What people ask me most often

In France, a psychologist has completed five years of university training in psychology, ending with a master’s degree that includes a professional placement. Psychologists work through conversation and do not prescribe medication. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specialising in psychiatry: they can prescribe treatment, make a medical diagnosis and sign people off work. Psychotherapist is a separate regulated title in France, open to psychologists and doctors after additional training, and to some other professionals under certain conditions. The three often work alongside one another: it is not unusual for psychological support to run in parallel with treatment prescribed by a doctor.

There is no level of severity you have to reach before you are entitled to seek help. The signs that come up most often are a low mood that has lasted several weeks, sleep or appetite that stays disrupted, unusual irritability, going round in circles with the same thoughts, or a sense that something keeps repeating in your life without your understanding why. The question is not whether your situation is serious enough, but whether it is weighing on you. A free fifteen-minute phone call, with no commitment, is often enough to see things more clearly.

The first session lasts 50 minutes. You talk about what brings you, in whatever order and in your own words; there is nothing to prepare and no right way to begin. I ask questions to understand the context, your history and what you hope for from this work. At the end of the session, we decide together whether to continue, and how often. If I am not the right person for your situation, I will tell you and suggest a colleague or a service better suited to you.

It depends entirely on what brings you, and it is not decided in advance. Some clearly defined situations ease within a few sessions; others, which involve long-standing patterns, take several months. The most common rhythm is one session a week or every fortnight, at the same time. We regularly take stock of what is moving and what remains. The end of therapy is prepared and discussed beforehand: it does not happen overnight, and you remain free to stop whenever you wish.

Yes, without reservation. Psychologists are bound by professional confidentiality under articles 226-13 and 226-14 of the French Criminal Code, and the psychologists’ code of ethics restates it explicitly. Nothing said in a session is passed on to your doctor, your employer, your family or your insurer, and no clinical notes are stored on any computer system. The only exceptions are those strictly set out in law, mainly when a vulnerable person is in danger. If talking to another professional would help your care, it can only happen with your explicit agreement.

Sessions with a psychologist in private practice are not reimbursed by the French national health insurance (Assurance Maladie) under the standard scheme. However, many top-up health insurers (mutuelles) offer an annual allowance for psychological support: it is worth checking your policy, as this allowance often goes unnoticed. You receive a receipt (note d’honoraires) after every session to make that claim. Separately, the Mon soutien psy scheme gives access to 12 sessions per calendar year, without a referral, with psychologists registered with the scheme.

Unexpected things happen, and that is not a problem. I simply ask you to let me know at least 48 hours in advance, by phone or message, so that the slot can be offered to someone else. A session cancelled with that much notice is not charged. With less than 48 hours’ notice, or if you do not come without letting me know, the session is payable, except in exceptional circumstances. If you booked online or by phone, you also have 14 days from the booking to withdraw at no cost, however close the session is. This rule is not a penalty: it is part of the framework that makes the work possible, and it is set out before any online booking, then explained again at the first meeting.

You receive a link before the session; simply click on it from a computer, tablet or phone — no account to create and no software to install. The connection is encrypted and no session is recorded. The length and fee are the same as for a session at the practice. The only thing that really matters is on your side: being alone in a room where you will not be disturbed, with headphones if other people are at home. Meeting at the practice first is still preferable when possible, because a great deal is conveyed by being in the same room.

Yes. For a minor, the agreement of those with parental authority is required, and the first contact is usually made by a parent. The first meeting may be with you and then with your teenager alone, or directly with them, depending on what seems most appropriate. One important point: what is said in their sessions belongs to them and remains confidential, including from you. This confidentiality is not directed against you; it is what allows them to speak freely. I keep you informed about the framework and the practical course of the sessions, never about what is said in them.

No. You talk about what you want, when you feel ready. There is no programme to follow and no question you are obliged to answer, and saying ‘I would rather not talk about that today’ is a perfectly acceptable answer. The past sometimes comes up because it sheds light on a present difficulty, but it is neither compulsory nor a starting point. You set the pace.

No. A psychologist is not a doctor and does not prescribe any treatment. Psychological support relies on talking and on the work done in sessions. If your situation also seems to call for medical advice — persistent sleep problems, very intense distress, a question about current treatment — I will say so clearly and refer you to your GP or to a psychiatrist. The two approaches often complement each other; one does not replace the other.

It is a fair question, and you do not need to justify it. The relationship with the practitioner matters a great deal: if you do not feel at ease, the work will be difficult, and it is better to say so. You can tell me in a session, or simply not book another appointment. If you wish, I can suggest a colleague whose approach might suit you better. Looking for the right person is part of the process; it is not a failure.