I am an Italian Psychologist and Psychotherapist, specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral and Integrative Psychotherapy, currently based in Abu Dhabi (UAE). I am bilingual English/Italian, and fluent in French.
I graduated with a Bsc in Psychology at Royal Holloway University of London, and subsequently at the University of Pavia (Italy). I then obtained a two-year postgraduate specialization in Work and Organizational Psychology with Birkbeck College, University of London, as well as a four-year specialization in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy with Scuola ASIPSE in Milan.
I worked for quite a few years in Milan in clinical settings such as private and public psychiatric inpatient units, public adult mental health services and public youth mental health services (mainly with adolescents). In the corporate setting, I also worked as a consultant for personnel selection and talent assessment, as well as coaching for public speaking and presentation skills in English for Italian managers. I worked for three years at the Counseling Service of an international Business School in Turin (ESCP). I have been translating psychological and psychoanalytic papers and books from Italian to English for roughly twenty years.
I have been working for twelve years now in private practice with adults and couples. The issues I tackle with my patients range from relationship difficulties, to emotional dependency, eating disorders, work-related struggles, from anxiety and mood disorders, to women’s perinatal and post-natal issues.
My approach is based on an initial read of the patient’s situation, within roughly three assessment sessions, which then allows to direct the type of intervention. In case I do not believe to be the right type of therapist for the patient’s issue or issues at hand, I refer them to the colleague I consider to be the best fit. When both patient and I decide to proceed with therapy, within a safe environment I make use of a number of personalized psychotherapeutic tools that are aimed at favoring patients’ greater awareness and empowerment in managing and eventually overcoming the obstacles to a better quality of life. I firmly believe in the possibility for people to evolve and grow, always. Psychotherapy can be a rich journey of exploration, healing and change, provided one takes full responsibility for one’s well-being and is offered the right context and perspective to do so. My core values in doing my work are first and foremost respect for other people’s dignity and freedom, curiosity, empathy and reliability.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time in nature with my family and dog, as well as anything related to the creative arts. I love to draw and make jewelry, anything that allows me to use my hands, shapes and colors. I also play the piano and can hardly imagine my life without music.
I am an English/Italian/French-speaking Psychotherapist based in Abu Dhabi (UAE). I offer online psychological therapy support to couples and adults.
Overall
Very professional, extremely qualified, I could not have asked a better therapist. Highly recommended. Olivia is a passionate woman, with a special gift.
Overall
I am so grateful to have seen Olivia's profile on this website. I've been having sessions with her for about six months and she is an excellent therapist. I appreciate her method of asking questions to help me navigate in understanding myself better and my motivations for taking actions.
Overall
I discovered Olivia at a time in my life when I felt overwhelmed and knew I couldn’t manage everything on my own. What I read on her page immediately resonated with me, especially as an expat who has lived in multiple countries over the past 15 years. Living in Italy, where English is my primary language, made finding a therapist quite challenging. Olivia’s online sessions were a perfect solution, giving me access to a therapist without geographical limitations. Despite the sessions being virtual, I’ve never felt like I was missing out on anything. In fact, I sometimes feel that our discussions are even more focused this way. Olivia’s warmth and welcoming personality made an instant impression. After our introductory call, I knew she was the right fit for me. She listens attentively to every detail during our sessions and helps me uncover important insights that I wouldn’t have reached on my own. Her expertise and education are evident in how she guides our conversations, and I always leave our sessions feeling supported and enlightened. I’ve been working with Olivia for nine months now, but it feels like she’s been part of my life for years. Her guidance has been invaluable, and I always look forward to our next session.
