Lara Maestrini - Psychologist & Counsellor
Bio
I'm a trained and accredited Psychologist and Counsellor, who lived as an expat in various countries over the last years. I know how challenging life can be and at times, additional help is invaluable. This is why I aim to support you through whatever it is you are struggling with in life. Based on my own journey in life, my passion lies in supporting adults who struggle with "people-pleasing tendencies" such as: difficulty setting boundaries, perfectionism, over-giving, neglecting ones own needs, social anxiety, low self-esteem and a tendency to find oneself in unbalanced relationships. Additionally, I have worked with a wide range of topics, such as: depression, bereavement, anxiety, ADHD, ASD, domestic abuse, self-harm, OCD, substance misuse, body image issues, family relationships, and burn-out. As an expat myself, my practice caters to other expats and their struggles in adjusting to a new country, culture and language. While the sessions are held in English, my German-Italian upbringing allows me to understand both languages and cultures thoroughly.
My approach is integrative and individualized. This means that depending on your needs and what you bring to therapy, we can adapt and incorporate techniques from different approaches. My practice is trauma-informed and I had additional training in CBT and Schema Therapy. I aim to assist my clients in exploring their past and understanding how it shapes their present thoughts and behaviour. Becoming aware of life-patterns and developing healthy coping skills is a fundamental step in creating change and finding a way to navigate through life in a balanced way.
I don't believe there is a "one-size-fits-all" in therapy, but together we will find what works best for you!
- I offer free 20minutes consultation sessions to get to know each other and see if we are a match
Lara MaestriniCertified Therapist
Using an integrative approach, I tailor therapy to each client. We work as a team to find what fits — exploring thoughts, the body, the past, coping skills, or identity — creating a process unique to you.
Experience
- Private Practice (2023 - current)
- Psychologist & Board Member, Project Root Support NGO (2023 -current)
- Volunteer Counsellor at a charity in London, City & Hackney Carers Centre (2022 - 2023)
- Trainee Counsellor at the University counselling centre of CITY College, University of York (2022 - 2023)
- Mental Health Coach at Leiden University (2021)
- Intern at a addiction facility, Bad Bachgart (2020)
- Intern at the addiction centre of a hospital (2020)
Qualifications
Degrees
- MA in Counselling Psychology II CITY College, University of York Europe Campus (2023)
- MSc in Clinical Psychology II Leiden University (2021)
- BSc in Psychology II University of Vienna (2020)
Trainings
- ISST approved Schema Therapy Training (2023)
- Complex Trauma Practitioner Training (current)
Accreditation
- BACP member