Why Choose My Therapy and Mental Health Support Services?
- Emma Ates
- 1 août
- 4 min de lecture
Dernière mise à jour : 15 août
When looking for mental health support, it can be difficult to know whom to contact. In France, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can provide a medical diagnosis, prescribe medication and treat conditions requiring medical care. A psychologist holds a recognized university qualification in psychology, while the title of psychotherapist is reserved for professionals registered on the French national register. The term psychopractitioner describes a private therapeutic practice, and practitioners’ education and experience can vary considerably.
These forms of support are not necessarily in opposition. They respond to different needs and can sometimes complement one another. My role is not to replace a doctor, psychiatrist or other healthcare professional, but to offer personalized, in-depth and
practical therapeutic support.
Trained and licensed in Canada as a psychotherapist and art therapist, I have been accepted and recognized by the French Federation for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis (FF2P) as a practitioner and accredited professional member.
Psychiatrist, Psychologist or Psychopractitioner: Which Support Is Right for You?
In France, the differences between mental health professionals are not always easy to understand. Choosing appropriate support begins with knowing what each professional can—and cannot—provide.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in psychiatry. Psychiatrists can provide medical diagnoses, prescribe medication, assess complex mental health conditions and coordinate care with other professionals. Their consultations may be reimbursed by the French public health insurance system, depending on the applicable care pathway. Consultations in a public community mental health centre, known as a CMP, are covered. Psychiatric care is particularly important when someone needs medical assessment, medication or specialized treatment.
The title of psychologist is also legally protected in France and requires recognized university qualifications in psychology. Psychologists provide psychological assessments and support but cannot prescribe medication. Some sessions may be reimbursed through the Mon soutien psy programme, but only when the psychologist is an approved participating provider. The programme currently covers up to twelve sessions per calendar year at a regulated fee of €50. Read the Mon soutien psy conditions.
The title of psychotherapist is regulated separately. Only professionals registered on France’s national register of psychotherapists through the Regional Health Agency may use it. A registered psychotherapist may also be a psychiatrist, psychologist or another professional who meets the legal requirements. Read the French regulations governing the title.
What is a psychopractitioner?
In France, the term psychopractitioner refers to someone who provides private therapeutic support, but it is not a state-regulated healthcare title. This does not necessarily mean that the practitioner is untrained; however, qualifications and experience can vary considerably. Clients should therefore look carefully at a practitioner’s education, professional experience, ethical framework, professional insurance, methods and willingness to recognize the limits of their scope.
Sessions with psychopractitioners and art therapists are not generally reimbursed by the French public health insurance system. Before beginning therapy, it is advisable to ask your insurer whether invoices from a psychopractitioner or art therapist are accepted and whether limits apply to the number or cost of sessions.
Therapeutic and clinical training acquired in Canada
I am a psychopractitioner and art therapist with a master’s-level graduate qualification in art therapy from the Toronto Art Therapy Institute and a French degree in visual arts from Aix-Marseille University. I trained and practised within Ontario’s regulated psychotherapy system in Canada before continuing my work in France.
For nearly ten years, I have supported adults and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties and significant life transitions. I also work with people navigating expatriation, immigration, refugee experiences, repatriation, reverse culture shock and adjustment between different cultures.
My professional position is therefore distinctive: I practise in France as a psychopractitioner and art therapist while drawing on extensive education and professional experience acquired within the Canadian mental health system.
Support that goes beyond listening
Therapy is not simply about talking about what is wrong. It can help you understand what you are experiencing, recognize emotional reactions and recurring patterns, and develop a different relationship with your thoughts, body and personal history.
My approach combines therapeutic dialogue with humanistic and contemplative psychology, mindfulness, compassion, body-based practices and, when appropriate for you, creative expression. I also integrate methods informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy.
You do not need to know how to meditate or have any artistic ability. Each method is explained and adapted to your situation. Creativity may involve an image, colour, movement, metaphor or guided reflection. It simply provides another way to explore experiences that may be difficult to express in words alone.
Practical resources for everyday life
My goal is to help you become progressively more confident and autonomous in understanding and regulating your experiences. During therapy, you may develop tools to:
recognize and name your emotions;
soothe reactions associated with stress or trauma;
gain perspective on overwhelming thoughts;
understand your needs and relationship patterns;
communicate more consciously;
restore meaning, stability and the ability to take action.
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