Personal development with a psychologist

The term “personal development” today covers very diverse practices, from books to workshops to coaching. With a clinical psychologist, it means work on yourself carried out within a clinical framework: confidential, based on validated approaches, with a professional trained to recognise and respond to any deeper suffering.

The aim is not to become a better version of yourself in the sense of performance, nor to think positively at all costs. It is to know yourself better, understand where your ways of being and reacting come from, and broaden your freedom of choice. You do not need to be unwell to undertake this work.

The most common requests

Self-esteem and self-confidence

Self-esteem is how you see your own worth. Self-confidence is the feeling of being able to cope with situations. When they are fragile, you constantly doubt, compare yourself, dread others’ judgement and do not dare take your place. These difficulties often have a history: repeated criticism in childhood, failures, bullying, or settings where you felt different. Living in a foreign country, where your usual markers of competence and belonging are shaken, can also dent self-confidence.

Assertiveness

Saying no, expressing disagreement, asking for what you need, setting limits without guilt: these relationship skills can be learned. Without them, you often wear yourself out meeting others’ expectations, or build up frustration until it explodes.

Patterns that repeat

Always falling for the same type of partner, reliving the same conflicts at work, sabotaging what is starting to go well: when a script repeats, it often draws on something older. Understanding it is the first step towards breaking out of it.

Perfectionism and high self-demands

High standards can be a driving force, but when they become merciless they generate anxiety, procrastination and exhaustion. Learning to allow yourself to make mistakes is work in its own right, which can also help prevent burnout.

Questions of meaning and life choices

A change of life, a period of questioning, a sense of emptiness despite a “successful” life, a big decision to make: times of transition invite you to ask what really matters. The existential approach offers a space for these questions of meaning, choice and freedom.

How I can help

My practice is integrative (find out more): I draw on several approaches, which I adapt to what you are looking for.

  • Practical tools, drawn from cognitive behavioural approaches, to spot and loosen self-critical thoughts, practise asserting yourself and try new experiences.
  • Work on your history, with the insight of the psychoanalytic approach, to understand what from the past is being replayed today.
  • A look at relationships, with the systemic approach, to understand the place you hold in your family, couple or groups.
  • A space for reflection on meaning, values and choices, with the existential approach.

This work is often also an opportunity to better understand and regulate your emotions. My own path, from engineering and economics to clinical psychology, has taught me that people can change profoundly at any age, and how much that journey benefits from support.

Sessions last about 50 minutes, at the Brotteaux practice, 134 rue de Sèze in Lyon 6th, or by video, in English, French or Portuguese. The length of therapy is agreed together according to your goals. Fees are listed on the home page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a psychologist and a coach?

In France, the title of psychologist is protected: it requires a master’s degree in psychology and clinical training. A psychologist is trained to understand how the mind works, to recognise deeper suffering such as anxiety or depression, and to respond to it. Coaching is not a regulated profession, and it focuses mainly on reaching goals.

Do I need to be unwell to seek help?

No. You can come simply to know yourself better, get through a period of questioning or prepare for a change. Many people undertake this work while their life is broadly going well.

How long does this kind of work take?

It depends on what you are looking for. Focused work, for example on assertiveness, may take a few months. Deeper work on your history and patterns takes longer. We review progress regularly.

Useful resources