Andrea Zagaria – Psicologo Clinico

The set of my techniques is diverse. It would be difficult to reduce it to a simple list. Outlining some of the key “tools” may be useful though. 

Even though my main clinical focus is on deep psychological change, the working here and now is always the starting point. The priority is to help individuals to have back their ability to function in daily life. 

For example, if someone is unable to leave their home or drive to work, it would be useless and premature to explore deep patterns. Classic cognitive-behavioral techniques—such as decatastrophizing, psychoeducation, progressive desensitization, reinforcement techniques, and both gradual and immersive exposure—are particularly effective to restore a basic level of functioning. 

Once a patient successfully regains daily functionality, the next step is to work at a deeper level.

Different “gateways” into the psyche are available. Dissociated, suppressed, or strongly conditioned experiences are made to surface again into consciousness through these gateways. The aim is to integrate these experiences, fostering a greater sense of presence and well-being.

One of my preferred gateways is the somatic one, drawing from sensorimotor therapies. It includes techniques such as body scanning, awareness of paraverbal and extraverbal cues, and tapping.

Another gateway is the imaginative/intuitive dimension. Guided imagery and the use of symbols or metaphors to evoke deep emotional experiences are instances of this approach. 

The third gateway is the emotional one, naturally emerging in therapy through the patient’s recollection of past events. Another important aspect of emotional gateway is transference—what the patient feels toward the psychologist—and countertransference, the psychologist’s emotional response to the patient. Paying attention to these dynamics provides useful insight into both past experiences and how the may inform future growth.

A final gateway is storytelling, which can unfold naturally through the narration of life events or be encouraged using guided internal dialogue between different inner parts or role-playing techniques.

Ultimately, I see the purpose of a session as guiding the patient into a naturally altered state of consciousness—one that allows them to emotionally experience unexplored aspects of their inner world. The process is supported by a psychologist who provides reassurance, acceptance, and guidance—but also redirection and, when needed, a touch of humor.