How long does a session last? How often do we meet?
A session lasts 50 minutes. Initially we will meet once a week, and then we can tailor your plan to best suit your needs.
How long does therapy last?
The duration of therapy can vary from person to person. It can last a few weeks, a few months, or even over a year. It depends on the extent of the person's difficulties but also, and above all, on their cooperation.
What does cooperation mean?
This is an example I often give to my patients: if someone wanted to go to the gym to improve their fitness, would it be enough to pay the gym membership to see results? Absolutely not. You have to find the right exercises and then practice them with perseverance and effort to achieve your goals. Therapy works in the same way and motivation is certainly a key factor.
What does therapy entail?
Many people expect a psychologist to work in a similar way to a doctor, so they expect to report their “symptoms”, receive a diagnosis and be offered an immediate solution. During a therapy magic happens indeed, but not with a swish of a wand.
You will share your goals and together we will look for the shortest and most effective path for you to achieve them. Going from where you are now to where you would like to be means taking a long step and losing your balance while stretching your leg. But don't worry, when you finally put your foot down, you will be in a much more stable and solid place than before.
When is it appropriate to consult a psychologist?
Unfortunately, the title ‘psychologist’ still carries old stigmas and prejudices. “If you go to a psychologist you are crazy!”, “You are mentally ill”, “You are weak”. “My cousin's friend was depressed but he coped on his own”, “My grandmother's cat went through a rough patch and started peeing outside the litter box, but then got better without help". These anecdotes might sound familiar, but it’s important to remember that their experiences are not your own. The colleague who tells you “if I were you I would do…”, if he were really you he would do exactly what you are doing, because he would have the same background, experiences, beliefs, values, emotions. When you feel that your difficulties prevent you from living life as you imagined it, it is courageous to ask for help.
How does online therapy work?
Exactly the same as in-person therapy. Sessions will take place via video call, such as Google Meet, Zoom or any other platform. Like any therapy, confidentiality and professional secrecy are guaranteed.
It is important to conduct the interview in a place that guarantees privacy and has a good internet connection.
