Question 1

How can I find the right therapist for me?

Accepted Answer

Finding the Right Therapist – A Quick Guide
Q: Why is choosing a therapist so confusing?
 Because there are many different professionals, often with overlapping skills but different qualifications and titles.
Q: How does it work in the UK?
Clinical Psychologists – Around 9 years of study and clinical experience to qualify (including a doctorate). The title is legally protected. Consultant level is the highest clinical grade in the NHS. Dr Grace was Acting consultant prior to taking early retirement. 
Psychotherapists – Trained in a specific therapeutic model (e.g., CBT) to standards set by a professional body such as the BABCP. Full-time training typically takes 2 years.
Counsellors – The title is not legally protected. Some entry courses are as short as 6 months part-time, but many counsellors have master’s degrees, decades of experience, and specialist expertise. Many are exceptional practitioners.
Q: What’s the main takeaway?
 Always check a therapist’s qualifications, experience, and specialisms against the issues you want to work on.
Q: How does it work in Switzerland?
 The title “psychotherapist” is strictly regulated. Only recognised psychotherapists can have their sessions covered by basic Swiss health insurance (with a doctor’s prescription). Some supplementary or international insurances also cover psychology sessions.
Q: Still confused?
 That’s normal—most people are. The important thing is finding someone whose qualifications, experience, and approach feel right for you.

Question 2

What can I expect in therapy with Dr Grace?

Accepted Answer

Begin Your Journey with a Complimentary Consultation
From the moment you reach out with an enquiry, you will be invited to a complimentary 15-minute Zoom consultation. This private conversation is your opportunity to share the key concerns you’d like addressed, reflect on any previous therapy experiences (what proved valuable, and what did not), and ask any questions you may have.

There is absolutely no obligation to book further sessions.

A Therapy Experience Designed Around You
Should you decide to continue, sessions can be held:
In person at our discreet, purpose-built clinic rooms in the heart of Geneva (Boulevard Helvétique)
Online, for your comfort and convenience
Hybrid, blending both in-person and online formats

The Four Phases of Our Work Together
Assessment – In the early sessions, we take time to understand you fully, creating a comprehensive assessment and personal timeline.
Formulation – We combine this understanding with the latest psychological insights to uncover what may be sustaining the challenges you face.
Intervention – Drawing on a range of therapeutic models, Dr Grace offers both interpretation and practical strategies to guide meaningful change.
Review – Every 3–4 weeks, we assess progress together and, if necessary, refine our approach.

Finding the Right Pace for Lasting Change
Therapy works best in your Zone of Proximal Development – that delicate balance where it is challenging enough to inspire growth, yet not so overwhelming that it feels unsafe. Too comfortable, and change may stall; too demanding, and resistance can arise. Our focus is to ensure the pace is precisely attuned to you.

Question 3

How effective is therapy?

Accepted Answer

How Effective Is Therapy?
Individual Differences
It is not possible to predict exactly how any individual will respond to therapy. However, people who are motivated, willing to change, intelligent, and who have supportive networks and good coping skills often make better progress. Of these factors, motivation and willingness to change are fundamental.

Complexity of Issues
The nature of the problem also matters. For example, someone who generally enjoys life but develops anxiety after a stressful event is more likely to recover more quickly than someone who has experienced anxiety for decades and faces ongoing family or relational difficulties.

Evidence Base
The effectiveness of therapy is studied through clinical research and the broader evidence base. Different therapeutic models are tested in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate their outcomes.

Typical Outcomes
Therapy results vary. Some people improve significantly, some less so, and most people experience moderate improvements.
 For example, research shows that people entering therapy for anxiety typically achieve about a 33% reduction in symptoms on average. Individual results can be higher or lower — we can predict average outcomes with confidence, but not exact personal outcomes.

Number of Sessions
The number of sessions required depends on the severity and complexity of the issues:
Milder issues (e.g., moderate anxiety) often respond well to 8–10 sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
More complex issues (e.g., long-term trauma) may require 40–50 sessions of intensive psychodynamic therapy.

Question 4

What is Humanistic Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Humanistic Therapy is a type of therapy that emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization. It focuses on the individual's capacity for self-awareness and self-healing. Techniques such as client-centered therapy, Gestalt therapy, and existential therapy fall under this category. Humanistic therapy is often used to address issues related to self-esteem, relationships, and personal development.

Dr Grace gained advanced certificates in humanistic therapy in 1994 and has used its insights to help people for three decades.

Question 5

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. CBT is structured, goal-oriented, and typically short-term.

Dr Grace received about 120 hours of CBT training on his doctorate, and a further 70 hours of group CBT training. He has used this approach with hundreds of people.

Question 6

What is Psychodynamic Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Psychodynamic Therapy is a form of therapy that explores unconscious processes and how they influence current behavior. It aims to help individuals understand and resolve deep-seated emotional issues by examining past experiences and relationships.

Dr Grace has completed full core training in Experiential Dynamic Therapy (also known as EDT, A-EDT and ISTDP) - 210 hours from 2016 - 2018. This approach marries the best of psychoanalysis with the cutting edge neuroscience of emotions.

Question 7

How do I choose the right type of therapy?

Accepted Answer

Choosing the right type of therapy depends on your specific needs and goals. Our initial consultation will help us understand your situation and recommend the most suitable therapy for you. Factors such as the nature of your issues, your personal preferences, and your previous experiences with therapy will be considered.

Question 8

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

Accepted Answer

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes the psychosocial aspects of treatment. It focuses on teaching patients skills to cope with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships with others. DBT incorporates strategies like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Dr Grace has received postdoc' foundational training in DBT (70 hours) and was a psychology lead on an NHS pathway developing and delivering this approach.

Question 9

What is Systemic Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Systemic Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that seeks to address people not only on an individual level but as people in relationships, dealing with the interactions of groups and their patterns and dynamics. It is often used to treat issues within families or couples, focusing on the relationships and communication patterns that contribute to the problem.

Dr Grace received about 150 hours of ST training on his doctorate, and a further 130 hours completing foundational training. He has used this approach with dozens of families and couples.

Question 10

How does neurodiversity impact on mental health issues?

Accepted Answer

Neurodiversity, including autism, ADHD and dyslexia, often intersects with mental health. Neurodiverse individuals may experience higher levels of anxiety, depression and stress, particularly where there is misunderstanding or limited support in education, work or relationships.
At Grace Psychology, we offer psychological services tailored to neurodiverse clients. This includes evidence-based therapy and practical support aimed at improving well-being, social functioning and resilience.
Dr Grace has worked closely with many people who identify as neurodiverse and experience psychological distress. He has also completed gold-standard training in autism assessment (ADOS-2).

Question 11

How much do sessions cost?

Accepted Answer

Psychological counselling  -  CHF 175 per 50 minute session for individuals  plus 10 minutes to summarise and plan a new date.

Couples - CHF 200 per 50 minute session plus 10 minutes to summarise and plan a new date.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions