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

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.

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. 

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.

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 session. • 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.

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.

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.

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.

The 5 emotional phases of the Covid lockdown: READ FULL ARTICLE

The term “depression” often characterizes feelings of being sad, discouraged, hopeless, unmotivated, as well as a general lack of interest or pleasure in life. When these feelings last for a short period of time, it may be called a passing case of “the blues.” But when they last for more than two weeks and interfere with regular daily activities, it’s likely you have a depressive disorder. Major depression involves a combination of symptoms that are disabling and interfere with your ability to work, study, eat, and sleep. It may occur once or twice in your lifetime or more frequently. Or you may experience it in relation to the death of a loved one, a romantic breakup, a medical illness, or other life event. Depression is different in each person. No two people experience the same combination, severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms. Symptoms of major depression: Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities, including sex Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling “slowed down” Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or excessive sleepingLow appetite and weight loss or overeating and weight gain Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts Restlessness or irritability Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and pain for which no other cause can be diagnosed

A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack, or even dying. Symptoms of a panic attack can include: • Rapid, pounding heart rate • Sweating • Trembling or shaking • Shortness of breath or tightness in your throat • Chills or hot flashes • Nausea or abdominal cramps • Chest pain • Headache • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness • Numbness or tingling sensation • Feelings of unreality or detachment

Anxiety is a normal biological reaction to stress and an important part of living. It helps us get out of harm’s way and prepare for important events, and it warns us when we need to take action. But you may experience anxiety that is persistent, irrational, seemingly uncontrollable, and overwhelming. If it’s an excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations, it can be disabling. When anxiety interferes with daily activities, you may have an anxiety disorder. Symptoms of anxiety: Excessive worry, persistent anxious thoughts on most days of the week Sleep problems, troubles falling asleep or staying asleep Irrational fears, if the fear is overwhelming and way out of proportion to the actual risk involved Constant muscle tension, clenching your jaw, balling your fists, pains and aches, twitching, stiffness, grinding of teeth, unsteady voice, increased muscular tone. Chronic digestive problems, stomachaches, cramping, bloating, constipation, diarrhea. Blushing, trembling, nausea, profuse sweating, difficulty talking in certain social situations Difficulty in concentration, poor memory. Respiratory symptoms, pressure or constriction in chest, choking feelings, sighing, dyspnea. Frequent flashbacks, reliving a disturbing or traumatic event Perfectionism, constantly judging yourself or anticipatory anxiety about making mistakes or falling short of your standards Obsessive thinking and compulsive behavior Persistent self-doubt and second-guessing