About Me
Barbara Farinelli - Integrative Counselling
I am trained in Gestalt therapy, which forms the foundation of my work, and I tailor each session to meet your unique needs. Depending on what feels most helpful, I may also draw on Internal Family Systems (IFS) to explore different “parts” of yourself, Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) to cultivate self-kindness and reduce self-criticism, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to identify patterns and build practical strategies, Person-Centred and Humanistic approaches to provide acceptance, empathy, and authentic support, mindfulness techniques to encourage presence, calm, and stress regulation, and creative and expressive methods, including sand tray work, therapeutic cards, drawing, journaling, modeling, puppets, and metaphor-based tools. I may also use our therapeutic relationship as a tool for exploration to deepen self-awareness and emotional insight. Creative approaches often make it easier to connect with feelings and express yourself in a safe, supportive way.
I work with adults, children, and young people navigating challenges such as anxiety, stress, depression, low mood, grief, self-esteem or confidence issues, relationship difficulties, school pressures, ADHD, autism, and neurodivergence. For children and adolescents, I often use playful, expressive, and creative techniques, including play therapy, sand tray work, art-based activities, and role-play, which support emotional regulation, confidence, and self-expression in a way that feels engaging and safe.
With over 20 years of professional experience in Italy and the UK, I have developed the ability to communicate, empathise, and connect with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. As an expat myself, I understand the unique challenges of living in a new country, navigating cultural differences, and managing family and work pressures. I provide counselling in English and Italian, both in person and online, so you can receive support wherever you are.
My goal is to create an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment where every client feels truly seen, heard, and understood. I value diversity and view differences as opportunities for deeper understanding. Through our work together, you can explore your experiences, build awareness, and move toward a stronger sense of yourself and clarity in your life.
Why Choose This Approach?
My approach is humanistic and integrative, based on the belief that each person has the capacity for growth, self-awareness, and positive change. Grounded in Gestalt therapy, which is both relational and experiential, our work focuses on what is happening for you in the present moment. Together, we explore your experiences, emotions, and patterns of relating, using our therapeutic relationship as a space for reflection and deeper awareness.
At times, I may offer creative and experiential interventions to help you express and explore what can be difficult to put into words. With your consent, this may include using therapeutic cards, journaling, drawing, sand tray work, metaphors, or simple objects such as Russian dolls or puppets. These approaches can support emotional expression, insight, and communication — sometimes it’s easier to open up when we engage creatively rather than rely solely on words.
Creative exploration helps the therapeutic process feel more natural and dynamic, allowing new perspectives and emotional clarity to emerge. It also supports the development of self-awareness, resilience, and a stronger sense of self.
By combining Gestalt therapy with evidence-based tools from CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems), and Compassion-Focused Therapy, I tailor each session to your individual needs. This integrative and flexible approach provides a warm and supportive environment to foster understanding, healing, and personal growth.
What is Gestalt Therapy?
Gestalt therapy is at the heart of my practice. It is a humanistic approach that emphasises awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours in the present moment. Instead of focusing only on the past, Gestalt therapy encourages you to notice how you relate to yourself and others here and now. This awareness can reveal unhelpful patterns and open the door to new perspectives, choices, and possibilities for growth. It is a creative and experiential approach that values the whole person and supports genuine change through self-understanding.
Professional Standards & Qualifications
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within their Ethical Framework, ensuring accountability and the highest standard of care. I meet regularly with an independent counselling supervisor to maintain reflective and ethical practice.
Qualifications & Training
Level 4 Integrative Therapeutic Counselling Diploma
Currently studying Level 6 Children and Young People Counselling Diploma
DBS checked
Mental Health First Aid certified
Level 3 Advanced Self-Harm