Psychologist and Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician (CEDC-MH)

Carolina is a warm and caring psychologist with experience in both the public and private mental health sectors in Australia and in Europe.

As a Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician with ANZAED, she has a strong interest in supporting clients with body image concerns, disordered eating, and eating disorders.

Carolina practices from a Health at Every Size perspective, creating a space free from weight stigma and appearance‑based expectations. She works collaboratively to challenge unhelpful cultural messages and support clients in making choices that align with their values.

Carolina takes a neuro‑affirming approach, recognising that many neurodivergent people experience eating disorders and that standard treatments often overlook differences in interoception, sensory needs, and executive functioning. She adapts therapy to each client’s brain style: reducing overwhelm, honouring sensory boundaries, and breaking tasks into manageable steps, so recovery feels realistic and sustainable.

She provides evidence‑based therapies including CBT‑E, CBT‑AR, SSCM, Focal Psychodynamic Therapy (FPT), MANTRA, DBT and CPT. Click here or more info on therapies.

Carolina also integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS) into her work. She finds IFS especially helpful when clients feel stuck and conflicted offering a compassionate way to explore protective parts, soften self‑criticism, and reconnect with inner resources.

Beyond eating disorder care, Carolina supports clients navigating trauma, identity, adult neurodivergence (Autism and ADHD), mood, work stress, relationships, and major life transitions. She approaches these areas with curiosity and respect, helping clients make sense of their experiences and move toward a values‑aligned life.

Carolina offers therapy in English and Italian 🇮🇹. She understands that for many Italian clients living in Australia, speaking in one’s mother tongue can feel more natural, emotionally safe, and deeply connecting.

Publications:

- Simonazzi, C., Natali, L., Valmaggia, L., Rowlands, K., Meregalli, V., Rabarbari, E., ... & Cardi, V. (2023). Food-related aversion in a female sample of people with anorexia nervosa: Cognitive-behavioural correlates, somatic and subjective anxiety, and early experiences.Appetite, 180, 106366.

- Schroeder, P. A., Collantoni, E., Meregalli, V., Rabarbari, E., Simonazzi, C., Svaldi, J., & Cardi, V. (2024). Persistent avoidance of virtual food in anorexia nervosa‐restrictive type: Results from motion tracking in a virtual stopping task.International Journal of Eating Disorders, 57(3), 624-634.