My name is Debra BERG. I’m a psychologist.

My private practice is in Malakoff, a suburb of Paris, and I also work at the Counseling Center at the American Cathedral. I’ve been working in France for 30 years. At first I worked in psychiatry with mentally ill adults and almost 20 years ago began my private practice in clinical psychology.

What do I do as a psychologist?

You come in because something is bothering you. I call it a “presenting problem”. In order to help you, I ask lots of questions and try to understand what the source of the problem is. Just talking about it may already help you. I get a lot of information from very carefully observing and listening to you. We then use various angles, such as feelings, thoughts, behaviors, recommendations, assignments, so you can learn more about yourself.

In fact, the way you relate to me may be quite similar to the way you relate to others. Our working alliance will be the framework in which you be able to gain trust in me, so that I can offer you feedback including personal non-judgmental comments about yourself. This setting will be a springboard for enhancing your relationships outside of the therapist-client relationship.

This will not happen overnight though. Therapy is an ongoing process. When you conclude therapy, you will have largely resolved the difficulties that brought you in. Beyond that, you will have developed your own strengths to handle new challenges that will arise in your life without my help.

With what approaches and techniques?

First I received a degree in occupational therapy in the USA. I then earned my degree in clinical psychology from the University of Paris. Following that, I learned the art of therapy with French, British and American colleagues. To maintain good quality service, I engage in ongoing learning through regular contact with colleagues, courses, reading and professional discussion groups. Some of the therapy approaches I use include “object relations” (psychodynamic) and “systemic (family) therapy” theory. I also use cognitive and behavorial tools, as well as EMDR.

Whom have I worked with?

At the Counseling Center at the American Cathedral I offer psychological help to the English-speaking international community.
The American Embassy refers employees for counseling or therapy.
At the European Space Agency (ESA), I offer consultations to employees from the international European community.
Parson’s School of Design sends me students who need help.
I also see high-risk French patients for short-term psychotherapy sent to me by A.S.D.E.S. Public Health Network.
For almost 20 years now, in my private practice, I have helped hundreds of patients from all walks of life to solve their problems and enhance their well-being.

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