Training and Research:

• Diplôme d’études approfondies (DEA) in clinical psychology and psychopathology, Université Paris 8. In the French system, this is the initial phase of doctoral studies. Research on OCD and religion.
• Diplôme d’études supérieures spécialisées (DESS) in clinical psychology and psychopathology, Université Paris 8. Specialization in intercultural psychology. In France, the DESS in clinical psychology and psychopathology is the state-recognized qualifying diploma for clinical psychologists.
• Certified Family and Couple’s therapist, trained at le Ceccof, Paris.

Approaches:

In her practice, Anne Belgram uses different approaches although her main references are systemics, Emotionally Focused Couple and Family Therapy (EFT - EFFT), psychodynamic psychology and ethnopsychiatry.

Systemics is an approach to human dynamics and relationships that considers the individual within his/her networks of relationships in order to avoid reductive views of behavior. It is a rich tool for dealing with couple and family problems, but can also be applied in the work place and in individual therapy. In individual therapy, a systemic focus takes into account the big picture and encourages creative thinking about problems. The systemic approach in individual therapy is usually called relational therapy. In her treatment of couples, families and individuals, Anne Belgram uses not only a systemic approach but also explores and addresses the emotional underpinnings of relationships to heal or enhance them.

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) is a scientifically validated, brief therapy based on attachment theory and the neurosciences. Dr Sue Johnson in Canada has been developing this method over the past 30 years.

This approach views distressed couples as being trapped in a repetitive, negative dynamic that makes it very difficult—and often impossible—for partners to respond to each other’s needs for closeness, security, recognition, affection and desire. As a first step, EFT helps couples become aware of this toxic dynamic and of their respective positions and roles within it. The second phase of therapy aims at restructuring the bond between the partners and thereby changing negative behaviors. The title of the method reflects the focus on emotion as organizer of inner experiences and key interactions in love relationships. EFT transforms the emotions that underlie each partner’s behavior, thus fostering the creation of secure, deep and satisfying bonds in the couple.

EFT has proved successful with heterosexual and homosexual couples. The approach can also be used with families: Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, or EFFT.

Specialties:

• Anxiety disorders : general anxiety, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder
• ADHD: individual and family treatment
• Couple and family therapy
• Depression
• Eating disorders and obesity
• Cultural adaptation, acculturation and intercultural mediation
• Trauma-related difficulties : abuse, violence, illness and sudden loss
• Serious physical illness and bereavement
• Life transitions

Fees:

Fees for consultations are determined according to whether the therapy is individual, group, or family/couple. Individual sessions last an hour. Group as well as family and couples sessions usually last 90 minutes.  Anne employs a sliding scale for people experiencing financial difficulty. The French Sécurité Sociale does not reimburse sessions, but some insurance companies do.  Fees are discussed at the first session.