Luisa Di Iorio(she/her)
Social Worker, Psychotherapist
As a clinical Social Worker, I have dedicated my career to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Therapy is a supportive journey through which change and healing is always possible. You will find me to be compassionate and understanding as we work to help you navigate life’s challenges.
I have over 10 years of experience working and training in Toronto, New York City and London, England. After completing my MSW at New York University, I continued my training in several therapeutic theories including, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and most recently Couples and Family Therapy.
I enjoy helping adults of all ages, individuals and couples in managing life stressors, transitions and building resiliency. Our work together will be a supportive journey to discover and heal whatever it may be that is causing you disharmony in your life.
I welcome you.
"I believe it is one of the greatest privileges in my life, for someone to feel comfortable enough with me to be open and be vulnerable to share their most personal life stories."
If you have had the pleasure of meeting Luisa in person, you know that she comes with the most amazing energy. Luisa started with us October 2020 and added light and laughter to her work with her Saturday clients. A guiding force in the early stages of CCP Luisa is passionate about supporting her clients and the team .
Although Luisa is only with us very part time, her clients know the true loyalty, care and commitment she brings to this work. Luisa is with us online only and is available for limited evening appointment time slots.
What do you like about being a therapist?
I believe it is one of the greatest privileges in my life, for someone to feel comfortable enough with me to be open and be vulnerable to share their most personal life stories. This journey of healing is scary but it is so beautiful and rewarding. We all have a story and I have been privileged in my own life to have people to carry me through and lead me to be the best version of myself. It is truly an hour to be in therapy with someone and walk with Support them on their journey to be their best self.
What areas of practice and populations do you enjoy working with?
One of the reasons I love this work is because I have always loved learning more about people and their experiences. I enjoy working with men, women, couples and families. I find great pleasure in helping people validate their experiences and feel less alone. I enjoy working with couples who are looking for better ways to communicate or who are navigating challenging times.
I get great pleasure in working with women who are navigating life's many challenges which include, increasing self worth, working with anxiety, low mood and life transitions. I have experience working with anger management and high conflict resolution. Ultimately, I'm committed to providing a space for clients who are ready to navigate life from a place of understanding and hope.
What modalities do you use? How would you describe your approach/style to this work?
My approach is client centred. I find most people coming into therapy need a non-judgemental space to discuss things that are difficult to bring up elsewhere. I bring energy, humour and compassion to every session.
I'm trained in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Couples and Family Therapy. I look forward to completing level 1 of Emotionally Focussed Individual Therapy this year.
What prevents people from coming in and doing this work?
Aside from time, finances and access, the main thing that holds people back from doing this work is the expectations we place on ourselves to "keep going." I find people come to therapy when they feel things feel out of control, when I wish people knew that they deserve to feel supported before that.
How do you know you're the right fit for a client?
I know I'm the right fit for a client when I feel confident when the session is done. The connection we have with our clients in session is a huge predictor of success. I know it's a good fit when I feel a sense of confidence about next steps and hopeful for their future in our work.
What made you want to work with CCP?
It all started with a connection I made with Carly. Readers digest version is that I am a social butterfly and I liked Carly’s pants. The full story is we met while we were taking a program at Guelph University. Carly and I met while taking a Couples and Family Counselling Diploma at Guelph University. At the beginning of class, the chairs were moved around and we ended up sitting close by each other. We decided to keep in touch and when Carly started CCP I knew instinctively I wanted to be apart of it and work together. Doing this work successfully takes certain things to align and it all does perfectly here at CCP. How lucky am I to have made a new friend, a new colleague and be connected with all of you.
What's the most surprising thing about you?
I wanted to be an actress but family and my heart lead me to my career in Social Work. I wanted to be an actress because I loved acting and telling funny stories. I loved the joy it brought to people and for a slight moment no matter what they were going through they could have some relief and laugh a bit. Perhaps you can say this was a form of healing. I see my work as a Social Worker different but similar. I am privileged to offer hope, healing and relief in another way, through the gift of therapy.
Another surprise is that I provided therapy at one point in my career on Riker’s Island in New York City.
