About me

Dr Katia Bernardelli

Clinical Psychologist In London

D.Clin.Psych (Recognized as holding the academic and clinical equivalent of a DClinPsy by UK ENIC), HCPC, CBT-Italia, EABCT member, EMDR Europe.

Biography

Psychologist & Psychotherapist

I am an Italian psychologist and psychotherapist with almost 20 years’ experience in the field of mental health, developed through a rigorous and articulate training and professional pathway.

In 2003, I graduated from the University of Padua with a five-year single-cycle degree. After graduation, I completed a one-year internship in an Italian public hospital, where I had my first direct practical experience in a clinical setting.

In 2006, I was enrolled in the Register of Italian Psychologists (No. 5298, Section A), and subsequently in 2010 in the Register of Psychotherapists. My specialist training took place at the APC School of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy in Verona, where I completed a four-year specialisation in psychotherapy between 2007 and 2010 (https://apc.it).

During these years, I carried out clinical work in a Mental Health Centre (MHC), working with patients in the acute phase and with complex psychiatric diagnoses. This experience allowed me to grow professionally, receive in-depth clinical supervision and contribute to a research project on the Recovery in psichiatria.

Parallel to my hospital experience, since 2008 I have started freelancing, collaborating with a family doctors’ practice in the province of Verona, offering psychological and psychotherapeutic support.

In 2018, my experience crossed the Italian borders: I moved to London, where my qualification was recognised by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Clinical Psychologist.

Since then, I have been working in clinical settings both in Italy and the UK, offering both face-to-face and online services, working with Italian and international patients in a multicultural context. This experience has further enriched my skills and broadened my ability to adapt to different cultural contexts.

Professional Registrations and Affiliations

Registered in the Veneto Register of Italian Psychologists, Section A (no. 5298): as a psychologist – sychotherapist.
Registered at the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK as a clinical psychologist (PYL040522).

Accredited member of the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Italy (CBT-Italia) and the European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT), an organisation uniting 54 associations from 40 countries with the aim of promoting the highest standards of clinical practice through continuing education and evidence-based practice.

Member of EMDR Italy and EMDR Europe. EMDR is a scientifically supported integrative psychotherapy widely used for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric disorders and somatic symptoms. Based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, EMDR argues that many psychological disorders are caused by maladaptive coding and/or incomplete processing of traumatic or disturbing experiences.

International Experience

In London, I was recognised as a clinical psychologist by the HCPC, and thanks to my dual registration in Italy (with the Order of Psychologists) and the UK, I can operate in both countries, offering regulated, high-quality therapeutic services.

My therapeutic approach

Every individual is unique, which is why my therapeutic approach is tailored to the needs of each patient. I rely on scientifically proven methods, with a focus on cognitive-behavioural therapy, complemented by years of clinical experience. My aim is to help you achieve lasting psychological well-being by addressing difficulties together and building effective strategies for change.

My Commitment

After many years of working in the clinic, I have a career path that has allowed me to grow and acquire advanced skills. I am passionate about providing psychological support, aiming to improve the quality of life of the people who come to me. If you are looking for an experienced and qualified professional, I am here to help you.

The Therapy Route

Starting a therapeutic journey can arouse curiosity and uncertainty. Understanding the therapeutic process can help you start the journey with clarity and confidence. Below, you will find a description of the main steps of the therapeutic journey to help you understand what to expect and how we will work together.

1. Assessment Phase (Initial Evaluation)

The first phase of therapy is the assessment, or initial evaluation. In the first meetings we explore together your needs, motivations and goals. This phase serves to understand your context, difficulties and resources by examining

– Personal and family history
– Significant experiences
– Symptomatology, if any
– Specific objectives

The assessment uses clinical tools such as questionnaires and structured interviews to create a detailed map and build a customised treatment plan. This phase lasts between one and four sessions, depending on need.

2. Definition of the Therapeutic Plan

After the assessment, we will develop a customised treatment plan. I will integrate different techniques to meet your needs, including:

– Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): my main approach, useful for identifying and modifying dysfunctional thoughts and behaviour. [Learn more on CBT]
– Schema Therapy: to work on deep-seated patterns that influence relationships and life choices.[Learn more on Schema Therapy]
– EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): effective in processing trauma and reducing the emotional impact of painful experiences. [Learn more about EMDR]
– Mindfulness: to develop awareness and emotional management in the present. [Read more about Mindfulness and Jon Kabat-Zinn]

You can find further details on the official websites of the respective therapies and specialised resources.

3. Continuation of Sessions and Path Development

The core of the therapy is developed in subsequent sessions, usually weekly or fortnightly. During these sessions, we will work on the themes that emerged in the assessment, applying the most appropriate techniques for each phase of the process.

– Reflection and Awareness: each session will be an opportunity to reflect on the findings and dynamics of your daily life.
– Practical Exercises: we will include exercises such as thought diaries or mindfulness practices to apply what you have learnt.
– Progress Monitoring: periodically, we will evaluate your progress to ensure that the therapy is progressing towards your goals and, if necessary, we will adapt the plan.

4. Conclusion Phase and Autonomy

When you feel you have achieved your goals, the therapy will enter a conclusion phase. During this period, we will work to consolidate the changes made and strengthen the skills acquired. The aim is for you to be able to deal with future difficulties independently, using the tools developed in therapy.

What to Expect

Therapy is a personal journey, and each journey is unique. Together, we will work to create an empathic, judgment-free listening environment in which you can explore yourself and develop new perspectives and resources. Your active participation is crucial: the changes you desire take time, but every small step contributes to your lasting well-being.

If you feel that this path might be right for you, please do not hesitate to contact me for more information.

Scientific Publication

Scientific Article

‘Italian validation of the Recovery Assessment Scale’ – published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, 5 February 2020

Contribution to the Book

Contribution to the book “Assertività e Training Assertivo: Teoria e pratica per migliorare le capacità relazionali dei pazienti” – published by Franco Angeli

Academic and Clinical Training

1997 - 2003

Master's Degree in Psychology - University of Padua

2004 - 2005

Clinical Traineeship (SERT - Addiction Service)

One-year clinical internship at a hospital addiction service, with clinical supervision.

2006 - 2010

Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (APC Cognitive Psychotherapy School)

Four-year specialisation in cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy, including lectures, research projects and clinical placement in a hospital mental health centre with clinical supervision.

2006 - 2010

Clinical internship (CSM)

Four-year clinical placement at a psychiatric hospital service, with clinical supervision

I miei Attestati

Techniques / Therapeutic approaches complementary to my CBT training

March - June 2014

Certificazione Schema Therapy (Società Internazionale di Schema Therapy - ISST)

Four modules with focus on:

ST I: Introduction to Schema Therapy
ST II: Schema Therapy Strategies
ST III: Therapeutic relationship and therapist's schemata
ST IV: Schema mode for personality disorders

2016 - 2017

Expert in Relaxation Techniques - IRIS Space

Master in Relaxation Techniques including mindfulness, autogenic training and progressive muscle relaxation.

March 2019 - March 2020

EMDR Training - Level 1 and 2 (EMDR Italy)

Insight into the Adaptive Information Processing model, application of the EMDR protocol in its 8 phases, case conceptualisation and development of the treatment plan according to the objectives.

Tariffs

£100,00 – £150,00

Additional information:
Initial consultation: £100 – £150
Individual psychotherapy: £100 – £150 for a 50-minute session
Supervision: £110

Cancellation Policy

Please note that I apply a 48-hour cancellation policy.