Francesca Marchetti

Born in Italy, I have had an interest in philosophy, human behavior and cognitive processes from a young age that led me to study Psychology and enroll in an undergraduate program in Human Behavior Science. Before graduating, I was offered a position in the Master program in Applied Cognitive Psychology in Bologna (IT). I successfully completed the program with a thesis on the psychological and cognitive effects of Parkinson's disease, which was one of the largest qualitative studies on this topic in Italy at the time. Upon completing my Master, I had the opportunity to be part of two research studies to investigate the decision making process in clients with damage in the prefrontal cortex, and worked for several years in a private rehabilitation hospital.

I moved to Australia in 2011 and worked in the age care setting and in non profit organizations. My overseas qualification was assessed by AHPRA and APS in 2018. Since then I have gained experience working in private practice, which has strengthened my ability to work with a variety of clinical presentations like Borderline Personality Disorder, Eating Disorders and complex trauma.

I believe that all of my experiences have enriched my professional career, and helped me to develop a very unique and genuine way of connecting compassionately with others, even with these who comes from culturally different backgrounds.

My therapeutic approach is person-centered, holistic, warm and non-judgmental. I have also developed a strong interest in practicing mindfulness, Zen and dialectical thinking, which I believe complements my professional identity and enriches my therapeutic approach. My main interventions include Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Enhanced , Emotion-focused therapy for couples’ counselling and Schema Therapy and I have taught DBT skill training group.

I am fluent in English and Italian and can  assist clients from different backgrounds.

Alongside being a therapist, I am a mother of three. As a parent, I understand the pressures of modern family life; as well as the unique needs, trials and challenges children and adolescents face growing up in a digital world. I am also a tennis instructor and,  in my spare time, like to watch tennis, cook, hike, meditate and most importantly, spend quality time with my family.