Blog

Essays and articles on attachment, inner child healing, relational patterns, couples dynamics, and therapeutic work. For ongoing explorations and personal reflections, subscribe to my newsletter ⟶

integrative therapy, couples therapy, relationships Francesca Sciandra integrative therapy, couples therapy, relationships Francesca Sciandra

Healing Attachment Injuries: When Emotional Safety Is Lost in Relationships

An attachment injury is a deeply distressing relational experience in which trust, emotional safety, or connection with your significant partner is suddenly broken. This can occur through betrayal, emotional abandonment, repeated unreliability, or moments when one partner feels unprotected. Attachment injuries can leave lasting emotional wounds that shape how people relate, respond to closeness, and experience safety in relationships.

Read More
couples therapy, integrative therapy, relationships Francesca Sciandra couples therapy, integrative therapy, relationships Francesca Sciandra

How Couples Drift Apart: Emotional Distance in High-Functioning Relationships

Emotional distance often develops without a crisis, betrayal, or defining issue. In high-functioning couples, it can emerge gradually, through slight shifts in how partners respond to each other, how available they are emotionally, and how much vulnerability feels safe to share. Couples who experience this drifting apart frequently report that nothing is ‘wrong’ in any obvious way, yet something essential is missing.

Read More
psychotherapy, integrative therapy, couples therapy Francesca Sciandra psychotherapy, integrative therapy, couples therapy Francesca Sciandra

Is Psychodynamic Therapy Right For You? Everything You Need To Know

Have you ever found yourself repeating the same patterns in relationships, even when you don’t want to? Or felt overwhelmed by emotions that seem to come from nowhere? Psychodynamic therapy offers a space to explore the deeper patterns and emotional experiences that shape how we relate to ourselves, others, and the world around us.

Read More
couples therapy, integrative therapy, online therapy Francesca Sciandra couples therapy, integrative therapy, online therapy Francesca Sciandra

The First Couples Therapy Session: Structure, Focus, and Purpose

The first couples therapy session is a structured, 80-minute session designed to establish a shared understanding of what is happening in your relationship. It forms part of an assessment process, allowing me to understand your relational dynamics, current difficulties, and what has led you to seek therapy at this point.

Read More
integrative therapy Francesca Sciandra integrative therapy Francesca Sciandra

Opportunities for Self-Discovery: The Healing Potential of Curiosity

When we’re struggling with challenging thoughts or feelings, our natural instinct is to push away the discomfort. We want solutions that will make the pain disappear as quickly as possible. This desire is completely understandable. Yet, as a therapist, I’ve found that lasting healing rarely comes from bypassing our problems or applying quick fixes. Instead, it emerges when we create a safe space to nurture our curiosity and genuinely understand ourselves and our experiences.

Read More

Attachment Disrupted: The Impact Of Childhood Neglect On Adult Relationships

Have you ever wondered why certain patterns keep appearing in your relationships? Why trust feels so difficult, or why emotional intimacy sometimes seems impossible? The experiences we have as children, especially when they involve abuse or neglect, can leave lasting imprints on our hearts and minds.

Read More
relationships, sex, integrative therapy, couples therapy Francesca Sciandra relationships, sex, integrative therapy, couples therapy Francesca Sciandra

Overcoming Sexual Shame: Discovering Safety, Pleasure, and Autonomy

Do you find yourself lying awake at night, wondering if you’ll ever feel truly comfortable in your intimate relationships? Perhaps you’re struggling with feelings of embarrassment or difficulties understanding your desires. Maybe you’re carrying the weight of past experiences that make it difficult to trust and connect with others. You’re not alone.

Read More

Does Online Therapy Work?: Exploring When It’s Right for You

Looking for therapy but wondering if online sessions would be a good fit for you? Deep, meaningful connections can happen just as naturally through a screen as they do in a therapy room. Online therapy offers a powerful way to work through challenges and grow while fitting seamlessly into your life.

Read More
integrative therapy, hypnotherapy Francesca Sciandra integrative therapy, hypnotherapy Francesca Sciandra

How To Overcome Anxiety: A 3-Part Approach

Anxiety is a harsh reality for millions of people around the world. From excessive worrying and racing thoughts to crippling panic attacks and physical symptoms like a pounding heart and shortness of breath, anxiety can be debilitating. If you’re struggling with anxiety, you’re certainly not alone—but you also don’t have to accept it as a way of life. There is a path forward to overcome anxiety and reclaim a sense of calm and control.

Read More
integrative therapy, mindfulness Francesca Sciandra integrative therapy, mindfulness Francesca Sciandra

Embodied Wisdom: An Exploration of Interoception

In the whirlwind of our daily lives, we often overlook the complex network of internal senses within us — the symphony of interoception. This collection of senses connects us to our internal world, where the rhythmic beats of our heartbeat, the gentle flow of our breath, and the subtle whispers of hunger harmonise to create a profound symphony of self-awareness.

Read More
hypnotherapy, hypnosis, integrative therapy Francesca Sciandra hypnotherapy, hypnosis, integrative therapy Francesca Sciandra

Ericksonian Hypnosis: A Gentle Path to Transformation

Have you ever felt stuck in unhealthy thought patterns or unhelpful beliefs that hold you back from living your best life? Do anxieties, fears, or past experiences continue to haunt you? You are not alone. We all carry within us wounds and struggles that shape our perception and sense of self. The good news is, lasting transformation is possible if you have the right guidance. Ericksonian hypnosis offers a path to unlock your inner wisdom and potential through its deeply respectful, story-driven approach.

Read More
psychotherapy, integrative therapy Francesca Sciandra psychotherapy, integrative therapy Francesca Sciandra

How to Choose a Therapist: A Comparison of CBT, Humanistic Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy

Finding the ‘right’ therapist can feel overwhelming. Today, I’m sharing a few tips on choosing a therapist that suits your needs. I’ll also compare three popular therapy modalities — Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Humanistic Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy.

Read More
relationships, love, couples therapy, integrative therapy Francesca Sciandra relationships, love, couples therapy, integrative therapy Francesca Sciandra

56 Love Quotes That Help Us Understand Attachment and Relationships

Love is a powerful emotion that shapes our lives in meaningful ways, influencing not only our relationships but also our inner emotional landscapes. These insightful love quotes offer more than just romance—they provide a window into the psychological facets of attachment, connection, and healing.

Read More
hypnotherapy, integrative therapy Francesca Sciandra hypnotherapy, integrative therapy Francesca Sciandra

About the Person-Centred Approach in Therapy

Person-centred therapy (also referred to as client-centred therapy or Rogerian therapy) is based on the humanistic philosophy that every individual has the inherent ability to create a more positive and enjoyable way of living for themselves. It provides a non-judgmental and accepting space for free-thinking and self-discovery.

Read More