Ilaria Calussi, BACP
Systemic relational psychotherapist for families and couples
- Couples and family therapy
- Trauma and attachment work
- Supports neurodiversity and parenting
About Ilaria Calussi
Ilaria Calussi is a systemic and relational psychotherapist whose practice blends extensive training in family therapy, gestalt approaches, trauma-informed CBT, therapeutic play, clinical supervision, and specialist work with autism and ADHD. Over more than 25 years, they have held roles in leading mental health organisations including Place2Be, Mind, Family Action, social care services, and the NHS, and currently contribute to the National Autism Unit while maintaining a private practice and lecturing in psychology and counselling at the Open University.
Ilaria works with individuals, couples, and families on relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, parenting and attachment difficulties, and neurodiversity-related challenges such as autism and ADHD. Their practice draws on systemic and intersectional perspectives, integrating attachment theory, relevant neuroscience, and creative methods to tailor support to each person or family. Ilaria emphasizes connection as a route to healing - connection with oneself, with others, and with broader communities.
Personal experience of solo parenting, neurodivergence, and queer relationships informs a down-to-earth and empathetic style. Ilaria is registered with BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and brings practical, relationship-focused expertise to help people explore difficult experiences, build resilience, and work toward meaningful change.
Ilaria works with individuals, couples, and families on relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, parenting and attachment difficulties, and neurodiversity-related challenges such as autism and ADHD. Their practice draws on systemic and intersectional perspectives, integrating attachment theory, relevant neuroscience, and creative methods to tailor support to each person or family. Ilaria emphasizes connection as a route to healing - connection with oneself, with others, and with broader communities.
Personal experience of solo parenting, neurodivergence, and queer relationships informs a down-to-earth and empathetic style. Ilaria is registered with BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and brings practical, relationship-focused expertise to help people explore difficult experiences, 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, including roles in schools, social care, and the NHS.
Is Ilaria Calussi a registered therapist?
Yes. Ilaria holds the BACP credential - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - indicating membership of a recognised professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists.
In which languages does Ilaria Calussi provide therapy?
Therapy is offered 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 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 cancelled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire to help match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Attachment, Emotion, and Cognitive Work Online
Ilaria draws on Attachment-Based Therapy to help people understand how early bonding and relational patterns affect current relationships and emotional responses. This approach can be useful for attachment issues, adoption and foster care concerns, and difficulties with intimacy or separation.Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) is used when working with couples and families to identify and change negative interaction cycles and to strengthen emotional connection. EFT supports repair after conflict and helps partners develop new ways of responding to one another.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers structured techniques to address unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns, including trauma-informed adaptations for stress, anxiety, and mood-related difficulties. Ilaria tailors these methods to individual needs and combines them with systemic insight when helpful.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Ilaria works collaboratively with clients to choose methods that fit their goals, preferences, and life circumstances. Registered professionals and therapists often adapt techniques over time to reflect what is most helpful for each person.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different schedules, locations, and communication needs. This accessibility helps people engage with therapy in ways that fit their daily life and responsibilities.