Pernier Sophie

Psychologist FSP, federally recognized psychotherapist (CBT focus)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
The cognitive-behavioral approach is based on understanding and modifying the interactions between our behaviors, thoughts and emotions. In fact, all these aspects interact with each other and can sometimes together cause suffering or lead us to repeat actions that are harmful to us.
The particularity of this approach is that it integrates new facts brought about by scientific research, so we speak of an evidence-based approach. Thanks to research, the underlying mechanisms of each mental illness are increasingly well identified. In the cognitive-behavioral approach, the therapist and patient work together to solve a defined problem. Each brings his or her own expertise to the table: the patient being the person who knows him- or herself best, and the therapist having the theoretical and practical knowledge acquired in the course of his or her training to help.

Schema-focused therapy.
Schema-focused therapy is part of the broader field of cognitive-behavioral therapy. It is aimed specifically at people who observe unpleasant events recurring in their lives.
The principle is that, from early childhood, we develop protective mechanisms in the face of the difficult life events we may encounter. While these mechanisms are useful, they can also become disabling over time or in particular circumstances. Therapy consists first and foremost in identifying these mechanisms and distancing ourselves from them, so that they are only used in functional situations.

Therapy with people living with a mental disability
The founding principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy do not differ when addressed to a population of people living with a mental disability. However, certain adaptations are necessary (equipment, therapeutic setting, mediation interviews with relatives and the patient network).

Therapy for whom?
Many reasons may lead to seeking help from a therapist. Most often, requests are linked to the feeling of significant psychological suffering. The cause of this suffering differs greatly from one person to another. It may be due to difficult life events (trauma following an attack or accident, bereavement, bankruptcy, mobbing), psychological illness or difficulty in accepting certain aspects of oneself, be it one's body or one's way of being. Sometimes we start therapy to get to know ourselves better and understand how we function on a daily basis or in a given context.

Sometimes, a more difficult life path or accidents may require adjustments. This is the case for people suffering from brain damage or developmental disorders. These aspects can interact with other disorders and make them worse. In such cases, the therapist adapts the environment to ensure that the patient can fully benefit from the therapy. He also tries to understand and treat the interactions between the different difficulties encountered by his patient.

Psychic illnesses:

• Fear of meeting other people, of being in a place without an easily accessible exit, anxiety attacks that lead to breathing difficulties and/or stomach aches... (Anxiety disorders)
• Invasive ideas and the need to make sure nothing bad is going to happen (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders)
• Wanting to do nothing, dark thoughts, sadness, loss of self-confidence and confidence in the future, moods swinging from one extreme to another... (Mood Disorders)
• Difficulties managing food, tendency to eat in very large quantities or avoid eating... (Eating disorders)
• Difficulty stopping consuming alcohol or other substances, difficulty stopping going on the internet, playing gambling games... (Addictions)
• Hearing, feeling or seeing things that others don't perceive, having the impression that someone means you harm despite the assurance that you're in no danger... (Psychotic disorders)