I am Chiara Virgilio
I’m a psychologist and psychotherapist (with a psychoanalytic training) in London's Walthamstow. For 14 years in between Rome and London, I've been passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate life's inevitable changes – those 'bites of anguish' that can signal a call for deeper understanding. I see therapy as a profound human encounter, a space to explore authentic living, even when life asks to 'dance in the storm.'
I believe in therapy’s power for growth and transformative 'new starts.' This belief, and my passion for supporting diverse ways of being, has led me to train as an ADHD coach (I’m in training right now!), focusing on helping neurodivergent individuals understand their unique strengths and navigate challenges with greater self-compassion.
My practice is grounded in a commitment to professional ethics and standards. I am a registered member of the BPS (British Psychological Society), the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), and Italy’s Ordine degli Psicologi del Lazio.
My approach
“Until you make your unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it faith.” C. G. Jung
My approach is a creative and collaborative journey, grounded in understanding your past to transform your present. We explore the unconscious – that vast inner ocean – by seeking symbols in dreams, life patterns, and through creative tools like cards and metaphors. Cards work especially well for visual thinkers, a trait common among many neurodivergent people, as they can unlock insights that easily elude words alone. (Of course, I always tailor the tools we use to your unique needs!)
True transformation, I believe, happens when we weave these deep insights into a vibrant present awareness. This means moving beyond just looking back to actively engage with the profound questions that define your unique path today:
What do you truly believe? What does a meaningful life look like for you now? How can you navigate life's 'River Styx' moments, not just by enduring, but by finding life in the passage itself?
Uncovering your truth and finding the courage to live it—this is the journey of becoming.
Areas Where I Offer Support
I support individuals navigating a range of profound life challenges. You might be seeking understanding and change around:
Loss & Grief: Bereavement, estrangement, or the impact of chronic illness.
Major Life Decisions & Existential Concerns: Clarity at life's crossroads (career, relationships, childfree choices), or exploring feelings of loneliness and the search for meaning.
Neurodivergent Experiences: As an ADHD-informed and neurodiversity-educated therapist, I provide an affirming space that honours your unique way of being.
My dedication to understanding diverse experiences extends to my decade-long work with the Italian community in London, focusing on the nuances of immigration and cultural adjustment. I offer therapy in English and Italian in a safe, culturally sensitive environment.
