Question 1

On-Line or In Person sessions?

Accepted Answer

Online sessions have became more widely available during the pandemic and since then, some people tend to prefer them because of accessibility advantages and convenience.

However, online therapy may have some disadvantages:

•  Scope: It may not be suitable for crisis situations or certain psychological conditions that require in person sessions.

•  Therapeutic Relationship: Building a rapport with a therapist might be more challenging for some patients when not in person.

•  Technology Issues: Reliance on technology means that poor internet connections or technical difficulties can disrupt sessions.

In my practice, I have experienced that in person sessions are by far more effective than online.  Working face-to-face tends to be my preferential way of working, limiting online sessions for specific circumstances, e.g. for people who live in remote areas or those with mobility issues, as it provides access to therapy that might not be otherwise available.

Question 2

What are the goals of psychodynamic therapy?

Accepted Answer

The goals of psychodynamic therapy include, but extend beyond, symptom remission.

A successful treatment should not only relieve symptoms (i.e., get rid of something) but also foster the positive presence of psychological capacities and resources.

Depending on the person and the circumstances, these might include the capacity to have more fulfilling relationships, make more effective use of one’s talents and abilities, maintain a realistically based sense of self-esteem, tolerate a wider range of affect, have more satisfying sexual experiences, understand self and others in more nuanced and sophisticated ways, and face life’s challenges with greater freedom and flexibility.

Question 3

How long does a session last?

Accepted Answer

Each session normally lasts 45-50 minutes from the agreed upon time of appointment.

As there is no waiting room availability, I may not be able to greet you immediately if you arrive early, but there is a cosy pasticceria bar right in front of my office where you can enjoy a nice coffee or cappuccino in the meantime.

Question 4

How much does a therapy session cost?

Accepted Answer

I normally offer the possibility to have a free brief phone call before making an appointment so that we can talk about some of the questions you may want to ask me.

Please refer to the "Treatments" section for the different fees.
Those are standard prices but after the initial appointments, if a treatment plan is agreed, rates can also be set on a sliding scale to be discussed in person.

Question 5

How can I reschedule or cancel a session?

Accepted Answer

Since a cancellation made without a proper notice significantly limits my ability to make the appointment available for another patient in need, a confirmed appointment may be rescheduled 4-5 working days in advance, otherwise the fee needs to be settled in full.

Question 6

Does my health insurance cover therapy costs?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy conducted by a licensed clinical psychologist is one of the expenses which your health insurance may cover.

If you have a health insurance, please ask your insurance company if your specific health plan covers psychotherapy expenses and what kind of procedure they suggest for expense reimbursement.

Most companies need a prescription from a general practitioner (GP) or your family physician who provides an initial diagnosis of a mental health condition (e.g. anxiety) indicating the necessity of a psychotherapy treatment.

Once the company authorises the treatment, the patient pays the session to the therapist, who then issues an invoice which can be sent to the insurance company for reimbursement.

Question 7

How long does it take for therapy to be effective?

Accepted Answer

Several pieces of clinical research support the efficacy of a short-term (6-months) psychoanalytic psychotherapy for anxiety and depression disorders in a routine health care environment, with a once-a-week session frequency.

Read the full article on clinical research

However, the inner time, the time of the soul, must be respected and welcomed, without pretending unnatural accelerations. Psychoanalysis, instead of pursuing short or specialised therapies in their effort to imitate machines, compressing time, should rather affirm with pride one of its few specificities.

Psychoanalysis respects time for what it is, it is the slow food of psychotherapies: it cannot - it does not want to - speed up the times for the preparation of the finished dish.

What I mean is that the preservation of a time not yet compressed (which survives in the analysis, in meditation, in prayer and in little else) is a priceless value for the community, for the culture, for the future times.

Dr. Giovanni La Veglia, Psy.D.
Multicultural English-speaking therapist in Rome

Frequently asked questions