Ilaria Calussi , BACP

Ilaria Calussi is a systemic and relational psychotherapist whose training spans family therapy, gestalt approaches, trauma-informed CBT, therapeutic play, clinical supervision, and specialist work with autism and ADHD. They draw on this varied background to tailor therapy to the needs of individuals, couples, and families, adapting techniques to fit each person’s circumstances and goals.

Across 25 years in the field, Ilaria has worked with leading mental health organisations including Place2Be, Mind, Family Action, social care services, and the NHS. They currently contribute to the National Autism Unit (NHS), supporting autistic people and their families, and maintain a private practice alongside lecturing in psychology and counselling at the Open University.

Ilaria works with couples, families and individuals on relationship and attachment difficulties, trauma and abuse, neurodiversity, gender and sexuality, stress, anxiety, parenting and many related challenges. Their practice is informed by systemic and intersectional perspectives, integrating attachment theory, neuroscience and creative methods to support healing through connection - with oneself, with others, and with wider communities.

They are a member of BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Personal experience of solo parenting, neurodivergence and queer relationships also shapes Ilaria’s down-to-earth, empathetic style, with an emphasis on helping people explore difficulties, build resilience and move toward meaningful change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Ilaria Calussi

Ilaria integrates Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into their work. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relationships shape current bonds, helping people address patterns of closeness, trust and abandonment that affect relationships. Client-Centered Therapy places the person at the centre of the process, offering empathic listening and unconditional acceptance to support self-exploration and personal growth. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, offering practical tools for managing anxiety, stress and trauma responses.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Ilaria works with each person, couple or family to explore which methods fit their needs, goals and preferences, blending approaches where appropriate and adjusting the plan as therapy progresses.

Online therapy with Ilaria is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access regular support from licensed professionals without the need to travel, and allow continuity of care for clients who live abroad or have complex routines.