Dr. Giovanna Lodola, DClinPsy

When I chose a major in clinical Psychology, I had many questions that I thought this study path could answer.

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The subjects I read about during my university years were fascinating: I studied about the brain, learned what drives human behavior, understood what leads to psychopathology and much more.

But all this information wasn’t enough. A degree in psychology is only the first step to eventually become a therapist. It is indeed a process that takes time and personal growth.

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My first experiences on the field happened during my internship, right after obtaining my degree in Clinical Psychology from Universita’ Bicocca in Milano.

At CPBA (a clinic for children and adolescents) I was lucky enough to meet a group of senior professionals who used more than just testing and play therapy to treat their young clients. I was fully immersed in a program of group therapy using a number of expressive techniques including psychodrama, art, movement and other active methods. Here I learned how valuable each tool can be when working with the littles and teens.

Enriched from this experience, I wanted to learn more and I decided to join a post-grad school to become a cognitive psychotherapist. I completed a four-years program in Como at Centro Terapia Cognitiva, based on the importance of attachment style as the foundation of human beings.

I later completed a specific training, at the same school, to work with couples.

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In the meantime, I started working part-time at the American School of Milan where I am currently a classroom assistant on the elementary side. Through the experience with such a diverse cultural community, I am constantly challenged to understand the implications of culture in human psychology.

More hours of internship were a must for students to obtain their title of psychotherapist, so I completed my training working with different clinical realities, including a psychiatric inpatients clinic.