Dr Valerie A. G. Ventureyra BA, MSc, PhD

Sessions from: 110€.

My Credentials

I am a Clinical and Cognitive Psychologist, specialised in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and EMDR, originally from English-speaking Canada and presently residing in Paris, France. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and pursued my Master’s degree at the University of Lyon 2, and my PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience at l’Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales in Paris, France.   I have been in private practice in Paris since 2008 (and online with clients all over France and beyond, for about two years), and am registered as a Clinical Psychologist in France (ARS) and in Belgium (Commission des Psychologues). I am also a member of AFTCC (French CBT Association: Thérapeute Praticien (TP)).

In addition to my clinical practice, I have also explored, and continue to be involved in diverse activities involving the dissemination of Psychology, including teaching and lecturing at universities and international conferences ; participating in scientific research and publications ; writing press articles for “Sciences Humaines”,”Cercle Psy” and “Internations” magazines, and creating course content for the training of CBT therapists and other documentation (guides for therapists treating victims of terrorist attacks and for dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic) at the French CBT Association (AFTCC). I also participate in Crisis Interventions following traumatic events in private companies.

My Approach

I propose individual psychotherapy for adults and adolescents using CBT and/or EMDR, both being scientifically-validated, brief and solution-focused therapies. I also work with other approaches belonging to the ‘third wave” of CBT, such as Schema Therapy (for emotional issues originating in childhood and adolescence and still having an impact on life today, such as Abandonment), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Positive Psychology, tailoring to the client’s needs.

Although clients initially consult a psychologist-psychotherapist in order to overcome, resolve or manage emotional and behavioural problems, psychotherapy often goes beyond problem resolution, and can also become a journey toward personal discovery, development and growth. Over the years I have accompanied numerous clients from all horizons and cultures on this path, and have found this most rewarding. Positive psychology, which focuses on fostering well-being by using one’s strengths and virtues, can be an aid in revealing and developing talents and ressources in order to lead a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.

About Me

As an expat, having grown up trilingual (English, Spanish and French) and (at least) tricultural, since early childhood, and maintaining strong ties to several countries on three continents (North and South America, and Europe), as well as being passionate about travelling and discovering novel ways of interacting in the world, I consider myself a true World Citizen with a global mind and outlook on human nature. It is this part of my identity that lands me in a privileged position to work with expats, third culture kids and global travellers experiencing culture shock, as well those experiencing reverse culture shock, homesickness, difficulty with intercultural relationships and other adjustment challenges.

Summary

I am a Private Native English-speaking Psychologist and CBT & EMDR Therapist based in Paris, and also working by tele-consultation (Zoom/ Skype/ FaceTime), with adults, teenagers and older adults. I also work in Spanish and French.