Management Team

Cher Engerer Kerr
Founder & CEO, Clinical Director
Cher is a Psychologist, training consultant and licensed by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as a personality and ability test psychometrician. She has also pursued training in executive coaching and neurofeedback training. Having spent her early life experience in Australia, as well as having specialised and worked in Dublin, she has a keen ability to assess, profile and work with people from diverse backgrounds. She has over fifteen years’ experience working therapeutically with people in the community at difficult stages or periods in their lives, and she has also had extensive experience working with individuals or organisations who sought to maximise their potential through coaching, peak performance programs and training. ​Apart from lecturing in Maltese and International higher educational institutions, Cher has also worked as a consultant with a number of local NGO’s, as well as governmental and private entities; having been primarily responsible for developing people, leading projects, developing training packages and facilitating training, as well as offering ongoing supervision, psychotherapy and workshops. Cher considers herself a change-catalyst; be it through psycho-educational, psychological or therapeutic modalities. She is a warm, approachable, dedicated, sharp and resourceful professional, making for easy conversations at all levels, through a plethora of interventions and techniques she has acquired through her years of bringing the best out of people. She is predominantly interested in driving people to unlock their full potential, to increase self- awareness and to overcome impasses and obstacles. She can be a trusted thinking/ feeling companion, on any personal and professional life journey one chooses to pursue. Cher has a B.Psy (Hons) in Psychology, training in Executive Coaching, BCIA Didactic Training in Neurofeedback (London), and a Masters in Psychology from Trinity College Dublin, where she graduated with an overall commendation. She is also a registered Supervisor (of counselling, therapeutic and psychotherapeutic work). Away from work, she enjoys family and friends, creative writing, photography, travelling, and anything related to Arts and Culture.
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Dean Engerer Kerr
Managing Partner, Director of BrainGym, BrainMechanic
Dean joins Polaris from a multi-disciplinary engineering background as well as a solid track record in business. He was the CEO of a Swedish Fibre-Optics Company, as well as founding an online trading business, until his life-changing transformational experience in 2013, when Dean suffered a severe spontaneous brain haemorrhage and crippling stroke at the tender age of 29yrs. Following his stroke, Dean began a new journey of rehabilitation and learning, which ignited his interest and passion in helping others. This led Dean into studying youth work, and the co-ordination of a program for troubled youth, during which time he supported young people through various life-coaching methods, including sports, parasport athletics and Life Skills. ​ ​Since his move to Malta, and his relationship with his wife working in the mental health sphere, Dean has entered the world of wellbeing and has further honed his passion to enter the helping professions. Driven by a thirst for learning, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship, Dean has shifted his engineering knowledge to the realms of the most important machine of all; the human brain. He completed a Masters in Neuroscience, Neurofeedback & QEEG (Brain Map) Technician training, launching Polaris to the next level of cutting-edge technology in this sphere.
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Laura Sue Armeni
Managing Partner, Psychologist and Psychotherapist
Laura is a warranted Occupational (Business) Psychologist and Psychotherapist. She is also qualified to conduct Occupational Ability and Personality Psychometric Assessments which she applies mainly in career guidance sessions, coaching, specialised recruitment and team development sessions. She is also currently specialising in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) psychotherapy. Her journey in the psychology began to take shape in 2009 when, having completed a bachelor’s in psychology, she pursued a master’s degree at the University of London and joined a local consultancy where her main role was to support families in business together to navigate through the challenges and dynamics of family and work life...and the many overlaps. This led her to return to studying and seek further specialisation in psychotherapy. In her apprenticeship as a psychotherapist, she developed a deep appreciation for work focused on family dynamics, addictions, and grief. In addition to this, from a very young age she started to volunteer with Caritas, scouts and, later Millennium Chapel leading to numerous years of amazing work with young people, adults, and the elderly. Fast forward to today, Laura Sue has years of experience working as a psychotherapist with addiction, mood disorders, behavioural and emotional problems, identity issues, family dynamics, trauma and bereavement. In her work she adopts a practical, empathetic, and eclectic approach making use of different techniques and tools. Laura Sue also has over nine years’ experience working in the corporate environment ranging from holding management positions to the provision of specialised team building sessions, coaching, training, and mentoring. She brings all this and a warm sunny disposition to our interdisciplinary team and integrative care tool kit.
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Associates

Anca Ungureanu
Senior Associate - Clinical Psychologist
Anca has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, Clinical Hypnosis and Short-Term Therapies and has gained a consistent experience mainly in the field of eating disorders, obesity-related issues and mood disorders (depression, anxiety). Anca has worked in clinical environments both in Malta and Romania with children, adolescents and adults presenting a wide variety of mental health issues. Her journey in the psychology domain started almost 15 years ago. Back then, Anca was already a graduate in Foreign Languages at the University of Bucharest, Romania, and working as a PR Manager in the private sector. In this role she has received extensive training in personal and interpersonal communication and has worked closely with people. This experience has lead her a step forward towards the psychology sphere. Therefore, soon after Anca enrolled herself in a bachelor’s degree program in psychology which she graduated successfully. Ever since, Anca has continuously developed herself, adding to her professional background different courses, workshops, seminars and over 400 hours of personal development activities plus a certification as a counsellor in personal development. Nowadays, Anca offers psychological support in English and Romanian using a holistic approach and various techniques adapted to an individual’s needs. Her clients’ feedback strengthened her belief in the tremendous transformational potential a word-based therapy has.
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Alan Seychell
Senior Associate - Counsellor (Couples & Individual)
With over a decade of experience as a counsellor, Alan works from a pluralistic therapeutic stance -believing that each person is unique and requires a tailored approach. He adapts to the specific needs of his clients, drawing from a range of evidence-based therapeutic models to support meaningful and lasting change. Alan’s work spans a variety of areas, including OCD, anxiety, relationship and couples issues, narcissistic behaviours, loneliness, grief, and parenting challenges. He also works with children aged 10 and above, offering support in both emotional and behavioural development. In addition to his private practice, Alan serves as a guidance teacher, helping students navigate academic and career choices while addressing social and emotional concerns. He is also an active speaker at Caritas, delivering talks on how to manage relationships effectively. Over the years, he has contributed to various television programs, sharing insights on topics such as modern relationships vs. those of the past, managing teenage behaviour, and addressing family-related challenges. Alan’s goal is to create a warm, collaborative space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to grow.
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Stephanie Xuereb
Senior Associate - Counsellor, Psychotherapist, and CBT practitioner
Stephanie takes an integrative, person-centred approach to therapy, valuing each client’s unique experience. She emphasizes Carl Rogers’ core conditions—empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard—to build a strong therapeutic relationship. In her sessions, she explores clients’ thoughts, behaviors, and emotions while fostering empowerment and motivation. She spent four years in Ireland working with individuals facing addiction, a cancer support group, and running her private practice. Her main areas of interest include addiction, anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, stress, trauma, and relationship issues.
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Karen Theuma
Senior Associate – Gestalt Psychotherapist and Holistic Practitioner
At Polaris, Karen offers individual sessions in Gestalt Psychotherapy, Intuitive Body Massage, or a combination of both modalities for deeper restoration and healing. With over 13 years of experience, her approach centers on the mind-body connection, emotional regulation, and healthy expression of needs and boundaries. She primarily works with women navigating stress-related challenges, emotional healing, and major life transitions, seeking clarity and vitality that lead to a sense of coming home to themselves and feeling empowered to bring change. Karen’s work is rooted in Gestalt psychotherapy, weaving in embodied practices for self awareness and tools for conscious relating and sexuality. She incorporates intuitive massage for emotional release and deepening inner connection, helping clients melt into being, ease pain, and find gentle release. Whether in individual sessions, retreats, or women’s circles, Karen holds a space that is both contained and transformative — a nurturing environment where healing leads to reconnection with body and truth, supporting others to discover their true desires, overcome emotional barriers, and build the confidence to pursue what they love. Karen loves quiet time in nature and explores embodied self-development practices such as ecstatic dance, voice activation, and yoga. She is passionate about creating and organizing events that foster connection and inner growth. A traveler by nature, she is nourished by meeting herself through the unknown and diverse cultures, saying yes to life’s unfolding mystery while following her heart with courage and curiosity. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (Hons) from the University of Malta and a Diploma in Gestalt Therapy from GPTIM, Karen integrates training in holistic massage (ITEC), Reiki, tantric practices, psychosomatic therapy, conscious sexuality, family constellations, non-violent communication, conscious relating, yoga, and voice activations into a comprehensive mind-body approach.
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Vibhuti Sharma
Junior Associate -Psychology Practitioner
Vibhuti has worked for more than a decade with thousands of liver and kidney patients who have needed transplantation for survival and better quality of life. She has also worked with living donors who volunteer to donate a part of their livers or a kidney to save the lives of loved ones. She is familiar with the word stress and likes to motivate her clients to learn methods of overcoming the same for a better quality of life. She is a member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and a member of the UPCA. Besides this, Vibhuti has postgraduate degrees in Public Health, Healthcare Informatics and Business Administration. At the community level, she has volunteered to develop awareness programs for hepatitis B vaccination, Hepatitis C screening, Alcoholism, Cancer and disabilities from conditions such as multiple sclerosis. She understands stigma and helps her clients learn to help and protect themselves. She has volunteered with several NGOs in India. She has offered her time with proposal writing for funding, raising awareness and developing structured programs that can be shared with others in the development centres for implementation. She has graduated with a Bachelors (Hons) degree in English Literature from Delhi University followed by a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from University of Derbyshire. Her Master’s degree in Psychology is from the prestigious King’s College London at the famous IOPPN (Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neurosciences). To her, her mantra is to “live and let live.” She is friendly, helpful , approachable, and knowledgeable in her field but is never shy about taking advice from others where needed. On a relaxing note, she enjoys cooking, gardening, playing the piano, travelling and visiting places of historical importance. She also finds time to engage with other women’s groups and has been a Rotarian for more than 16 years.
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Carlos Hernandez
Junior Associate - Clinical Psychology Practitioner
Carlos JOINS polaris as a clinical psychology practitioner with dual master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology and in Neuropsychology and Education. He studied psychology in Spain (UCM), Italy (Università di Padova) and Malta. He is from Spain and had been living in Malta since 2014. He is a specialist in equine-assisted services with extensive experience working with both children and adults, integrating horses into therapeutic and educational processes to promote emotional growth, resilience, and well-being. His professional training includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR & Avanzada), Community Psychology, Coaching, Positive Psychology approaches, and Animal-Assisted Therapy. Over the past nine years, Carlos has focused on the field of mental health, with expertise in treating anxiety, trauma, and depression, as well as in facilitating personal development. He also offers goal-oriented interventions in areas such as emotional growth, academic success, and professional development coaching. In addition to his clinical work, Carlos has over 20 years of experience in educational settings, supporting children, youth, and families. He has become a recognized expert in equine-assisted services, applying these approaches to learning, emotional regulation, and psychological healing. As an international trainer, he shares his knowledge and methodology in equine-assisted services with professionals across different countries, advancing the integration of equine therapy into mental health and education.
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Oyin Oladipupo
Junior Associate -Clinical Psychology Practitioner and Wellness Consultant
Oyin is dedicated to advancing holistic mental health. She specializes in trauma-informed therapy, resilience coaching, and culturally responsive care for individuals and organizations. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness—Oyin supports clients in strengthening their mental, emotional, and relational well-being. Her work spans a wide range of settings, from corporate wellness programs to couples and individual therapy. She is passionate about helping people navigate challenges such as stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, and major life transitions with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Oyin’s mission at Polaris is to foster healthier minds and more resilient communities through thoughtful, inclusive, and transformative care.
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Janice Aquilina
Junior Associate -Health Psychology Practitioner, Nutritional Consultant & DBT Specialist
Janice brings a compassionate, grounded, and deeply human approach to her work at Polaris Wellbeing. Guided by a therapeutic philosophy rooted in non-judgmental observation, acceptance, and meaningful change, she is committed to supporting individuals as they move toward emotional balance, resilience, and a more fulfilling life. With extensive experience across national mental health services, Janice has worked closely with children, young people, and adults navigating a wide range of challenges. Her clinical background includes supporting individuals with behavioural and emotional difficulties, anxiety and mood disorders, body image concerns, neurodivergence, adjustment-related stress, and psychosomatic presentations. As a Health Psychology practitioner and nutritional consultant, Janice recognises the profound connection between mind and body, integrating psychological insight with evidence-based lifestyle and nutrition strategies. Her specialist training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) further informs her ability to help clients build emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and healthier interpersonal patterns. Warm, collaborative, and deeply dedicated, Janice is passionate about empowering each person she works with to feel seen, supported, and capable of meaningful growth.
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Friends of the factory

Peter Muscat
​Friend Of The Factory - Consultant Psychiatrist
​Dr Peter Muscat MD LRCP MRCS MRCPsych. Consultant psychiatrist in private practice. Previously consultant with the health department. Was also a lecturer and head of department at university of Malta. Has been involved in a number of voluntary organizations and been a pioneer in educating the public on mental health through various social media platforms.
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Corinne Cilla
Friend Of The Factory - Pharmacist, Head Of School, Gestalt Warranted Psychotherapist
Corinne graduated in Pharmacy in 1992 and then furthered her studies in Education obtaining her Post Graduate Certificate in Education to teach Science and Biology in 1998. In 2008, she obtained her first Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Malta focusing her research on the Role of Emotional Intelligence in School Leadership, holding the concept of Emotional Intelligence very close to her heart. In 2018, Corinne obtained her second Masters Degree in Gestalt Psychotherapy from the Gestalt Psychotherapy Training Institute in Malta. She also recently finished her course in mindfulness. Corinne currently works as a Head of School but her role as a psychotherapist plays a huge part of her life as she feels that she can be of great support to people around her. Her areas of specialisation include bereavement, dealing with stress and anxiety, burnout and developing one's emotional intelligence to lead a much better life on a personal level, at the workplace and in relationships. Corinne believes that understanding, accepting and nurturing oneself underpins one's ability to lead a more content life in this competitive and demanding world. Corinne has prepared and led various professional development programs for various institutions in Malta using her favourite theme of developing one's Emotional Intelligence in preventing burnout at work, improving collaboration with others as well as fueling teamwork. Corinne also has a particular interest in neuroscience and holistically uses her professional knowledge as a Pharmacist, Head of School and Gestalt Psychotherapist to fully understand her clients and support them in leading more fruitful and positive lives. Her mindful approach to Gestalt Psychotherapy enables clients to find more balance, happiness, self-worth and harmony in their lives in general. Corinne is an avid reader, enjoys learning and loves to travel especially to faraway places where one can trek for hours and appreciate nature. She loves cycling and she loves spending time with her family and her two dogs.
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Sarah Stephenson
Friend Of The Factory - Lifestyle Doctor and Holistic Health Coach
Sarah obtained her medical degree at the University of Malta and after that she worked as a medical doctor in the UK for 8 years. She also has a Health Coaching certification and a certification on Plant Based Nutrition. She now lives in rural central Portugal were she has slowed down her life and does what she loves- coaches clients to feel their best selves! Sarah is passionate about the prevention of lifestyle related conditions and living a more mindful holistic life to optimise health and well-being. Her philosophy is that of abundance> restriction and believes small daily changes lead to big habit changes that could in turn be life changing. Sarah is always looking to learn, improve and focus on her own self development. She feels strongly about giving her clients the most up-to-date, evidence-based information out there. In her free time she loves gardening, cold-water river swims and walks in nature with her family.
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Ian Sammut
Friend Of The Factory -Fitness Consultant, Trainer & Massage Therapist
Ian is trained and certified in Athletics Coaching, Exercise and Fitness Training. He also holds a diploma in Anatomy & Physiology, Holistic Massage, and has expertise in nutrition and dietetics. Ian has practiced long-distance running for almost 30 years and has competed at national level both locally and abroad for the first 10-15 years. After all these years, Ian still has a passion for running, continuing to run on an almost daily basis; however his focus nowadays has shifted towards movement in general and holistic wellbeing, thus integrating yoga, weights, circuit training and swimming into his regular self-practice. He thrives on transmitting what he knows to other athletes and other clients who wish to improve their overall fitness and wellbeing. Through coaching, massage and personal training, Ian will help you to get your body back in shape, health on track, and wellbeing on the agenda.
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Mike Orland
Friend Of The Factory – Family Therapist
Mike Orland is currently one of the Family Therapists at Polaris. Graduated at the University of Malta with a BA (Hons) Social Work in 2005, Mike worked in various fields with his main contributions being in addictions and the migration sector. With a growing interest in relationship dynamics, Mike went on to complete a Masters degree in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice in 2016 at the University of Malta, As a warranted psychotherapist, he has since been practising couples and family therapy thus gaining valuable experience in the field.
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Claire Ciantar
Friend Of The Factory - Complementary Therapist & Adhd Adult Coaching Trainee
From a young age, Claire has been drawn to the world of the healing professions. Her interests in human interactions lead her to study psychology at the University of Malta, after which she acquired her Masters degree in Transcultural Counselling. This degree opened up her horizons to the diverse forms of healing modalities from different cultures all over the world, and this in turn has sparked her interest in learning more about Complementary Therapies. Claire achieved a VTCT Diploma in Complementary Therapies which includes basic practise in aromatherapy, body massage and reflexology, further gaining another 2 VTCT Diplomas in Advanced Aromatherapy and Advanced Reflexology. Equipped with her psychology background and complementary therapy training, Claire has an in depth understanding of how the mind and body relate to each other and will be able to assist you at Polaris by creating a personalised treatment plan to enhance your well-being journey, including tailor-made aromatherapy products and/or reflexology/massage treatments. Claire recently has also become more interested in neurodiversity, as she herself feels very drawn to neurodivergent people and notices that neurodivergent people also seem to feel very at ease around her too. This led her to obtaining an Award in the ADHD Adult Coaching Approach. She is currently offering ADHD coaching sessions at Polaris, at a discounted rate, not only to people who are diagnosed with ADHD, but to any adult who identifies as having symptoms or issues similar to those experienced by people who have ADHD. These sessions will be part of her training leading up to further studies and qualifications.
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Silvia Fenech
Friend Of The Factory- Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Emotional Freedom Technique & EMDR Specialist
Silvia obtained her Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Padua (Italy) in 2000. She has been practicing as a full-timer locally since 2012. Silvia is not only a Psychologist but also a Psychotherapist as she went on to specialise in Expressive Psychotherapy from the Institute of Expressive Psychotherapy (IPSE) in Bologna. She is fluent in Italian, her first language and also offers intervention in English and Italian. As a Psychotherapist, she gained precious experience working with a variety of clients: children, adolescents and adults, diagnosed as suffering from depression, anxiety or personality disorders or simply encountering a challenging period in their lives. She also cooperated with other organizations such as Villa Margherita in Vicenza, Italy, a private treatment facility for clients with psychotic and anxiety and personality disorders. For three years, she also led groups for physical-psychological relaxation using specific techniques in two wards at the hospital in Vicenza: the Diagnosis and Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders Unit (assisting patients with acute mental health conditions), and the Centre for Eating Disorders, where she supported teenagers suffering from bulimia and anorexia. Furthermore, for five years, Silvia enjoyed working on prevention in a primary school setting, leading weekly art therapy sessions for children. Silvia is a very reliable, good tempered, creative and hardworking person, with a genuine interest in people and a call to help them in a kind and respectful way. Therefore, when she discovered Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), she felt it was an approach that perfectly matched her personality and values. What Silvia loves about this technique is the fact that it is a very respectful and powerful method, which allows her to help others not only in emergency situations but also to assist and promote personal development and wellbeing. EFT helps clients feel that they are taken care of holistically, with a 360-degree interest in the person, and not just in their symptoms. It enhances their self-knowledge, empowers them to activate the change they would like to see in their lives, and to take control of their own wellbeing by applying the EFT technique themselves in times of need.
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Ryan Farrugia
Friend Of The Factory, Sports Massage Therapist
Ryan Farrugia is a dedicated massage therapist specializing in sports massage, with a passion for promoting wellness and recovery. Over the past two years, he has honed his skills in various techniques, including deep tissue massage, lymphatic drainage, and cupping. Ryan is also trained in kinesiology taping, which enhances athletic performance and supports injury recovery. His expertise helps athletes and active individuals improve mobility, prevent injuries, and accelerate recovery. Beyond sports massage and therapeutic techniques, Ryan embraces a holistic approach to healing. As a Level 2 Reiki practitioner, he integrates energy healing into his sessions, fostering deep relaxation and emotional balance. His ability to blend both physical and energetic healing creates a unique and restorative experience for his clients, catering to body, mind and spirit. With a commitment to continuous learning and client care, Ryan strives to help individuals achieve their health and wellness goals, whether they are seeking physical recovery, relaxation, or a deeper sense of well-being.
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Dr Donnatella Agius
Friend of the factory, Psychiatrist
Dr. Donatella Agius is a Consultant Psychiatrist based in Malta, with a special focus on adult mental health and eating disorders—including children and adolescents. She currently leads Malta’s Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team, supporting individuals facing acute mental health crises. She plays a vital role in stabilizing people with severe mental illness, often helping them avoid hospital admission. With over eight years of experience in the field, Dr. Agius also heads Malta’s only specialist eating disorder unit, based at Dar Kenn Għal Saħħtek. Her work there is both clinically focused and deeply compassionate—helping individuals struggling with conditions such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. When you meet Dr. Donatella, it’s immediately clear that she is not only highly knowledgeable but also incredibly grounded. She brings a human touch to psychiatric care—always listening, always advocating. Her passion for stigma reduction, mental health awareness, and early intervention has been key in putting mental health and eating disorders firmly on Malta’s national healthcare agenda.
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Maria Chiara Leone
Friend of the factory - Gestalt Psychotherapist
Maria Chiara is a qualified Gestalt Psychotherapist with a Master's degree and extensive experience supporting people through life's most challenging moments. Maria Chiara brings warmth, respect, and deep clinical expertise to her work. She specializes in supporting adolescents and adults facing complex emotional, psychological, and social challenges - including anxiety, grief, trauma, PTSD, attachment difficulties, addiction, depression, and burnout. Her therapeutic approach is relational, experiential, and trauma-informed. She creates a safe, collaborative space where you can explore what emerges and deepen your understanding of yourself. Beyond her clinical work, Maria Chiara is a creative soul - a musician, adventurer, and passionate about the outdoors, film, reading, and writing. Ready to start your healing journey with Maria Chiara?
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Client Care Officers

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