Personal Background, Values, and Passions

I am a white, cis-gender, heterosexual woman, married, and mother of two school-aged children. I am what I call a “privileged immigrant,” as I migrated from Italy in 2001, with a student Visa, to pursue my educational and professional dreams. I love reading, I appreciate the arts, and I consider them one of the most beautiful gifts our human species has received. I strive to create a culture that is inclusive and just, both inside and outside of our conversations. My current project and adventure is homeschooling my children!

Educational and Professional Background

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice, and a contractor for Survivors of Torture, International. I hold a B.A. in Humanities from the University of Bologna, Italy, a Ph.D. in Italian from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and a M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from San Diego State Univerity. I have been trained as a multiculturally competent counselor at the Center for Community Counseling and Engagement (CCCE) in City Heights, and at Narrative Inititives, San Diego. At CCCE and NISD, I have worked with a diverse population and on a wide range of issues, including relational issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, parenting, and life transitions. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, I have taught Italian language, literature, and culture in several institutions including the University of California, San Diego, the University of San Diego, Colby College, the University of Colorado, Boulder, and San Diego Mesa College.

Therapeutic Approach

My current work is informed by my personal and professional experiences, and a set of strength-based, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive theoretical ideas. My approach is collaborative and non-pathologizing. I create a space that allows you to gain novel and empowering insights into your life stories. I integrate a unique blend of therapeutic modalities, such as Narrative Therapy, EMDR, Brainspotting, Mindfulness,  Positive Discipline, Montessori Pedagogy, and a set of coaching skills from the Positive Intelligence model.

College Students, Educators, and Researchers

My experience as an educator in higher education and my work as a therapist offer me insights into the unique challenges students, faculty, and reaserachers face within the academic setting. I am aware of how our emotional wellbeing impacts the quality of our intellectual and creative work. I am also aware of how certain ideas that tend to be privileged in the academia can impact our wellbeing. I treasure the opportunity to support students, faculty, and researchers express their voice in their preferred way within the academic context.

Multilingual Therapy

My bicultural background, my experience as an immigrant, and my work with asylum seekers allow me to connect with international clients who are adjusting to living and working in a foreign country.  I offer services in English, in Italian, as well as with the help of interpreters when other languages are involved. I love to support the Italian speaking population living abroad.

A Compassionate Eye for Parents

Let’s say it: parenting can be the most challenging job we have ever had, and yet we have never received any formal education. We learn as we go. While sometimes that works just fine, other times, and for many different reasons, it does not. We may feel overwhelmed, defeated, and at loss. My clinical work and my personal experience as a mom are the contexts in which I have developed the desire to support individuals and couples who are facing parenting challenges. I offer one-on-one coaching sessions, as well as parenting groups and workshops to foster community support around these challenges.

If you would like to learn more about my practice feel free to give me a call at (858 255-0985) or send me a note at lodovicaguidarellimft@gmail.com. I look forward to connecting with you!