What is Physis?
In ancient Greek philosophy, “physis” (φύσις) refers to the principles that govern the natural world. The early Greeks conceptualised physis as the generalised creative “force of Nature, which eternally strives to make things grow and to make growing things more perfect” (Berne, 1968).
Physis is at the core of any meaningful transformation that occurs in the natural world of which we are a part.
I see physis as our innate capacity to heal, our inner wisdom. The goal of psychedelic-informed therapy and integration is to encourage the natural growth and development of clients. This process is best facilitated by creating a warm, non-judgmental environment and relationship in which you will feel heard and accepted for who you are. Ultimately, enabling your physis to strive towards becoming your most authentic self.
ALESSIA Chiappino
Drawing from over two decades of experience in the arts and mental health fields, my method is integrative, combining a variety of approaches in order to tailor a treatment plan most suited to each individual.
After completing a Master's Degree in Fine Arts at Central St. Martins (University College London, UK) and working in the digital media and music industry, I trained with institutions in Italy, USA, UK and Canada, with formal studies in Transactional Analysis and Relational Psychotherapy with a trauma-informed approach. Further, I have trained in Somatic Attachment Therapy, Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration, and Mindfulness. I am based in Hackney (London, UK) and I am currently training in the Depth Relational Process of The Institute of Psychedelic Therapy.
Along with my private practice, I belong to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the UK Association For Transactional Analysis (UKATA), the European Association For Transactional Analysis (EATA), and the Institute of Psychedelic Therapy (IPT). Having worked for several years both in individual and group settings with people belonging to minority groups, religious and intergenerational trauma, I take an anti-discriminatory stance and am committed to learning about the impact of discrimination in all forms.
I am also a member of Modern Spirit, a non-profit organisation in Arizona dedicated to spiritual healing in modern healthcare, scientific research in epigenetics, and the study of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Through its Reciprocity Project, Modern Spirit funds and offers Native Americans the opportunity to receive Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
I am passionate about the wisdom of indigenous cultures, ecology, wildlife and biocultural conservation. I regularly support various NGOs and charities dedicated to protecting threatened habitats, both in the Western Amazon and various regions of Africa.
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PgDip Integrative & Humanistic Psychotherapy— The Link Centre (UKCP) 2024-2025
PgDip Psychotherapeutic Counsellor with Social Responsibility
— TA East London & United Kingdom Association of Transactional Analysis (UKATA)PgCert in PHRI - Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration Psychotherapy
— Awarded by NUMINUS, CanadaPgCert Integrative Psychedelic Therapies— Awarded by Modern Spirit USA
PgCert in Somatic Attachment Therapy
— Awarded by The Embody Lab, USAMaster's Degree in Fine Arts awarded by University of the Arts London (UAL)— Central Saint Martins
Diploma in Photography
— Awarded by Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) Milano -
Continuing professional development:
Bridging the Worlds: The Confluence of Indigenous Wisdom and Psychedelic Science w/Spero Manson, PhD — University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (USA) 2024
Sacred Ceremony in Psychedelic Therapy: Ancestral Teachings of the Americas w/Dr. Joe Tafur — Modern Spirit (Arizona, US) 2024
Sacred Ceremony in Psychedelic Therapy: Ancestral Teachings of the Americas w/Dr. Joe Tafur — Modern Spirit (Arizona, US) 2024
Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy w/Kyle Buller — The Link Centre 2023
Holotropic Breathwork in Practice w/Dr Tim Read
— IPT 2023Psychedelic Healing Summit w/Dr. Joe Tafur
— Shift USA 2023Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy for Healthcare Providers w/Dr. Joe Tafur
— Modern Spirit (Arizona, US) 2023Psychoanalysis: Winnicott and Object Relations
— Freud Institute London 2023Eating Disorders w/GF Pace
— The Link Centre 2023Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Global Summit w/ Gabor Maté
— Heart Mind Institute (USA) 2022Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy, Mindfulness & Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness w/ Dr Ronald D. Siegel
— ISC (Italy) 2022The Neurobiology of Attachment w/ Dr. Allan Schore
— NICABM 2022Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy, Mindfulness and Compassion w/ Dr Chris Germer
— FCP (Italy) 2021Vagal System and the Treatment of Trauma w/ Dr Stephen Porges
— NICABM 2020How To Work With Shame w/ Peter Levine, PhD
— NICABM 2019Intensive Trauma Treatment w/ Bessel Van der Kolk
— NICABM 2018Mindsight, Attachment & Clinical Integration w/ Dr. Dan Siegel
— NICABM 2016Human Behavioural Biology w/ Robert Sapolsky
— Stanford University 2014
My Approach
Psychedelic-informed relational psychotherapy
I offer Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration (PHRI)* & Psychedelic-Informed Relational Psychotherapy. PHRI focuses on safety, guidance, and support, helping you prepare for an experience to maximise safety and benefits and reduce adverse effects. During the initial consultation, you can ask any questions, clarify your intentions, and undergo an in-depth psychological assessment to evaluate if this path is suitable for you.
Emphasis is placed on 'set & setting.' 'Set' refers to your mental disposition—what expectations and aspirations, thoughts or mental state you bring to the experience, your memories and your unconscious material. 'Setting' refers to the external factors influencing your psychedelic journey: individuals present, the location and the overall environmental context, including cultural influences.
The goal of psychedelic-informed relational psychotherapy and integration is to process and make sense of one’s personal journey, achieving a sense of wholeness and balance in one’s life. This process ultimately can lead to greater self-awareness, personal growth, and a deeper connection to self, community, nature, and spirituality.
The process of Integration, crucial to this journey, helps incorporate the effects of a psychedelic experience. This stage fosters the assimilation of awareness from an expanded state and aims to facilitate the reflection upon insights gained during the experience.
I provide a supportive and warm space for you to delve into intentions, significance, and understanding, to examine and process the insights or confront the challenges that might have arisen.
*Psychedelic harm reduction and integration (PHRI) does not involve the administration of any psychedelic drugs as these substances are currently illegal in the UK. Please do not contact me with requests for illegal psychedelic assisted work.