How long will I need psychotherapy for?

It varies. For specific goals, particularly with structured approaches, 4–12 months. For deeper changes, 1–3 years or more. The duration is adjusted along the way, depending on progress. Many patients begin with one estimate and adjust it after the first few months.

Do I have to come weekly?

Weekly frequency is the standard for most forms of psychotherapy. This rhythm maintains continuity and preserves the flow between sessions. In some cases (for example in deep analytical psychotherapy), the frequency may be higher (2–3 times a week); in others, lower (every 2 weeks). This decision is made together with the therapist.

Can I have psychotherapy while taking medication?

Yes. For many conditions, the combination of medication and psychotherapy is more effective than either alone. At Acord Med, we can coordinate the two approaches without sending you from place to place.

Which psychotherapy approach is best?

There is no single "best" approach — there are approaches that fit certain conditions or certain patients better than others. For anxiety disorders and depression, CBT has the strongest evidence of effectiveness. For personality disorders or working with complex trauma, other approaches may be a better fit. For deep self-understanding, analytical approaches are classic. At your first consultation, the therapist can explain why they recommend a particular approach.

How do I choose between one psychotherapist and another?

In psychotherapy, the **therapeutic relationship** is one of the strongest factors in effectiveness. Our recommendation is to read the therapists' profiles, have a first session with someone whose training and approach seem to suit you, and after 1–2 sessions assess whether you feel comfortable. Changing therapist early on is normal and accepted — what matters is finding a relationship in which you can open up safely.

You can fill in the form on the Contact page or call us at +40 740 885 566.

Psychotherapy — Acord Med

What psychotherapy is

Psychotherapy is a specialist intervention for lasting change in how you think, feel and relate. It is carried out by psychotherapists with specific training, within a stable therapeutic relationship, over the course of several months or years.

Unlike counselling (which works with concrete situations in the present), psychotherapy works with deep patterns — automatic ways of reacting, beliefs about yourself and the world, persistent emotional difficulties. Unlike medication (which targets the biological component of symptoms), psychotherapy targets the psychological, relational and underlying component.

The two approaches are not mutually exclusive — for many conditions, the combination is more effective than either alone.

Not sure whether you need psychotherapy or counselling? See the difference →

Who psychotherapy is for

Psychotherapy is indicated for a broad range of situations:

Mental health conditions:

depression — particularly recurrent depression or depression underlain by lasting patterns
anxiety disorders — generalised anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder
mood disorders
personality disorders — psychotherapy is the treatment of choice
trauma-related disorders

Patterns that repeat:

relationships that fail in the same way
recurring conflicts with colleagues, managers or family
decisions you regret, repeated over the years
persistent difficulties with intense emotions
an unstable or deeply negative self-image

Suffering that does not resolve with one-off interventions:

a constant sense that “I am not myself”
a persistent inner emptiness
difficulty forming close relationships
marked fear of abandonment, or, conversely, of closeness
a sense that life is meaningless

Support during acute moments (exceptional situations):

suicidal intent — psychotherapy can be part of the care plan, in close coordination with the psychiatrist
complicated or prolonged bereavement
deep existential crises
acute situations of major conflict

Supporting the work of bereavement — psychotherapy can be a valuable framework for processing important losses, especially when grief is prolonged or complicated.

Types of psychotherapy

There are several modalities of psychotherapy, each with its own principles and methods. In brief, the main directions:

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) — focused on identifying and changing the patterns of thought and behaviour that maintain suffering. Structured, with clear goals, of medium duration. Effective for anxiety disorders, depression, OCD and other specific conditions.

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy — a deeper exploration of the unconscious, of personal history and of patterns formed in childhood. Longer in duration, less structured, focused on self-understanding.

Analytical psychotherapy — exploring the unconscious through symbols, dreams and the process of individuation.

Transactional analysis — explores the ego states (Parent, Adult, Child) and the relational patterns that arise from their interaction.

Couple and family therapy — focused on the relational system, not just on the individual. Indicated for relationship difficulties, family conflicts and dysfunctional communication.

Other approaches — there are many other modalities (psychodrama, systemic therapy, Adlerian therapy, Ericksonian hypnosis and so on). At Acord Med, our therapists work in several modalities; we will recommend the approach that fits your situation best.

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What psychotherapy is like

The first session lasts approximately 60 minutes and is an introductory meeting: a conversation about what brings you in, your personal and symptom history, clarification of goals — what you would like to change or understand — and agreement on the framework of work (frequency, estimated duration, the chosen modality).

Subsequent sessions are usually weekly, lasting 45–50 minutes, and take place within a stable frame — the same time, the same day, the same place. This frame is part of the intervention: stability provides the safety needed to work on difficult material. Every few months, the therapist and patient discuss where the process is, what has changed, and what is still to be worked on.

Total duration varies: for specific goals with CBT, 4–12 months; for deeper changes (analytical psychotherapy, personality disorders), 1–3 years or more.

Coordination with the psychiatrist

For conditions that benefit from a combined approach (medication and psychotherapy), Acord Med offers direct coordination between specialists.

In practice, this means:

the psychiatrist and the psychotherapist communicate about the patient’s progress (with their consent)
the treatment plan is integrated — with no contradictory messages
adjustments to treatment are discussed within the team
the patient does not have to act as a “messenger” between specialists

This coordination is one of the essential components of how we work.

Cost and CNAS

CNAS coverage — certain psychotherapy services can be covered by Acord Med’s contract with the National Health Insurance Fund, on the basis of a referral. We can advise at the time of booking on the available options for each type of psychotherapy.

Paid — current rates for psychotherapy are on the Pricing page. For couple or family therapy, the rate may differ.