, depression, anger issues, relationship problems, addiction and traumatic experiences.
Having experienced for myself, the emotional challenges brought on by leaving my own country behind, I am interested in working with displacement issues ranging from the consequences of migration to defining one’s identity.
More About Me
Personal Interests
- Ecopsychology, research on visual ad sound expressions. Community and charity work.
- Former founder and director of the charities Draper Together a community-based charity in South London.
- Trustee, treasurer and member of The Site for Contemporary Psychoanalysis.
Research Interests
Migration, identity, displacement, fear in its multiple expressions and manifestations. Couple therapy: communication and intimacy matters and issues rising from social, economic, ethnic and religious backgrounds.
My Studies
After gaining an MA from Bologna University in History, I lived in New York where I was awarded an MA at The New School University in Media and Film Studies. After a decade of working in documentary films, I came to realise that often the video camera had a powerful cathartic effect… not dissimilar to the one I was experiencing when doing my own analysis.
I later studied for a post graduate degree on Psychoanalysis Psychodynamic Psychotherapy at The Site for Contemporary Psychoanalysis in London and began working 15 years ago as a psychoanalyst. My practice provides a space where people can come to nurture hope and to find their own ways to overcome fears and anxieties and transform their lives.
Collaborations
I work with Shireen Noor as couple therapists, you can read more about our work here:
My Approach
I practice psychoanalytic psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a long term treatment which focuses on gaining insight into the underlying causes of emotional problems. The aim is to understand how we relate to each other and the world, and how we experience events on a conscious and unconscious level. Our hidden feelings inform our behaviour and the way we relate to others.
With our therapeutical work, we aim to bring to consciousness the most latent sentiments and give them space to transform. My approach is influenced by three elements:
- 15 years of clinical training and practice in psychoanalytic psychotherapy
- 20 years experience of working across diverse cultures in complex urban settings both in the US and Europe
- 20 years experience of working/studying arts and media
As a psychotherapist I offer you a safe, confidential environment from which to explore difficult feelings.
I am with you throughout your therapeutical journey.I believe that angst arises from our life experiences which are unique to us: through listening and conversations, I aim for you to find your own solution.
Your Session
The first session is between 60 and 75 minutes depending on the matters you wish to discuss and your questions.
The length of the following sessions is 50 minutes.
Fees
The cost of your session is based on your income and frequency of your sessions.
Missed sessions will be charged for, but when possible, I will always attempt to re-schedule the session.
I also offer a limited number of low-cost places. Please email me with your enquiry.
Ending Your Therapy
As part of the therapy, your experience with endings and losses is certain to emerge and be discussed.
When the time to complete your therapy will arrive, we will prepare in advance for it to be an integral part of your therapeutical journey.
Let's Talk
If you would like to speak with me about therapy, please get in touch by either e-mail (bloomluisa@gmail.com) or telephone (07947 308 553). Before booking an initial consultation, it is helpful to have a chat on the phone. You wont need to book straight away – you can have time to think it over if you wish.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential.
My Location
I see clients in my studio in the heart of Blackheath Village in London, 5 minutes from the train station, as well as online via Zoom.
The location is easily accessible by Tube and rail from London Bridge and Charing Cross as well as Victoria station.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between counselling and therapy?
Counselling is usually a good way to help with a current problem; something that can be discussed and - hopefully - resolved within a limited number of sessions. Over a certain number of weeks the understanding of the problem improves and away forward becomes clear. Therapy often describes work that goes a bit deeper, towards more substantial life issues and problems having a deeper effect on the client’s life. Therapy often requires a long-term approach, so the number of sessions can be open-ended.
Which option is most suitable depends on the client and the difficulties they are facing. In some cases counselling works well as an ongoing, longer-term option - or therapy can manage to resolve an issue in just a few sessions.
How long will I need to have Therapy?
How long a period of therapy lasts will vary from person to person and depend on the depth of the issues they are facing.
I usually discuss with the person for a set of sessions after which we can reflect on how you are feeling and see if you wish to continue and what is to be expected.
How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
My aim is to offer a first appointment - known as an initial assessment - in 1 week. Then we would arrange to meet at least once a week, possibly to take place at the same time every week, that is convenient for you and where I have availability.
Will everything I say be kept confidential?
Everything that is said within the therapy room is private - this is one of the main ways therapy differs from talking to a friend or relative. Once you are comfortable with the format of weekly sessions and the safe space provided, you will find the freedom to speak in confidence is of great value.
Note that there are some situations where you may be a risk to yourself or others, and there the law requires that I notify an authority; in these cases I may not be able to keep total confidentiality. Breaking confidentiality is very rare though, and only happens after the person concerned has been informed.
Can I bring a friend or relative with me?
Usually I am asked this question by people who are nervous about entering into therapy. This anxiety is understandable, but a key aspect of therapy is that you should feel free to talk about any issues you feel are important to you. Having someone else with you who can be connected to those issues makes opening-up more difficult, so for this reason I do not see clients accompanied by friends or family.
Listening, Talking & Writing
In Conversation with Anastasios Gaitanidis
“What’s On Your Mind”: Love Conquers All
Let’s Talk About Mental Health
Old Issues of Listening, Talking & Writing.