Alessandra Casini, B.Sc.,M.A.,U.K.C.P.
About me
Psychotherapy and Mindfulness
There might be times when we find ourselves ‘at sea’, going round in circles, unable to take the next step and move on with life. We might have lost someone close to our heart or missed our sense of direction; we might feel confused, fearful of change, disoriented at the inability to come to terms with our condition, and alone with our suffering.
How we overcome our difficulties, traumas and losses, whether physical or mental, makes the difference to the quality of our life and that of those around us.
The Mindfulness based approach to Psychotherapy I practice offers you a unique opportunity to be proactive with regard to the restoration of your well-being and can help creating a healthier and more balanced way of living, decreasing stress and anxiety.
What I offer
I am a fully accredited and experienced Mindfulness Based Core Process Psychotherapist registered with the U.K.C.P. and the A.C.P.P.
I have also trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, Transactional Analysis and Integrative Psychotherapy.
I work with adults on a one to one basis, and offer both long and short term therapeutic support to individuals with concerns related to physical conditions, gender and sexual identity, anxiety, depression, bereavement and loss, stress in relationship and existential crisis.
I run a private practice in Plymouth, Devon, where appointments are available Mondays to Fridays, and also offer Counselling and Psychotherapy sessions on Saturdays at the Lostwithiel Complementary Health Clinic, Cornwall.
I offer a safe environment where fears and distress can be shared with a non-judgemental and attentive listener professionally trained to pay full attention to you and your needs. You will find our therapy room is a warm and welcoming space where you can feel fully supported in the exploration of yourself, your relationship with your present and past experiences, and the choices of more suitable alternatives on how to relate to others and the world.
Frequency of attendance
Sessions run weekly for 60 minutes, at the same agreed time, to guarantee stability and continuity.
The first appointment is the opportunity for you and I to meet each other and get a sense of whether we can work together. You can ask questions, talk about yourself and your concerns, or mention any other specific issues you might have. We will then decide how to proceed.
It is usually good practice to meet initially for a minimum of six sessions, after which there will be periodic reviews of the work to make sure the client's needs are fully met.
Training, qualifications & experience
I hold a Masters Degree (MA) in Mindfulness Based Core Process Psychotherapy (Middlesex University, The Karuna Institute).
I have also trained in Transactional Analysis and Integrative Psychotherapy at the Iron Mill Institute, Exeter, following a Foundation in Counselling Course. I have a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Sandtray Therapy.
I am an accredited Psychotherapist, registered with both the U.K.C.P. (The UK Council of Psychotherapists) and the A.C.P.P. (The Association of Core Process Psychotherapists) and abide by their Ethical framework guidelines for good practice and code of confidentiality.
I have worked in the Health Profession in different roles and different Countries since 1985 and, over the years, have acquired a wide range of experience in working with and relating to people of diverse cultures and beliefs.
Alongside my passion for Psychotherapy, to which I have dedicated many years offering my time as a volunteer in the community whilst establishing my private practice, I have also built a successful career in Optometry working for the NHS for over twenty years.
Member organisations
Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
UK Council for Psychotherapy
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
Accredited Register Scheme
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
I have a special interest in working with relationship issues, family an work related stress, low self esteem, lack of purpose and meaning in life,existential crisis, loneliness, grief and loss, depression and anxiety, gender dysphoria and identity related issues.
Therapies offered
Fees
The fee is £45.00 per session.
Further information
English and Italian are fluently spoken
