Ilaria Longo

I'm Ilaria, a trauma-informed somatic therapist and Advanced Clinical EFT Practitioner, based in East Sussex and working online with adults across the UK and internationally.

I support people experiencing anxiety, chronic stress, emotional overwhelm and burnout, particularly those who feel they are constantly holding everything together, struggling to set boundaries or putting other people's needs before their own.

Alongside my private practice, I have many years of experience working in mental health and recovery services, supporting people through anxiety, trauma and other complex emotional difficulties.

My approach goes beyond traditional talking therapy. I believe that anxiety isn't just about what we think, but also about how our body and nervous system respond to stress and past experiences. I integrate approaches such as Clinical EFT, Brainspotting and breathwork to help you explore and gently shift the patterns that may be keeping you feeling anxious or stuck.

You can expect a compassionate, non-judgemental space where you feel heard, respected and supported. We work collaboratively, at a pace that feels comfortable for you, without pressure to share more than you're ready for.

Anxiety can affect much more than your thoughts. You might find yourself constantly worrying, overthinking, anticipating the worst or struggling to switch off. You may also notice physical symptoms such as tension, restlessness, a racing heart or a persistent feeling of being on edge, even when there is no obvious reason.

My approach recognises that anxiety involves both the mind and the body. Sometimes, the way we respond to everyday situations is influenced by past experiences, long-standing emotional patterns or a nervous system that has become accustomed to being on high alert.

Rather than focusing only on managing symptoms, I aim to help you understand what may be contributing to your anxiety and gradually change how you respond to it.

I use a combination of body-based and psychological approaches, including Clinical EFT (also known as tapping), Brainspotting and breathwork. These methods can help you become more aware of your emotional and physical responses, process difficult experiences and develop a greater sense of calm and emotional balance.

Our sessions are collaborative and tailored to your individual needs. We might explore situations that trigger your anxiety, notice how your body responds, or work with underlying beliefs and emotional patterns that may be keeping you feeling stuck.

You won't be expected to relive painful experiences or talk about anything you're not ready to share. My priority is to create a safe, supportive environment where we can work at a pace that feels right for you.

My aim is not simply to help you cope with anxiety in the moment, but to support meaningful, lasting changes in how you feel, respond and relate to yourself and the world around you.

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other, explore what has brought you to therapy and begin understanding what you would like support with.

Sessions take place online via Zoom, from the comfort and privacy of your own space, and last either 60 or 70 minutes.

I'll ask you about what you're currently experiencing, how anxiety is affecting your everyday life and what you hope to achieve through our work together. We may also explore relevant aspects of your personal history, but there is no pressure to share anything you don't feel comfortable discussing.

I'll explain how I work and, where appropriate, introduce you to some of the techniques I use, so you can begin to experience what somatic therapy involves rather than simply talking about it.

I don't offer free introductory calls because I believe that a full introductory session provides a much more meaningful opportunity for you to experience my approach, ask questions and decide whether it feels right for you. A brief conversation rarely allows enough time to explore what you're experiencing or understand how we might work together.

There is no obligation to commit to further sessions. My priority is for you to feel comfortable, informed and supported in deciding on your next steps.