Clinical Psychologist & Sex Counsellor

Marie Claire Altimari Fuoco

As a Psychologist and Clinical Sexologist from the University of Padua, Marie Claire Altimari Fuoco offers a uniquely attuned and empathetic approach to therapy, with a passionate focus on supporting adolescents and the LGBTQIA+ community. She thoughtfully blends deep psychodynamic insight to help you understand your inner world, with practical cognitive tools to navigate the challenges of identity, relationships, and sexuality. Her practice is a safe, non-judgmental, and affirming space dedicated to helping you discover your own value and feel empowered on your personal journey.

Italy: Clinical Psychologist & Sex Counsellor

World wide: Psychology Counsellor & Sex Counsellor

Languages: Fluent in English and Italian, offering sessions in both languages

Marie-Claire-Altimari-Fuoco-ondelights.com-top-1-1
Path-6.png
Group-362.svg
Group-362.svg
Path-6.svg
Group-381.svg
Ellipse-2437-1.png

1. Therapy for Adolescents & Young Adults

With a Master's in Clinical Developmental Psychology, I have a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by young people. I offer a supportive space to navigate the pressures of identity formation, social relationships, and the discovery of sexuality, helping you build a strong sense of self-worth and resilience.

 

 

3. Sex Therapy & Relationship counseling

Drawing from my Master's in Clinical Sexology, I help individuals and couples address sexual challenges, improve communication, and navigate relationship transitions. Whether you're dealing with specific dysfunctions or recovering from a separation, we'll use a mix of deep insight and practical tools to guide you toward healthier, more fulfilling connections.

 

2. LGBTQIA+ Affirming Support

As a core focus of my practice, I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for LGBTQIA+ individuals. We work to explore and affirm your identity, navigate the coming-out process, and challenge the negative thoughts that can arise from societal stigma, empowering you to live authentically and confidently.

 

 

4. Psychodynamic Therapy for Individuals

For those seeking a deeper understanding of themselves, my psychodynamic approach helps uncover the "why" behind your feelings, behaviors, and relationship patterns. This is a collaborative exploration of your inner world, designed to help you break free from old patterns and live a more conscious and intentional life.

 
My Services

Support Tailored to Your Needs

My practice is a safe and affirming space dedicated to supporting you on your unique journey. I blend deep, thoughtful exploration with practical tools to help you understand your inner world, navigate relationships, and feel confident in who you are. Below are the primary ways we can work together.

 

Specialist in

Adolescent & LGBTQ+ Therapy

This is

My Philosophy & Journey

My journey into this work began with a clear observation during my studies in developmental psychology: I saw that young people, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community, were full of essential questions about their identity and sexuality, yet were so often met with silence or stigma. I knew I needed to become the person who could provide a safe, knowledgeable, and affirming space for those conversations to happen.

My practice today is the fulfillment of that mission. I believe that true growth comes from a powerful combination of deep understanding and practical tools. We will use a psychodynamic lens to gently explore your inner world—the "why" behind your feelings and patterns—while also using cognitive strategies to help you navigate real-world challenges with confidence. Ultimately, my work is dedicated to helping you hear and trust your own voice, discover your inherent value, and feel empowered to live and love authentically.

Ellipse-2439.svg
Group-137.svg
Marie-Claire-Altimari-Fuoco-ondelights.com-block-1-1
Marie-Claire-Altimari-Fuoco-client-ondelights

Vittoria Ricci

She helped me Move on from separations and embrace a fresh path.
My clients Experience

Journeys of Discovery

Path-1673.svg

Embracing an Authentic LGBTQIA+ Identity

I often support young clients who are struggling with shame and self-acceptance due to societal stigma around their sexual orientation. I once worked with a young woman who, because of derision from her peers, felt unattractive and unworthy of connection. Through our work of redefining her beliefs and taking practical, affirming steps like attending her first Pride Parade, she transformed her self-perception. She discovered a powerful sense of belonging, embraced her identity with pride, and began to confidently build the healthy romantic relationships she deserved.

 

Navigating the Challenges of Adolescence

Adolescence is a time of intense discovery, often filled with confusing questions about identity, friendships, and sexuality. I provide a dedicated space for young people to explore these pressures without judgment. We work to build a strong sense of self-worth and develop the tools to navigate peer dynamics, helping them to find their own voice and feel resilient in the face of social challenges.

Healing in Relationships

For individuals recovering from difficult separations or struggling to form healthy connections, therapy can be a powerful space for healing. We gently explore past relationship patterns and the underlying emotions that drive them. Through a blend of deep insight and practical communication tools, clients learn to build healthier boundaries, foster deeper intimacy, and move forward with the confidence to create the fulfilling relationships they desire.

 
Our Process

Our Collaborative Path to Understanding

Our work together is a trusted partnership where your story is the guide. I believe that therapy is a "tandem work"—you are the expert on your own life, and I am the expert in psychology. We begin with a deep, non-judgmental exploration of your inner world to understand the "why" behind your feelings and behaviors. From this foundation of insight, we then build a practical, step-by-step plan using cognitive tools to help you create the tangible, positive changes you want to see in your life.

Marie-Claire-Altimari-Fuoco-ondelights.com-block-2-1
of all first marriages end in divorce
% 0
of second marriages end in divorce.
% 0
Marie-Claire-AltimariFuoco-ondelights.com-block-5
Ellipse-2439.svg

Are you

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Taking the first step is often the most courageous one. If you're ready to gain clarity, understand the patterns shaping your life, and build a more empowered future, I invite you to connect. I offer a confidential, non-judgmental space to explore if my approach is the right fit for you. Let's begin the conversation.

Special Focus

Developmental Sexology

My practice is uniquely positioned at the intersection of Clinical Developmental Psychology and Sexology. I have a deep understanding that adolescence and young adulthood are the most critical times for forming a healthy sense of self, yet they are often when questions about sexuality and identity are met with the most confusion or silence. My special focus is on providing a safe, knowledgeable, and affirming space specifically for young people and the LGBTQIA+ community to navigate these complexities. We work together to explore identity, build self-worth, and integrate their emerging sexuality in a way that feels authentic, confident, and whole.
Marie Claire Altimari Fuoco
Psychologist & Clinical Sexologist
Where Change Begins
Confidence & Connection: Student Support 10 Session Pack

Confidence & Connection: Student Support 10 Session Pack

Languages Italian Sessions 10 Duration 60

The Confidence & Connection program is a ten-session journey for adolescents and young adults to navigate identity, stress, and well-being. In a supportive space, it merges clinical psychological support with age-appropriate education to build a strong foundation of self-esteem, improve communication in relationships, and develop a personalized strategy for long-term emotional health. This structured path is designed to move you from self-awareness to active mastery. You will gain practical tools to manage challenges, build healthier habits, and strengthen your sense of identity. By the end, you can expect to have stronger emotional confidence, enhanced communication skills, and a clear plan for your continued well-being.

Worldwide Expertise
Psychology Counsellor & Sex Counsellor
Local Expertise
Clinical Psychologist & Sex Counsellor
€280 For 10 sessions
Couple Goals: Sex Education & Problem Solving

Couple Goals: Sex Education & Problem Solving

Languages Italian Sessions 10 Duration 60

"Couple Goals" is a 10-session online program for couples, adolescents, and young adults seeking to improve their psychological and sexual well-being. In a safe, expert-led environment, this structured journey helps you solve daily problems, foster assertive communication, and explore desires, dismantling taboos to build healthier patterns of connection. The goal is to achieve a more fulfilling relationship with yourself and others. Expect to reduce anxiety around intimacy, improve your ability to express needs, and gain sustainable confidence. This path provides a long-term strategy for continued emotional and psychosexual health.

Worldwide Expertise
Psychology Counsellor & Sex Counsellor
Local Expertise
Clinical Psychologist & Sex Counsellor
€680 For 10 sessions
Introduction to Sex Education: 5 Session Structured Path to Sexual Empowerment

Introduction to Sex Education: 5 Session Structured Path to Sexual Empowerment

Languages Italian Sessions 5 Duration 60

Explore your sexual well-being in a supportive environment with our five-session Introduction to Sex Education program. Designed for individuals seeking to increase self-awareness and navigate intimacy with more confidence, this journey merges psychological support with evidence-based education to reduce anxiety and shame while fostering emotional resilience. Our structured roadmap guides you from assessment to developing personalized coping tools. This journey empowers you with greater clarity on your needs, stronger communication skills, and enhanced confidence in navigating your sexual self-expression.

Worldwide Expertise
Psychology Counsellor & Sex Counsellor
Local Expertise
Clinical Psychologist & Sex Counsellor
€230 For 5 sessions
Just the way you are: LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Program

Just the way you are: LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Program

Languages Italian Sessions 10 Duration 60

The "Just the way you are" program is a ten-session affirmative pathway for individuals exploring identity and sexuality. In this safe, non-judgmental sanctuary, we focus on reducing internalized shame and social anxiety, helping you build the emotional resilience needed to live authentically and develop fulfilling connections. This tailored journey provides coping tools and communication strategies for navigating your identity and the coming-out process. You will strengthen your confidence, leading to increased clarity, reduced internal conflict, and empowered self-acceptance.

Worldwide Expertise
Psychology Counsellor & Sex Counsellor
Local Expertise
Clinical Psychologist & Sex Counsellor
€510 For 10 sessions
Single Session: Couple Sexual Consultation

Single Session: Couple Sexual Consultation

Languages Italian Sessions 1 Duration 60

The Introduction to Sex Education is a five-session program providing a supportive environment for exploring sexual well-being. It is ideal for individuals seeking to increase self-awareness, address concerns regarding desire or intimacy, and navigate relational dynamics. By merging psychological support with education, the program helps reduce anxiety and foster resilience. This structured journey moves from assessment and goal-setting to education on consent and the mind-body connection, concluding with personalized coping tools. Expected outcomes include increased clarity on your needs and boundaries, improved communication, and enhanced confidence in your sexual self-expression.

Worldwide Expertise
Psychology Counsellor & Sex Counsellor
Local Expertise
Clinical Psychologist & Sex Counsellor
€79 For 1 session
Single Session: Individual Psychological Support

Single Session: Individual Psychological Support

Languages Italian Sessions 1 Duration 60

This Single Session Consultation offers immediate guidance for your specific concerns. In a confidential 50-60 minute session, we'll explore challenges related to your emotions, identity, or relationships. It's an ideal first step for anyone seeking professional support without the pressure of a long-term commitment. The session is structured to provide clear direction. We will identify the core issues and collaborate on a path forward. You will leave with actionable strategies, a deeper understanding of your next steps, and a renewed sense of clarity in a safe, affirming environment.

Worldwide Expertise
Psychology Counsellor & Sex Counsellor
Local Expertise
Clinical Psychologist & Sex Counsellor
€56 For 1 session
Single Session: Individual Sexual Consultation for Your Intimate Concerns

Single Session: Individual Sexual Consultation for Your Intimate Concerns

Languages Italian Sessions 1 Duration 60

This single session is a focused assessment for individuals seeking expert guidance on sexuality and relationships. It provides a non-judgmental space to explore concerns about desire, identity, or relational dynamics, making it an ideal first step before committing to extensive therapy. In this structured 50-minute consultation, you'll receive tangible direction. We identify key challenges and provide professional insights with actionable strategies tailored to your experience. You will leave with a clear roadmap for future support if needed.

Worldwide Expertise
Psychology Counsellor & Sex Counsellor
Local Expertise
Clinical Psychologist & Sex Counsellor
€62 For 1 session
Single Session: Individual Support for Students

Single Session: Individual Support for Students

Languages Italian Sessions 1 Duration 60

Designed for students, this single session offers professional psychological and sexual consultation at an accessible rate. In a confidential 50-60 minute meeting, we address concerns about identity, stress, sexual well-being, and relational dynamics, providing a focused space for immediate orientation. This session is an ideal way to explore professional support. You will leave with actionable strategies to manage your concerns, a clear understanding of potential next steps, and the validation of an affirming, non-judgmental environment.

Worldwide Expertise
Psychology Counsellor & Sex Counsellor
Local Expertise
Clinical Psychologist & Sex Counsellor
€40 For 1 session
Shopping Basket