Moving to Italy for military service or to join a partner can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. New country, new rules, different language – and often very little space to talk about how you really feel. Many Americans and internationals near Aviano Air Base wonder where they can find a safe place to speak openly, in English, without worrying about judgment or career impact.

Common worries about seeking help

It is very common to hesitate before asking for psychological support. Many people worry that:

• talking to someone about anxiety, stress or low mood might be seen as a weakness
• their personal information could end up in military records
• a diagnosis might affect future opportunities, security clearances or how their chain of command sees them
• it will be too hard to explain feelings and experiences in a language that is not their own.​

These concerns are understandable and often keep people “holding it together” on their own for a long time, even when life starts to feel heavier, lonelier or more confusing than before.

Off‑base, private therapy in English

Alongside the services available on base, some people feel safer talking to a therapist completely outside the military system. In the Italian civil healthcare context, private therapy is separate from U.S. military medical records and command structures. Sessions are paid out‑of‑pocket and information is not shared with U.S. authorities or employers.​

As an English‑speaking psychologist in Pordenone, a short drive from Aviano Air Base, I offer individual therapy in English for adults. Sessions can be in person in Pordenone or online, depending on your schedule and preferences. This setting allows you to explore what is happening in your life with as much openness as you need, at your own pace.

What we can work on together

People who contact me from the Aviano area often describe:

• anxiety, stress and feeling “on edge” most of the time
• relationship difficulties with partners, family or colleagues
• homesickness, culture shock and feeling “out of place” in Italy
• the impact of past or recent stressful events, including trauma
• trouble sleeping, irritability, low mood or feeling emotionally numb.​

In therapy we look at how these experiences connect with your story, your values and the concrete challenges of living abroad. The goal is not only to reduce symptoms, but to help you feel more grounded and able to make choices that fit who you are – both as a person and within the military or expat context.

How to get started

If you are an American or international living near Aviano or Pordenone and would like support in English, you can:

• write to me in English via the contact form, email or WhatsApp
• briefly mention that you are looking for an off‑base, privately paid option
• ask any questions you may have about how therapy works here in Italy.​

You can find more information about therapy in English near Aviano Air Base on the dedicated page of my website, where I describe in more detail how I work and what you can expect in our first meetings.

To learn about my services you can visit this page.