Ilaria Calussi, BACP
Systemic psychotherapist for relationships and neurodiversity
- Relationship and family work
- Neurodiversity and autism support
- Trauma-informed care
About Ilaria Calussi
Ilaria Calussi is a systemic and relational psychotherapist in the United Kingdom with 25 years of clinical experience working with individuals, couples, and families. They combine extensive training in family therapy, gestalt therapy, trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic play, clinical supervision, and specialist approaches for autism and ADHD to tailor interventions to each person's needs.
Throughout their career they have worked in leading mental health organisations including Place2Be, Mind, Family Action, Social Care, and the NHS, and they currently support autistic people and their families at the National Autism Unit (NHS). In addition to running a private practice, they lecture in psychology and counselling at the Open University, bringing both academic and practical perspectives to their work.
Ilaria works with a wide range of concerns such as relationship and family difficulties, attachment challenges, trauma and abuse, parenting and ADHD-related issues, and the intersections of neurodiversity, gender, and sexuality. Their approach is grounded in systemic and intersectional practice, integrating attachment theory, relevant neuroscience, and creative methods to support healing through connection.
Holding accreditation with the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), they draw on personal experience of solo parenting, neurodivergence, and queer relationships to offer a down-to-earth, empathetic style. Ilaria aims to provide a supportive space where people can explore challenges, build resilience, and work toward meaningful change.
Throughout their career they have worked in leading mental health organisations including Place2Be, Mind, Family Action, Social Care, and the NHS, and they currently support autistic people and their families at the National Autism Unit (NHS). In addition to running a private practice, they lecture in psychology and counselling at the Open University, bringing both academic and practical perspectives to their work.
Ilaria works with a wide range of concerns such as relationship and family difficulties, attachment challenges, trauma and abuse, parenting and ADHD-related issues, and the intersections of neurodiversity, gender, and sexuality. Their approach is grounded in systemic and intersectional practice, integrating attachment theory, relevant neuroscience, and creative methods to support healing through connection.
Holding accreditation with the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), they draw on personal experience of solo parenting, neurodivergence, and queer relationships to offer a down-to-earth, empathetic style. Ilaria aims to provide a supportive space where people can explore challenges, build resilience, and work toward meaningful change.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImmigration issuesIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSelf-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Gottman Method Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Systemic Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Ilaria Calussi have?
Ilaria Calussi has 25 years of professional experience in mental health and psychotherapy.
Is Ilaria Calussi a licensed therapist?
Yes. They hold the BACP credential (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). No further license details are provided.
In which languages does Ilaria Calussi provide therapy?
Ilaria provides therapy in English and Italian.
Where is Ilaria Calussi located?
Ilaria is based in the United Kingdom.
How can I work with Ilaria Calussi as my therapist?
You can work with Ilaria Calussi through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Ilaria Calussi work with international clients?
Yes, Ilaria works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Ilaria Calussi cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support
Ilaria draws on Attachment-Based Therapy to explore how early relational patterns shape current bonds and emotions; this approach helps people and families understand and improve their connections and responses to stress. They also use Client-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes empathy, acceptance, and collaboration so clients can find their own solutions at a comfortable pace. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used when working with thoughts, behaviours, and emotional patterns, offering practical strategies for managing anxiety, stress, and trauma-related symptoms.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Ilaria works with each person to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and they adapt techniques over time as therapy progresses so the plan reflects the client's priorities.
Online therapy with Ilaria is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access licensed professionals and therapists from different locations, accommodate varied energy levels and family commitments, and support consistent engagement in the work of therapy.