Psychological Support for Expats and International Residents in Genova
Navigating life in a new country is a journey of both discovery and challenge. Together, we can find your voice. In English, Italian, or the space between both.
Living abroad is an extraordinary adventure, but it often comes with a unique set of emotional complexities. Maybe you’re here studying at the University of Genoa, working remotely while exploring Liguria, or perhaps you’ve moved to Italy to build a permanent life. Whatever your story, trying to 'plant roots' in a new culture can stir deep questions about identity, belonging, and purpose.
I offer psychological support specifically designed for those who live between cultures and feel the need for a therapeutic space in English or a bilingual (English-Italian) setting.
Why language matters
Language is more than just a tool for communication.
Research shows that our first language (L1) is often more deeply connected to our early emotional experiences. Speaking your native or preferred language can help unlock "affective" content (feelings and memories) that might remain less accessible when using a language you are still mastering.
Conversely, for some, using a second language (L2) provides a helpful “safe distance," allowing them to discuss difficult or traumatic topics with a sense of clarity and safety.
A Shared Bridge: English as our common ground
In our sessions, we aren’t limited to one vocabulary. If you are learning Italian as your L2, we can integrate it into our work. This process reflects your daily effort to integrate and find a new Self within the Italian context.
You do not need to be a native English speaker to find a home in this practice. In fact, English is my second language as well.
In our sessions, we don’t seek linguistic perfection; we seek emotional clarity. Whether you are more comfortable in English, still finding your footing in Italian, or find yourself constantly switching between the two, we will work together to find the words that truly resonate with your experience.
A Space for Your Migratory Story
I provide a non-judgmental, culturally sensitive environment where your international background is seen as a resource, not a barrier.
Migration is rarely just a change of geography; it is a profound transformation of the self that touches the very core of our identity. In my practice, I offer a dedicated space to explore the weight and beauty of each person’s unique migratory journey, moving beyond the practicalities of relocation to look at what it means to truly belong to more than one world.
Whether you are navigating the specific "Expat Blues," the isolation that can arise when your inner life feels out of sync with your new surroundings, or the unique stress of adapting to the specific rhythms of life in Genova, our work becomes a collaborative discovery.
To book a meeting
Phone
Call or write a WhatsApp message to 351 397 96 92.
Send an e-mail to torrefilippo.psi@gmail.com