Dr Elisabetta Cittadini

My clinical experience began over twenty five years ago when as a young medical student I initially attended the Child Neuropsychiatric outpatient clinic in the Hospital of my home town.   I specialised in neurology and moved to London where I had the opportunity to be directly involved in research. Working as a clinical neurologist taught me the importance of listening carefully to each individual’s story. I became aware of the profound and transformative experience which can take place when a person feels heard and understood. My clinical experience of listening and seeking to understand my patient’s stories led me to pursue a training in psychotherapy. My passion for arts led me to study integrative arts psychotherapy, followed by further training in mentalisation based therapy (MBT). I currently work in an NHS Mental Health Trust and also in private practice.

Considering psychotherapy

There are many reasons for seeking out psychotherapy. You may wish to explore a specific topic or longer-term difficulties. Clients come to me with a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, facing a transitional period in life, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and trauma. Each person is unique and the length of therapy varies accordingly. A brief, focused intervention could be the right choice for short-lived difficulties, while a more long-term intervention might be needed for deeper exploration of the self or for difficulties that have been present for a longer time and with significant impact.
 

My approach 
 
As an integrative psychotherapist I draw on a number of theories and relational approaches, including psychodynamic, humanistic, existential, mentalisation based therapy, attachment theory and sensorimotor psychotherapy. As an art psychotherapist I am also trained to work with different creative media and art forms. Sometimes it’s hard to find the words to articulate our experiences, or words don’t seem enough to convey what’s going on inside. The creative process can be a powerful aid for expression and communication. You don’t need to be ‘good’ at art or have any previous experience. My broad experience alongside my integrative approach enables me to adapt the therapy to meet your needs in the best possible way.
 
Beginning therapy and initial session
  
The first step is to arrange an initial consultation: this provides an opportunity for us to meet and explore what brought you to therapy, your background history, to ask questions, discuss the right intervention and whether we can work together. This should give you a sense of my way of working and how we will work together. If we decide to work together, we will arrange a date and time to work on a weekly basis. 

I work with individuals and groups and can offer therapy in person or online.
 
Sessions take place weekly at an agreed date and time and last 50 minutes.

Contact
 
If you would like to arrange an initial consultation or find out further information, please email me:

drelisabetta.cittadini@gmail.com

Adults with neurological disorders and psychological difficulties.