FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions): The Essentials Before Your First Session
Here you’ll find answers to the questions people ask most often before a first session. If yours isn’t listed, that’s exactly what the free discovery call is for.
What is Gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy is a relationship-focused approach that works with what you’re feeling right here, right now — emotions, bodily sensations, the way you relate to others. It helps you understand recurring patterns and regain freedom of choice. Corinne Labadens has been practising it for 15 years in the 15th arrondissement of Paris.
What happens during a first session?
You share what’s bringing you in, at your own pace. Corinne listens, asks questions, and explains how she works. At the end, you decide together what comes next. If you’re unsure, a free 10-minute discovery call lets you get a feel for things before booking.
How much does a session cost?
Individual therapy: €80 (1 hour). Couples therapy: €150 (1.5 hours). Hypnosis: €90 (1 hour). Sophrology: €80 (1 hour).
Where is the practice located?
The practice is at 4 rue Leriche, 75015 Paris, right by Convention métro station (line 12). Corinne sees clients Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm, and Saturday, 9am to 2pm.
Can I have sessions remotely?
Yes — online sessions are available via Teams or WhatsApp.
What languages are sessions available in?
Sessions are available in French, English, Spanish and Italian. Corinne lived abroad for 16 years, so she’s very comfortable working with expats and multilingual clients. As an English-speaking therapist in Paris’s 15th arrondissement, she offers sessions in English, both in person and online.
Who can come to therapy?
Corinne works with adults, teenagers and couples. For a teenager, an initial meeting with at least one parent or legal guardian is required beforehand.
What issues can therapy help with?
Common reasons for consulting include stress and anxiety, grief or separation, burnout, major life changes, relationship or communication difficulties, self-confidence, and sleep issues. If you’re not sure whether your situation fits, the discovery call is there to help you find out.
Gestalt therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, psychoanalyst: what’s the difference?
These are several distinct professions, each with a different legal status in France. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor — the only one of the five who can give a medical diagnosis or prescribe medication. A psychologist holds a master’s degree in psychology; they can carry out a psychological assessment, but they don’t give a medical diagnosis or prescribe. In France, “psychotherapist” is a legally protected title, reserved for professionals registered with the regional health authority (ARS). A psychoanalyst works within the Freudian or Lacanian tradition. Gestalt therapy is a therapy in its own right, focused on present-moment experience and relationship rather than on interpreting the unconscious. Corinne Labadens is a Gestalt therapist, professional coach, sophrologist and hypnosis practitioner: she does not hold the titles of psychologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist or psychoanalyst, and does not give medical diagnoses. If your situation calls for medical advice or treatment, a psychiatrist or a general practitioner is the right person to see.
What’s the difference between therapy, hypnosis and sophrology?
Therapy explores your history and relationships through conversation and felt experience. Hypnosis uses a state of deep relaxation to work on blocks or habits. Sophrology uses breathing and gentle movement to calm the body and mind. The three can also be combined, depending on what you need.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on you and what brings you in. Most clients come in every two weeks. You go at your own pace, and you’re free to stop whenever you choose.
Are sessions covered by insurance?
Psychotherapy isn’t reimbursed by France’s public health insurance (Sécurité sociale). Some supplementary health insurance plans (mutuelles) cover part of the cost, often under a “wellbeing” or “prevention” allowance — check with your provider. An invoice can be provided after each session, which is also useful if you’re claiming through an international insurance plan.
What should I do in a crisis?
Therapy is not a substitute for medical care. If you or someone close to you is in distress or having suicidal thoughts, and you’re in France, call 3114 (free, 24/7) or 15 for a life-threatening emergency. If you’re elsewhere, please contact your local emergency services or crisis line.
How do I book or cancel an appointment?
You can book online in a few clicks, or start with the free discovery call. Cancelling or rescheduling is free with 2 days’ notice or more; within that window, the session is still due.