About

The International Centre for Medical Psychology offers a collaborative, international team approach, bringing together diverse expertise to ensure our clients receive the highest quality of care

Dr Alessandra Perugini, PhD

Counselling Psychologist (HCPC Registered, UK) and Psicologa Psicoterapeuta (Albo Nazionale Psicologi, Italy), with a strong background in both clinical practice and neuroscience research.

Clinical Background

  • 2022 – 2025
    Highly Specialist Counselling Psychologist
    Adult Mental Health Services, Medical Psychology,
    Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, UK
  • 2018 – 2021
    Psychologist
    Pain Management Services and Medical Psychology
    North Bristol NHS Trust and Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, UK
  • 2018 – 2021
    Postgraduate Specialisation in Cognitive Psychotherapy
    Scuole di Psicoterapia Cognitiva – APC/SPC, Italy

Research & Academic Background

Before fully transitioning into clinical practice, I spent several years conducting neuroscience research across international institutions, including:

  • University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), USA
  • Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
  • University of Otago, New Zealand

I hold a PhD in Neurophysiology from the University of Bologna (Italy) and the University of Bristol (UK). For a full list of my scientific publications, please visit my PubMed profile.

Education

  • 2004 – 2006
    Master’s Degree in Applied Cognitive Psychology
    University of Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum), Italy
  • 2001 – 2004
    Bachelor’s Degree in Psychological Sciences and Techniques
    University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”, Italy

Courses and Trainings: EMDR con Isabel Fernandez (Bologna, Italia), Individual Schema Therapy Certification Training (The Schema Therapy Institute, London, UK); Compassion-Focused Therapy for Physical Health (British Psychological Society); CFT for Psychosexual Problems (Barths Health London, UK); Integrative Sex Therapy (Tammy Nelson, ISTI, Pesi, UK); ChemSex (LPT-NHS); Psychological Management of Functional Neurological Disorder (Manchester, UK); Schwartz Round Facilitator Training and Certification (The Point of Care Foundation, London, UK); Single-therapy session (The Association for Psychological Therapies); Certification Training in Supervision in Applied Psychological Practice (University of Leicester, UK); fMRI Visiting Fellowship Course (Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Harvard/MIT). This is not an exhaustive list.


What is therapy?

Every therapeutic journey is unique.
Still, there is a common thread that runs through each one — and I like to represent it through the Māori symbol of the Koru.

The Koru, often used in Māori art to symbolise new beginnings, is based on the unfurling frond of a fern. Its circular shape conveys the idea of continuous movement, while the inner spiral suggests a return to one’s origins.

The Koru symbolises how life can change while also remaining rooted in what stays the same. In the same way, I believe that beginning a psychological journey means opening up to change while staying anchored to who you are.

My approach

I am interested in people’s personal stories and how early and past experiences shape their current emotional, psychological and relational lives. My approach is the result of years of combined experience in both scientific research and clinical practice. This integration allows me to work flexibly and responsively, always adapting to the individual’s unique needs and life story, while maintaining a rigorous, evidence-based foundation.

I work collaboratively, believing that therapy is most effective when it is a shared process.

I draw on a range of evidence-based models and techniques, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

I provide therapy in both English and Italian, in person and online, offering a person-centred, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based approach.

Mission

At the International Centre for Medical Psychology, our mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based psychological care that supports individuals facing physical, emotional, and behavioural health challenges. We are committed to a collaborative, culturally sensitive, and internationally informed approach, offering tailored assessment and therapy services in both English and Italian. Through clinical expertise, research-informed practice, and a deep respect for each person’s unique story, we strive to empower clients to improve their well-being and quality of life.

Values

1. Compassion
We meet every client with empathy, respect, and a genuine commitment to their well-being.
2. Collaboration
We believe in the power of working together with our clients, to provide the most effective, integrated care.
3. Cultural Sensitivity
We embrace diversity and strive to create a safe, inclusive space for people of all cultural backgrounds, identities, and life experiences.
4. Integrity
We uphold the highest ethical and professional standards, building trust through transparency, confidentiality, and accountability.
5. Excellence
We are committed to continual learning and delivering evidence-based, specialist care grounded in the latest research.
6. Personalised Care
We understand that each person’s story is unique, and we tailor our services to meet the specific needs, goals, and values of every individual.