When worry or sadness take up too much space

Everyone goes through periods of stress, doubt or discouragement. These states are part of life and often serve a purpose: worry prepares us to cope, sadness accompanies a loss. They become a source of suffering when they last, when they intensify for no obvious reason, or when they start to restrict daily life: sleep is disrupted, you avoid certain situations, work or relationships become harder, and you no longer quite recognise yourself.

Seeing a psychologist is not only for serious situations. It is often the moment when you feel you are going round in circles, when your usual resources are no longer enough, or simply when you need a neutral space to put what you are going through into words. The earlier a difficulty is addressed, the easier it is to regain room to manoeuvre. Living far from home, in a language and culture that are not your own, can add to the strain; being able to talk in your own language often makes a real difference.

Anxiety disorders

Anxiety takes many forms: constant worry that gives you no respite, sudden panic attacks with palpitations and a feeling of suffocation, intense fears of particular situations, social anxiety, intrusive thoughts. What they have in common is an alarm system that goes off too often or too strongly, and the avoidance strategies that develop to protect against it, gradually narrowing your life.

Therapy aims to understand what keeps the anxiety going, to learn to move through it rather than run from it, and to regain freedom in the situations that are difficult. To find out more: anxiety disorders and panic attacks.

Depression

Depression is more than “feeling down”. For several weeks, it combines persistent sadness or emptiness, a loss of interest and pleasure, marked fatigue, sleep or appetite problems, difficulty concentrating and often a very harsh view of oneself. It can follow a difficult event or set in gradually, with no obvious cause.

Psychotherapy is one of the treatments for depression. Depending on how severe the symptoms are, it may be combined with medical care; I then work alongside your GP or a psychiatrist, in France or in your home country. To find out more: depression and depressive disorders.

Overwhelming emotions

Some people do not recognise themselves in an anxiety disorder or in depression, but regularly feel overwhelmed: anger that erupts, tears that come without warning, high sensitivity, or, on the contrary, difficulty feeling and expressing what is going on inside. Learning to identify, understand and regulate your emotions is work in its own right, which I offer through a psycho-emotional approach.

Anxiety and depression often go together

Anxiety and depression frequently occur together: the exhaustion caused by prolonged anxiety can lead to depression, and depression is often accompanied by worry and rumination. They also arise in a context: a demanding period of life, difficulties at work, hormonal changes, a break-up, a move or an expatriation. That is why I do not stop at the symptom, and take the time to understand the whole person and their history.

It is also a question I have studied closely: my research dissertation looks at the links between hormonal awareness, emotional regulation and anxiety-depressive symptoms in adult women.

How I can help

My practice is integrative: I draw on several approaches and adapt them to each situation (see my approach). Cognitive behavioural tools help you work concretely on anxious thoughts, avoidance or lack of drive. The systemic approach sheds light on the role of family, couple or work relationships. Existential and psychoanalytic approaches make it possible to explore the meaning of what you are going through and what, in your history, is being replayed today.

The first appointment is a time to get to know each other, talk about what brings you and ask your questions. We then agree on a framework together: frequency of sessions, goals, short-term support or longer-term therapy. Sessions last about 50 minutes and take place at the practice, 134 rue de Sèze in Lyon 6th, or by video, including from abroad. I also have experience in inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, which helps me recognise situations that call for a medical opinion and refer you when appropriate.

Frequently asked questions

Should I see a psychologist or a psychiatrist for anxiety or depression?

The two are complementary. A psychologist offers talking therapy and therapeutic tools; a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can make a medical diagnosis and prescribe treatment. For mild to moderate anxiety or depression, psychotherapy is often a good place to start. If symptoms are severe, I will refer you to a doctor and we can work in parallel.

How long does therapy last?

It depends on what you are looking for and on your situation. Some people come for a few focused sessions, others want to do deeper work. We discuss this at the first appointment and review it regularly.

Can sessions take place by video?

Yes, video consultations take place via Doctolib, at the same fee as in person. They are useful when anxiety makes travelling difficult, or if you live far from Lyon or abroad.

Useful resources