Umberto Crisanti

CBT EMDR Therapist & Cognitive Constructive Counsellor.

Umberto Crisanti

Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and Supervisor. EMDR Therapist & Cognitive Constructive Counsellor.

So much of our distress, chronic self-doubt, emotional disconnection, anxiety in relationships, can be traced not to personal weakness, but to the early adaptations we made in response to pain, neglect, or mis-attunement. These patterns were once protective. But when they persist unexamined, they leave us repeating the same painful loops.

My work is rooted in attachment theory, with a focus on how early relational experiences shape our sense of self and our capacity for connection. I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) to help clients process unresolved trauma—not by retelling the story, but by allowing the nervous system to release what it has held for too long.

In addition, I bring a Buddhist-informed perspective, particularly influenced by the principles of Soka Gakkai, which emphasise the dignity of life, the inner transformation of suffering, and the power of chanting (Nam-myoho-renge-kyo) as a means of reconnecting with one's inherent wisdom and courage. I see therapy not just as problem-solving, but as an opportunity for deep transformation—a process of waking up to your own value, even in the midst of difficulty.

Clients who work with me are often sensitive, thoughtful people who sense that their pain has a story—and a deeper meaning. Together, we listen to that story with compassion and curiosity. We explore the parts of you that were silenced, shamed, or forgotten. And we build the conditions for healing not through control, but through presence, insight, and trust.

If you’re looking for a therapeutic space where emotional safety, depth, and spiritual growth can coexist, I’d be honoured to walk alongside you.

Umberto has particular interest and expertise in working with trauma. Areas treated with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) include:

• Trauma – Childhood Trauma

• Trauma – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Trauma – Complex PTSD

• Trauma – COVID-19 Related PTSD

• Trauma – Road Traffic Accidents

• Addiction – Problematic Alcohol Use

• Addiction – Smoking

• Addiction – Cannabis or Other Substance Use

• Addiction – Compulsive Sexual Behaviour or Porn Use

• Addiction – Emotional Eating or Food Compulsions

• Addiction – Digital or Smartphone Overuse

Somatic and Emotionally Rooted Physical Symptoms

• Tinnitus – Emotions Related with Emotional Roots

• Headaches or Chronic Pain with Emotional Roots

• Body Memories from Past Abuse (even if you can’t consciously recall them)

• Flashbacks or Body Sensations Triggered by Smells or Sounds

• Sleep Disturbance Linked to Past Events

Phobias and Fears

• Fear of Driving

• Fear of Needles or Medical Procedures

• Fear of Choking or Swallowing

• Fear of Vomiting (Emetophobia)

• Blushing and Fear of Embarrassment

• Fear of Dental Treatment

Compulsions and Repetitive Behaviours

• Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling)

• Dermatillomania (Skin-Picking)

• Skin Biting or Nail Biting

• Compulsive Checking (e.g. locks, appliances)

• Compulsive Cleaning (e.g. fear of germs)

Food and Body-Related Distress

• Binge Eating or Emotional Overeating

• Emotional Eating in Response to Stress or Rejection

Social and Performance Difficulties

• Panic When Speaking in Meetings or Presenting

• Avoidance of Social Situations Due to Shame

• Shame or Flashbacks from School Experiences

Medical, Birth, and Procedural Trauma

• Distress Following Childbirth

• Emotional Distress Following Surgery

In CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), Umberto works with a range of relationship and attachment difficulties, including:

• Relationship – Attachment Issues (e.g. fear of abandonment, difficulty with closeness or trust)

• Relationship – Codependency (e.g. putting others first, difficulty being alone, needing approval)

• Relationship – Communication Difficulties (e.g. feeling unheard, avoiding conflict, frequent misunderstandings)

• Relationship – Doubts in the Relationship (e.g. uncertainty about your partner or the future of the relationship)

• Relationship – Infidelity, Affairs, and Betrayals (e.g. rebuilding trust, coping with emotional fallout)

• Relationship – Fear of Rejection or Criticism (e.g. seeking reassurance, avoiding emotional risk)

• Relationship – Low Self-Worth (e.g. feeling not good enough, comparing yourself to others)

• Relationship – Difficulty Setting Boundaries (e.g. saying yes when you mean no, fear of upsetting others)

• Relationship – Emotional Dependency (e.g. needing constant reassurance, anxiety when apart)

• Relationship – Repeating Unhealthy Patterns (e.g. choosing unavailable partners, reenacting past dynamics)

This work can be open-ended or structured as a one-off consultation with psychoeducation and guidance tailored to your needs.

About Umberto

Umberto is a warm-hearted, compassionate, and highly experienced online therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience across diverse therapeutic settings. Originally trained as a Psychologist in Italy, he later qualified as a Cognitive Constructivist Psychotherapist — an attachment-based, non-blaming approach that supports clients in creating new perspectives and courses of action. After relocating to the UK, he became a BABCP-accredited CBT Therapist and Supervisor.

For over a decade, Umberto worked in the NHS, supporting adults struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and relationship issues. As a CBT Supervisor, he provided clinical guidance to over 50 practitioners, particularly in suicide risk assessment, reflective practice, and professional development.

Now in private practice in Canterbury, Kent, Umberto offers specialist support for PTSD, trauma, and complex PTSD. His approach integrates evidence-based therapies with warmth, depth, and a strong focus on human connection and meaning-making.

In addition to his therapeutic work, Umberto collaborates with USERN (Universal Scientific Education and Research Network) to promote peaceful and humanitarian education. He is also a published contributor to Springer Nature in the field of integrative psychotherapy.

Clients describe Umberto’s presence as grounding, kind, and genuine — someone who helps them reconnect with their inner strength and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Models & Methods Umberto is trained to use in his online practice

• BABCP Accredited CBT Therapist

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Supervisor (CBT)

• Cognitive Constructive Psychotherapist

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

• Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR)

• LTC certificate (Long term conditions and Medically Unexplained Symptoms)

• Mindfulness

• Person-centred therapy

• Integrative Therapy

• Interpersonal therapy

• Psychodynamic therapy

• Transactional Analysis

• Schema

Reviews about therapy with from Umberto

Skilful and Supportive Guidance

"I have never had any kind of therapy before. I have found this process incredibly helpful and supportive. I feel I have been guided skilfully on a path to help me address the areas that have been causing me stress."

Building Trust and Empowerment

"When I first was referred I didn't want to come, it took a lot of f***ing persuading. After the third session, I realised you were a nice counsellor and a human being. Some of the advice was helpful and I feel more in control and able to put my foot down with X. I have learned that I've got the right to say no and it is okay to ask for help. All the coping mechanisms seem to be working".

A Safe, Non-Judgemental Space

"It's great that I can talk and you don't tell me how to solve problems but you give me hints. I felt safe and never judged."

Making Sense of the Process

"It's been amazing, it has made so much sense. It's practical but you need to understand what it is about, and then you understand what's going on"

"It was a great safe space to openly talk about how I was feeling and even sometimes when I didn't really know how I was feeling and I went in a bit of a spiral of words, somehow my ramblings made sense to you. I really liked how it was a great way to get an understanding of myself whereas before I thought therapy was a place where the therapist sits there and tells you about yourself. I am happy I was in control of the process of getting those self insights"

Gaining Insight Through Gentle Exploration

"I feel it has really benefitted me and it has given me tools to work with in the future. I have skills and strategies that I can use to prevent me from becoming overwhelmed"

Tools for Long-Term Resilience

"You have listened to me, and you have not prompted me. This has made me feel comfortable has enabled me to feel better and recover. And this helped me to make me understand how I really feel. And I thank you for that. "

Compassionate Listening That Heals

"It's been really helpful. It has stopped my worry and I thought I wouldn't have been able to stop it, but I can now. I learned a lot.

Clients Umberto works with.

• Adults (19-65 Years)

• Elderly (65+ Years)

Umberto’s training, credentials & professional memberships.

• Accreditation as Psychotherapist and Supervisor with the BABCP (British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies) - 120830

• EMDR Standard EMDR training as defined by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) with some additional protocols included in Part 3.

• Member of EMDR Association UK.

• LTC certificate (Long term conditions and Medically Unexplained Symptoms)

• EACLIPT membership (European Association of Clinical Psychology and Psychological Treatment)

• MBCT (Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy) 8-Week Program Qualified High Intensity Therapist in CBT

• Diploma in Cognitive Constructivist Counselling Psychotherapy

• MSc in Psychology, Magna Cum Laude, University of Palermo