Cara Goubault

In insight-oriented psychodynamic work, a symptom is not something to be rid of. It is a sign that something in your life is not working. You speak freely about what comes to mind. I listen for behaviour and thoughts that repeat, and for a reason that is logical psychologically even when it is not logical to the conscious mind. Often that reason began in childhood or adolescence. Once it is conscious, it becomes easier to tolerate not repeating what hurts. Energy can then go toward creative work and relationships that are more your own.

I give specific tasks, while taking into account the bigger picture. When the need is shorter, we look at stress, anxiety, cultural misunderstandings, bureaucracy, or the loneliness of being far from family. You do not have to take on a long piece of work for every problem.

With children, play is the way we talk, and parents stay part of the work. Confidentiality about what is said in the session is explained at the first visit. With bi-national couples we look at cultural differences, communication, intimacy, money, children and future plans, so that each person can keep their own aims and support the other's growth. The task I come back to is an inner voice that can be a friend and a guide, and a balance between love, work and play.

If you are bringing a child, I prefer to meet you before I meet the child, or soon afterwards. I want your experience and history, and I explain confidentiality at that first visit: what is said in the child's session stays there, while you remain part of the work. With adolescents your part is smaller, and only with their agreement.

We will see whether you need a shorter, practical piece of work or something slower. There is a 15-minute introductory call, and an individual session is 50 minutes, online by video.

Expat adaptation, from ages 7 to 97, is the ground I know. I also work well with children who cannot yet say what the move feels like, and with adolescents who need privacy while a lot is changing.

Some notice a pattern that repeats: the same sort of relationship, overeating, or feeling fine in one place and low in another. I work with bi-national couples and with families.

I grew up in Upstate New York and I live as an expat in France. What I trust is the capacity to hear beyond the surface of a complaint, toward what is symbolic, including dreams, and toward a person becoming more themselves rather than only symptom-free.

I am a psychotherapist, authorised to use that title in France. I did clinical infant observation with the Tavistock and the Centre d'Etudes Martha Harris, in Larmor Plage.

I have worked with children, adolescents and adults, in institutions and in private practice, in France and in the United States. The practice people come to is in Nantes. I also go into schools and associations, and I have facilitated talking groups for people living with diabetes. Alongside that I offer a shorter practical form of work, longer psychodynamic psychotherapy, and psychoanalysis.