Francesca Sciandra
Integrative Therapist and Psychotherapeutic Counsellor for Individuals and Couples
Hello, I’m Francesca, an integrative therapist offering accepting, open-minded, and culturally sensitive therapy for couples and individuals seeking meaningful transformation.
You might be here because something needs to shift in your relationship, your inner world, or how you move through life. I’m fascinated by our human capacity for change: how we can evolve our emotional patterns, deepen our connections, and access a more empowered, embodied sense of self.
My approach is warm, direct, and willing to address what matters. I offer both compassionate attunement and the gentle challenge needed for real growth.
I work with clients in two ways: through ongoing online therapy for individuals and couples, and through in-person couples intensives for concentrated, immersive work.
Who I Work With
Clients often come to me feeling caught in repeated dynamics, struggling with self-worth, overwhelmed by stress or anxiety, or longing for more fulfilling relationships. Through an integrative and experiential process, you’ll learn to understand your developmental patterns, express your needs without shame, and cultivate relationships rooted in authenticity, respect, and emotional safety.
I support couples working through conflict, rebuilding trust after betrayal, deepening intimacy, or feeling committed but unable to move forward. I work with individuals seeking deeper self-understanding, navigating complex relationships, processing past experiences, or transforming patterns that keep them stuck.
The outcome of our work is not simply feeling better, it’s becoming more grounded, more confident, and more able to create the relationships and life you actually want.
How We Can Work Together
Online Therapy for Individuals and Couples
I work exclusively online for ongoing therapy. This offers accessibility regardless of where you’re based, eliminates travel disruptions, and lets you engage from wherever you feel most comfortable.
When people first consider online therapy, they often wonder whether it can offer the same depth as in-person therapy. Research and years of online practice have repeatedly demonstrated that online therapy is effective, providing a space to build a strong therapeutic relationship and achieve positive client outcomes. Many clients find that being in their own space actually allows for greater vulnerability and honesty.
Sessions are typically weekly at a set time, creating the consistency and continuity that allows meaningful change to happen. I use Zoom, a secure platform that protects your privacy while creating a strong therapeutic container. To protect your confidentiality and privacy, I do not record sessions or use AI tools for session notes. Learn more about online therapy ⟶
In-Person Couples Intensives
For couples ready for concentrated work, I offer 2-day couples therapy intensives in Bristol or select locations across the UK, including London.
Intensives create space for the kind of deep exploration that’s difficult to achieve in weekly sessions. Extended time together allows us to work through entrenched patterns without the usual constraints of the clock, moving at the pace your relationship needs rather than stopping just as we're getting somewhere.
This format often appeals to couples who feel stuck despite previous therapy attempts, who are navigating a significant crisis or transition, or who simply want focused time away from daily life to reconnect and rebuild. It’s also practical for those with demanding schedules. During our initial consultation, we can explore whether this format feels right for where you are now. Learn more about couples intensives ⟶
My Approach
I blend relational and psychodynamic work with creative, experiential methods that turn insight into embodied change. Unlike traditional talk therapy, we don’t just discuss patterns; we work with them directly.
This means exploring how early attachment shapes your relationships, how different parts of yourself hold conflicting needs, and how unprocessed experiences continue to influence your present. My integrative practice draws on evidence-based approaches, depth psychology, and relational intelligence to support genuine transformation.
I’ve trained in psychodynamic therapy, humanistic and person-centred approaches, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), inner child work, and hypnotherapy. Rather than adhering to one method, I adapt to what you need. The work is grounded in your lived experience and shaped by what matters most to you. You’re always welcome to ask questions about our work together.
My Specialisms
I specialise in deep relational work, helping individuals and couples transform long-standing emotional and relational patterns. My focus areas include:
Attachment and Relational Patterns
Attachment wounds and insecure attachment styles (anxious, avoidant, disorganised)
Conflict and communication challenges
Emotional and Physical Intimacy
Creating emotional and physical safety in relationships
Individual Growth and Healing
Processing past experiences and building emotional maturity
Developing secure, resilient connections
Integration and Expanded States
Processing and integrating psychedelic experiences
Creating stability following non-ordinary states of consciousness
I create a non-judgmental space where you can explore challenging experiences and emotions. Whether you’re facing a crisis or know there’s more depth to explore, I offer a practice grounded in relational attunement and genuine curiosity about who you are and who you’re becoming.
My Background
I’m originally from the northeastern United States. After graduate studies in Spain, I lived in Italy and Portugal before making the UK my home over a decade ago.
Living across cultures has taught me about adaptation, belonging, and how identity shifts and deepens through different contexts. This shapes how I work. I understand the complexity of holding multiple cultural experiences and creating a sense of self that honours all of who you are.
Supervision Services
To support the development of other practitioners, I provide one-to-one supervision for hypnotherapists. I’m an acknowledged supervisor with the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR) and offer supervision for trainees, newly registered hypnotherapists, and experienced hypnotherapists.
Beyond the Therapy Room
In addition to my therapeutic work, I create resources and write about relationships, intimacy, emotional well-being, and the deeper dimensions of growth. Sign up for my newsletter to receive new insights, reflections, and resources as I share them.
Professional Credentials
Registrations & Memberships
Registered Hypnotherapist and Acknowledged Supervisor, General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR)
UKCP Trainee Psychotherapist, UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
Associate Member, The National Society of Talking Therapies (NSTT)
International Affiliate, Society for Humanistic Psychology, American Psychological Association (APA), Division 32
Primary Qualifications
Diploma in Hypno-Psychotherapeutic Counselling, The National College of Hypnosis and Psychotherapy
Diploma in Analytical Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy, Jacquelyne Morison Hypnotherapy Training
Additional Training & Certifications
Professional Certificate in Couples Therapy, Institute of Couples Therapy
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) Externship, International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)
Foundations of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy, Beckley Academy
Certificate in Trauma Informed Practice, Holistic Trauma Course, Weekend University
Certificate in Online Therapy, The National College of Hypnosis & Psychotherapy
Certificate in Hypnotherapy Supervision, Yorkshire Hypnotherapy Training
De-Escalating Psychedelic Crisis Certification, PsyCare UK
Continuing Professional Development
To support my ongoing learning, I regularly attend continuing education courses and workshops, including:
Intimacy From the Inside Out (IFIO) - Internal Family Systems (IFS) for Couples, IFS Institute
Intensive Couples Therapy: An Accelerated Approach to Repair, Stabilize, and Strengthen Couples in Crisis with Elizabeth Earnshaw, LMFT, CGT
Relational Life Therapy (RLT): Level 1, Relational Life Institute
An Introduction to Systemic Practice, Center For Family Based Training
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) with Robin Williams Blake, Dr James Hawkins, and Kathryn de Bruin
Financial Therapy Master Series, Financial Therapy Clinical Institute
Self-Led Sexuality through Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy: A Parts Work Approach for Healing, Intimacy, Pleasure and Connection with Patricia Rich
The Somatic Processing of Pre-Verbal Trauma In Psychedelic Assisted Therapy with Rob Ó Cobhthaigh
Healing Emotional Neglect: Trauma-Informed Somatic Tools for Co-Regulation and Repair in Psychedelic Sessions with Atira Tan
A Psychoanalytic Understanding of the Couple Relationship with Mary Morgan, TR Together
The Presence of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist with Nancy Sowell
The Psychology of Erotic Fantasies and Behaviours with Professor Brett Kahr, TR Together
Integrating Psychedelic Experiences, Centre of Applied Jungian Studies
Working Effectively with Parts, The National College of Hypnosis & Psychotherapy
Dreaming on Purpose: Exploring the Inner Landscapes Through Psychotherapeutic Dreamwork, The National College of Hypnosis & Psychotherapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Psychedelic Therapy, Psychedelic Support
Unveiling the Mind: Convergence of Hypnotic and Psychedelic Realities, The Netherlands Society for Hypnosis
Pelvic Health and Sexual Function, Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology
The Role of Spirituality and Meaning-Making in Recovery with Guy du Plessis
Internal Family Systems (IFS) for Addictive Processes with Cece Sykes
Harm Reduction: A Foundation for Addiction Treatment with Andrew Tatarsky
Identifying and Disrupting Financial Shame, Trauma of Money
Unpacking Complex Trauma, UK Trauma Council
Freud and Jung on Dreams with Keith Barrett, Freud Museum London
Clinical Hypnosis in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders with David B. Reid, PsyD, The Chicago School
Psychoanalysis after Freud: Donald Winnicott and ‘Playing and Reality’ with Keith Barrett, Freud Museum London
Re-thinking Depression: Insights Emerging from Hard Times with Michael Yapko, PhD, The Chicago School
Trauma, Dissociation and the Body with Dr. Pat Ogden, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute
Introduction to Liberation Psychologies for Social Justice with Sylwia Korsak, Therapy and Social Change Seminar
Psychedelics and the Mind, University of California, Berkeley, edX
How Trauma Shapes our Attachment Style with Dr Diane Poole Heller
Childhood Adversity: The Impact of Childhood Maltreatment on Mental Health, University College London
Too Much of Nothing: The Quiet Trauma of Neglect with Ruth Cohn, MFT
Political Movements and Decentering Privilege with Dr Orna Guralnik, Therapy and Social Change Seminar
Working at Relational Depth in Psychotherapy with Mick Cooper
Ethics and Standards of Care
My practice follows the codes of ethics and standards of practice of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR). I receive ongoing supervision from a UKCP-registered supervisor.
Questions You Might Have
What makes therapy effective?
Research consistently shows that a key factor in successful therapy is the quality and depth of the client-therapist relationship. Studies show that therapy is most effective when clients commit to consistent sessions. Studies have also shown that it’s important for the therapist to adapt to the client’s preferences, characteristics, and culture. I will always do my best to understand you, your experiences, and your challenges without making assumptions or judgments.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person work?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy is equally effective for most concerns. What matters most is the quality of the therapeutic relationship, not whether we're in the same room. Many clients find that being in their own space actually allows for deeper vulnerability.
What do I need for online sessions?
A reliable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone, and a private space where you can speak freely. I use Zoom, a secure, professional video platform that’s straightforward to access.
How do couples intensives work?
Intensives are extended sessions, typically 12 hours or spread across 2 days, held in person. We create a focused container for deep work, using experiential exercises and relational practices. You'll leave with tools and practices to continue your growth. Specific arrangements, including location, duration, and fees, are discussed during our consultation. Find out more about how 2-day couples intensives can help you and your partner.
Where do you hold in-person intensives?
Couples therapy intensives take place in Bristol or select locations across the UK, including London. We’ll arrange the specific venue based on your needs and what works best for the work we're doing.
What are your fees?
My fees vary depending on whether you’re seeking individual therapy, couples therapy, or a couples intensive. You can view current rates and payment information on my fees page.
Have a question not answered here? Check out my Frequently Asked Questions.
Ready to Begin?
Book a consultation to explore how we might work together. We’ll discuss what's bringing you to therapy, answer any questions you have, and determine whether my approach feels right for you.
References
Ardito, R.B. and Rabellino, D. (2011). Therapeutic Alliance and Outcome of Psychotherapy: Historical Excursus, Measurements, and Prospects for Research. Frontiers in Psychology, [online] 2(270). doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2011.00270.
Li, E., Kealy, D., Katie Aafjes-van Doorn, McCollum, J., Curtis, J.T., Luo, X. and Silberschatz, G. (2024). ‘It Felt Like I Was Being Tailored to the Treatment Rather Than the Treatment Being Tailored to Me’: Patient Experiences of Helpful and Unhelpful Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy research, pp.1–15. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2024.2360448.
Norcross, J.C. and Wampold, B.E. (2019). Psychotherapy relationships that work. Volume 2, Evidence-based therapist responsiveness. New York: Oxford University Press.
Tiemens, B., Kloos, M., Spijker, J. and de Jonge, P. (2019). Lower versus higher frequency of sessions in starting outpatient mental health care and the risk of a chronic course; a naturalistic cohort study, BMC Psychiatry, 19(1), p. 228. doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2214-4.
Wilcox, H. and Almasifard, S. (2022). Facilitating the client’s experience of relational depth in counselling and psychotherapy: A thematic review. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 23(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12595.
