Therapist of the Week — Ludovica
When did you first think about becoming a therapist?
Subconsciously, I always wanted to be a therapist but wasn’t truly cognizant of it until the pandemic entered our lives, and I began to spend more time with individuals and families experiencing disruption and having to adapt to an already challenging world; it was then that I began to pivot in my social work career and move towards providing relief and an outlet in a more therapeutic way.
Why did you first find interest in psychology and social work?
I entered the world of psychology and social work while obtaining my undergrad degree, intuitively gravitating towards the social sciences and humanities, as I knew that path would allow me the opportunity to better understand people, their unique and adaptive qualities, and ultimately learn about their lived experiences and why both individual and community support are imperative to human connection and growth. For a long time, I eagerly applied my studies towards empowering individuals with autism and developmental disabilities through person-centered, strengths-based services in a variety of settings, but have since expanded my reach by connecting with folks with different and/or intersecting identities.
What’s the thing you like most about being a therapist?
Hands down, listening to clients in the truest sense of the word, while creating a safe, comfortable space for people to be vulnerable, without judgment.
What is your general approach to helping people in therapy?
My approach is rooted in person-centered, strengths-based therapy, as I am a firm believer in recognizing everyone’s unique talents and perspectives, while also acknowledging the many challenges people face day-to-day and at different points in their lives, whether big or small. Using a social justice lens, I incorporate the use of psychodynamic practice, CBT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and holistic therapy to truly meet people where they’re at and hold space for every emotion and thought, without judgment or pretense.
What does a typical first session look like in your intakes?
Intakes set the groundwork for good work. It’s important that clients feel safe and supported and feel it’s a good fit therapeutically. In taking a person-centered approach, I will ask questions about your journey that brought you to the intake, past experiences — positive and negative — what you envision the therapeutic relationship to look like, and gain a better understanding of your preferences, sensitivities, and areas you’d like to cover to better customize next steps and make sure you’re gaining an ally.
What do you like to do to practice self-care?
I’d say I’m an avid walker if that’s even a thing! I find walking throughout the city to be very therapeutic and allows me time to either decompress from the day or activate my mind and body in the mornings. It’s also an opportunity to explore and observe interactions and exchanges outside of my immediate work/home/life environment. While walking, I love to listen to storytelling podcasts.
If you could have dinner with one psychology guru (alive or dead), who and why?
Andrew Solomon truly speaks my psychological language. His TED Talk titled, Depression, The Secret We Share, changed my life and the way I understand depression, among other mental health issues. He believes that the more people share their experiences with mental health, the more other people want to tell their own stories, and that’s a beautiful thing.
Learn more about working with Ludovica HERE.
