Service · Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy: cognitive behavioural therapy
The therapy offered here is based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): a structured, scientifically validated approach built on the analysis of the interaction between three components (thoughts, emotions and behaviour). The aim is to identify what keeps the distress going, and to act concretely on what gets in the way of daily life.
Indications
Who is CBT for?
CBT is recommended by the French National Authority for Health across a wide range of conditions and psychological difficulties.
Mood disorders
Depressive episodes, bipolar disorders.
Anxiety disorders
Generalised anxiety, panic disorder and panic attacks.
Phobias
Agoraphobia, social phobia, specific phobias (animals, claustrophobia).
Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders
Eating disorders
Neurodevelopmental conditions
Support for ADHD and autism spectrum conditions: coping strategies, managing impulsivity, emotional regulation, learning social skills.
Cross-cutting difficulties
Addictive behaviours, relationship difficulties, emotion regulation, sleep problems, work on self-esteem.
This page is for information only. It is neither a diagnosis nor personalised medical advice.
Process
The phases of a course of CBT
The first session
The first consultation is above all a meeting. It allows us to take stock of your situation, to analyse what brings you here, and for me to explain concretely how cognitive behavioural therapy works.
Because the therapeutic alliance and a sense of trust are the essential pillars of a successful therapy, this first contact lets you judge whether the approach meets your expectations and whether you feel entirely at ease before going further.
Exploring your difficulties
Phase 1
During the first sessions we take the time to explore your difficulties, how they appeared and how they have been maintained. This period is devoted to a thorough understanding of how you function: specific questionnaires and rating scales may be offered, along with your first self-monitoring exercises.
Setting a concrete goal
Phase 2
Together, and according to your situation, we define a goal to reach and a personalised treatment plan. We choose the techniques and strategies that suit your situation, and that you feel ready to put into practice in your daily life.
Applying the treatment plan
Phase 3
CBT techniques are tried out together in session, then applied independently in your everyday life. Which tools are used depends on your specific needs.
Review and consolidation
Phase 4
CBT relies on objectively validating the changes observed throughout the work. Once your initial goals are met, we carry out an overall review to consider ending or continuing: closing the work, spacing out follow-up sessions as a safety net, or redirecting the work towards a new issue.
Tools
The techniques used in session
They are tried out together, then applied independently in your daily life. The choice depends on your situation and on what you feel ready to put into practice.
Exposure
To approach feared situations gradually.
Cognitive restructuring
To identify, question and loosen limiting thoughts, working on automatic thoughts and the underlying cognitive schemas.
Behavioural activation
To gradually reintroduce pleasant and stimulating activities into daily life.
Relaxation techniques
To regulate stress and anxiety.
Role play and rehearsal
To practise and develop new relational skills.
Psychoeducation
To talk through the psychological mechanisms at work and, where useful, deepen your understanding of the condition.
Duration
How long does therapy last?
There is no standard length: every course is different. CBT is, however, known for being concrete and targeted.
To obtain stable results, a regular rhythm is recommended at the start. That regularity maintains the momentum of change and allows the tools discussed in session to be practised.
Even though regularity helps a great deal, nothing is imposed. We adjust the frequency of appointments according to your progress, your energy and your circumstances.
The aim is to hand you practical tools so that, step by step, you can manage on your own. Therapy is meant to stop once your goals are met.
Format
Sessions by video consultation
Until the practice in Sainte-Marie-aux-Chênes opens, psychotherapy sessions take place exclusively by video consultation. Once the appointment is confirmed, a secure video link is sent to you before the session.
For the quality of our exchange, settle somewhere quiet, where you will not be interrupted and where your privacy is protected. Payment is made by bank transfer before the session.
The practice is established in France. Video consultation removes the travel constraint, which matters in a border region, but if you live outside France, please check with me before booking so that we can look at your situation.
Fees
Session fees
The fee depends on the format of the session. It is set out, together with every other service offered by the practice, on the fees page.
The practice is not contracted with the French statutory health insurance (Assurance Maladie) and does not take part in the “Mon soutien psy” scheme, so sessions are not reimbursed by the state. Many complementary health insurers (a mutuelle in France, or your employer’s scheme if you work in Luxembourg) do refund part of the fee. An itemised receipt is issued after every session. Payment can be spread over several instalments on request.
Payment is by cash, cheque or bank transfer. The practice has no card terminal. For video sessions, the transfer is made before the session and the secure link is sent once it has been received.
Would you like to talk it through before committing?
Write to me with your contact details, the reason for your request and what you are dealing with. The first session exists precisely to check together that this approach suits you.
Request an appointment