Giuliano Sorrentino

Professional Profile

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my practice. I am truly passionate about the work I do, and I believe in creating a safe, warm, and supportive environment in which every client feels heard and valued. Whether you are new to therapy or continuing your journey, I am here to support you in achieving the well-being and serenity you deserve.

I am an HCPC-registered Clinical, Counselling, and Forensic Psychologist, as well as a fully accredited BABCP Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist (CBT) and a fully accredited IPTUK Interpersonal Psychotherapist (IPT).

I have been on a rewarding journey in Psychology and Psychotherapy for almost two decades, working with four different NHS Trusts - including roles in medical, community, and psychiatric settings - alongside running my private practice. These experiences have allowed me to work closely with adults facing a range of psychological challenges, using integrative psychological approaches that have proven to be clinically effective.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the most extensively researched form of psychotherapy, with robust evidence supporting its efficacy. Its primary goal is to help clients identify and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour that may contribute to psychological, physiological, and relational challenges. As a BABCP-accredited therapist, I adhere to the highest standards of training, competence, and ethical practice, offering evidence-based treatment that aligns with the Professional Standards Authority’s (PSA) quality benchmarks. The British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) is the leading organisation for CBT in the UK and Ireland, and BABCP accreditation is important for a number of reasons, including demonstrating expertise and that a therapist has met high standards of training, experience, competence, and ethical practice.

CBT has demonstrated effectiveness in treating a wide range of psychological conditions, including:

- Depression

- Anxiety (including Generalised Anxiety and Worries, Phobias, Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia, Social Anxiety, and Health Anxiety)

- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

- Trauma and PTSD

- Low Self-Esteem

- Anger

- Sleep Difficulties

- Body Dysmorphic Disorder

While working in one of my previous NHS roles, I developed a special interest in the treatment of OCD, which has enabled me to contribute to the development of individual and group OCD treatment protocols.

In addition to my expertise in CBT, I am also a fully accredited Interpersonal Psychotherapist (IPT), recognised by IPTUK, the leading organisation for IPT practitioners in the UK. Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is a well-established, evidence-based treatment focused on identifying and resolving interpersonal difficulties that contribute to emotional distress. The core idea is that poor relationships can lead to depression and other forms of psychological distress, such as anxiety, anger or low self-esteem; this can, in turn, make relationships worse.

IPT has been developed based on various psychological frameworks, such as Attachment Theory, and it focuses on four areas of difficulty that may be contributing to psychological distress and symptoms:

- Life and Role Changes

- Conflict with People

- Unresolved Grief

- Difficulty in Starting or Keeping Relationships

My background as a Clinical Psychologist has also equipped me to address psychological issues related to work and those associated with physical and psychosomatic conditions, including:

- Work Stress and Burnout

- Chronic Pain and Chronic Fatigue

- Long-Term Conditions (LTC) - e.g., Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn's Disease and Sickle Cell Disease

- Substance Misuse

Beyond CBT and IPT, my therapeutic practice is informed by other psychological models, notably:

- Attachment Theory. This theory focuses on how early relationships shape our emotional and relational patterns, emphasising how secure attachment in childhood fosters emotional stability, resilience, and healthy relationships, whereas insecure attachment can lead to interpersonal issues, low self-esteem, and difficulty regulating emotions during adulthood. In therapy, attachment theory is used to explore the client’s relational patterns, helping them recognise and modify unhelpful behaviours which stem from early attachment experiences, by creating a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship and providing an opportunity to explore and heal past attachment wounds, which can ultimately foster more secure and adaptive relational patterns with themselves and others.

- Comprehend, Cope, and Connect (CCC) model. This framework is used in mental health and therapeutic settings to help individuals manage stress and build resilience. It is based on three main components:

1_ Comprehend. This involves developing an understanding of the client’s situation, emotions, and thoughts. It includes recognising the nature of a challenge or stressor and making sense of experiences and emotions, which is the first step toward managing them.

2_ Cope. This focuses on developing coping mechanisms to manage stress and emotions effectively, which includes strategies such as relaxation techniques, cognitive reframing, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, to deal with challenges and stressors in a healthy way long-term.

3_ Connect. This emphasises the importance of social support and building relationships. It involves seeking support from others, maintaining social connections, and fostering a sense of belonging. Positive relationships can provide emotional support, different perspectives, and a sense of security.

This model is often used in therapeutic settings to guide clients in managing stress by understanding their experiences, using coping strategies, and leaning on supportive relationships.

My practice is also based on a Trauma-Informed approach, which recognises the widespread impact of trauma on individuals and emphasises the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment to facilitate an ongoing process of healing. This approach recognises that trauma can affect our thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and relationships, and it seeks to minimise the risk of re-traumatisation during therapy. This type of approach recognises the importance of cultural sensitivity and of respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences that shape the client’s understanding of trauma. Using a trauma-informed approach ultimately helps the client build secure relationships and regain control.

At the heart of my work is a deep belief in the capacity for growth and change. My diverse professional experiences have deepened my understanding of the challenges people face when addressing painful emotions and life’s most difficult aspects. It is an honour to walk alongside my clients as they navigate the challenges of life and work towards greater emotional and relational well-being.

I bring to my practice a balance of evidence-based techniques and a therapeutic alliance grounded in trust, collaboration, and human values. Central to my approach is that I do not seek to "fix" my clients but to work alongside them, empowering them to take an active role in their healing process and equipping them with the strategies they need to achieve their therapy goals and become their own therapist beyond our sessions.

I currently work with a range of insurance providers, including:

- Allianz

- April

- AXA

- Bupa

- Cigna

- Exeter

- Freedom Health Insurance

- General & Medical

- GeoBlue

- Healix

- HTH Travel Insurance

- Preferred Health Care Ltd

- Saga

- Vitality

- WPA

If you are using health insurance, I can provide clinical reports at no extra charge should additional sessions be needed.

At the moment, I offer online therapy via video conferencing, which provides flexibility and convenience for those juggling busy lives or preferring the comfort of their own personal spaces.