Alessandra Piano

Alessandra is a registered psychologist. She has completed 5 years of formal education (Bachelor of Psychology and Master of Cognitive Neuroscience) at the University of Turin in Italy. During the final year of her studies, Alessandra submitted her research thesis project on the cognitive rehabilitation of individuals living with schizophrenia. During the same year, she also worked in a shelter for women and children escaping domestically violent relationships.

Upon graduation, Alessandra moved to Australia and worked in the mental health disability sector while waiting to obtain formal recognition for her overseas degree. Upon validation of her degree, Alessandra undertook 2 years of post-graduate training; this involved training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health and psychological conditions across all age ranges and cultural backgrounds.

Alessandra enjoys working with a wide array of people who live with problems associated with depression, anxiety, attachment/complex trauma, personality disorders, parenting, relationships, and general life issues. Alessandra draws her therapeutic approach from relational psychodynamic psychotherapy, interpersonal and narrative psychotherapy, yoga/mindfulness, and somatic therapies, as well as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Alessandra also enjoys working in group therapy settings and is experienced in facilitating Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) groups. Alessandra has also a strong interest in psychedelic integration and is currently completing training in Psychedelics Assisted Psychotherapy. (put this in italic as not sure if ok for website)

Alessandra believes that the relationship between the client and therapist is the heart of effective therapy, and therefore offers a warm supportive environment and approach that depends on the needs of the person. Alessandra operates according to the belief that an individual can achieve meaningful changes in their lives through insight, understanding, and validation.