About Me

I am Dr. Laura Leonardi, a psychologist experienced in anxiety management and passionate about overall health and wellness.

Registered with the Order of Psychologists of Emilia-Romagna

Why I Chose to Become a Psychologist

I chose this profession because, like every human being, I have gone through very difficult times in my life and only later realized how much it would have helped me to have someone who could guide me professionally. To be honest, I was suffering but I didn’t realize I was suffering so much that I needed help. I thought I had to manage on my own. Only once I got through it did I realize I had unnecessarily prolonged my suffering. So, if I am here today, it is to be that gentle and steady voice that we so often do not hear when we are closed off in our pain, and which is instead the way to return (or begin) to feel well.

What I Can Offer

I am here to offer listening and tools to help you live the life you truly want, with much less suffering (spoiler: no, suffering cannot be completely eliminated, but it can be managed; it can become a transitory and normal state that is part of the many ups and downs of life, rather than a constant torment).

My Passions

At a certain point, I asked myself: why do people sometimes suffer so much? What can help them feel better, to live a happier life?
I found many answers to this question, but the one that most sparked my interest was: lifestyle. Yes, because I discovered that our lifestyle (how much physical activity we do, what we eat, how we sleep, whether we have the habit of drinking alcohol and/or smoking, or practicing mindfulness) has a significant and direct impact on our mental health, as well as our physical health, of course. And the two often go hand in hand. A huge amount of scientific research has shown the reciprocal influence that mental and physical health have on each other. In fact, they are based on the same principles and physiology, so they are, in a sense, the same thing. And the good news is that yes, lifestyle is always modifiable, so our mental and physical health is in our hands. Difficult, of course, but I am here precisely to help you on this journey of change.
Lifestyle is the most powerful prevention tool and the main predictive factor for lasting mental and physical health. For me, it is definitely worth it.

Education

I first studied in Trento (Bachelor's degree in Psychological Sciences and Techniques), then in Turin (Master's degree in Sciences of the Body and Mind).
Afterwards, I enriched my education with a mindfulness course for healthcare professionals and a Level I Master on psycho-physical well-being through lifestyle change (MindToMove) at the University of Turin.
Finally, I started the specialization school in cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy Studi Cognitivi, which I am still attending, to further increase my skills and professionalism.