Alessia Marchi

My work is primarily based on 1) Systemic-Relational therapy and Couples Counselling, informed by 2) scientific and psychological research, and integrates elements of 3) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic approaches when helpful.
I follow a structured, logical approach, focusing on emotions, thoughts, bodily sensations, beliefs, recurring patterns, and relational models shaping behavior and relationships.

📌 In addition, I often create VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS (see pictures) to help couples better understand the dynamics at play, the patterns they are repeating, and their triggers. These include materials such as diagrams, flowcharts, process maps etc. that allow couples to concretely visualize the issues and the patterns and gain a deeper understanding of how to resolve them.

▶ Is couples counselling ideal for me?
Couples counselling is ideal for couples or individuals who feel STUCK (in the same conversation loop, dynamics, patterns, conflicts, stages etc).
It's ideal if you feel unheard or misunderstood. If you keep having repetitive discussions about the same topic or about many topics but always in the same unhelpful way.
If you feel you would benefit from having a mediator who helps the conversation flow, who can intervene when needed, who challenges ideas, and who offers perspective. Or if simply need more support during a particular phase of their relationship or life.

▶ What should you expect from our time in counselling together?
1️⃣ We usually begin with the Exploratory phase. I ask questions to understand your situation and observe patterns, emotional dynamics, communication styles, repeated conflicts, and unmet needs. The purpose is to bring CLARITY - both for me and for you - about what is happening and why.
2️⃣ We move into the Practical phase (which often starts soon after and sometimes runs in parallel). Here we translate insights from the first phase into concrete ACTION: we interrupt unhelpful patterns, build new skills, introduce new habits, test strategies, and adjust as we go.

▶ What else should I know about your approach?
- I often offer small “between-session” tasks (if the couples agrees to). I share questions to reflect on, ideas or concepts to discuss, short readings, exercises to try, or strategies to experiment with.
- I frequently share session notes, summaries of what we covered, simple diagrams, or key observations that can support your progress.
- The pace of my work is entirely shaped around the couple (their availabilities, their needs, their sense of urgency). If things feel too fast, we slow down; if you want to move quicker, we adjust.
- Together we set one or more goals, and each session brings us closer to those. Often couples not only reach their goals, but also experience unexpected positive changes (e.g., new insights about themselves, increased life awareness, more effective tools, deeper connection etc).

🌍 I work with couples and individuals of all nationalities, cultural backgrounds, religions, gender identities, sexual orientations, and relationship types. I also offer counselling sessions for long-distance relationships.
🗣️ I offer counselling sessions in both ENGLISH and ITALIAN. If needed, I also have a basic to intermediate understanding of other languages (German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Norwegian).
💻 I currently offer mainly ONLINE sessions.

🔸 Couples Counsellor – Helped 120+ individuals and couples navigate relationship challenges, improve communication, and enhance emotional connections
🔸 Conducted academic researches on Compatibility and Long-Term Relationships (for reference see below). My studies have also been featured in Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2023/04/05/new-research-uncovers-24-dimensions-of-compatibility-in-long-term-couples/
🔸 Launched initiatives for Relationship Education, such as workshops on Compatibility and Women’s discussions on Love
🔸 Hosted a podcast on relationships and dating
🔸 Moderator of a Relationships Support virtual group (2+ years)
🔸 Founder of a Social experiment on interpersonal Compatibility (+150 participants)
🔸 Advised Dating & Relationship startups globally on creating meaningful experiences for users
🔸 Organized Scientific Speed Dating events to explore the dynamics of compatibility in real-time interactions

📚 Master's in Couple Relationship Clinical Practice – Certification as Couple Counsellor
📚 M.Sc. in Psychology (with highest honors), specializing in Social and Relational Psychology, from UNIPD (Italy's #1 for Psychology)
📚 Exchange Semester in Psychology at the University of Bergen, Norway
📚 B.Sc. in Psychology (with highest honors), specializing in Development, Personality and Interpersonal Relationships, from UNIPD (Italy's #1 for Psychology)