Psychopractitioner in Nantes: How to Choose the Right CBT Therapist for You

You're going through a difficult time — persistent anxiety, a strained relationship, or simply a lingering feeling of unease that has followed you for months. You've decided to take the plunge and see a psychopractitioner. Excellent décision. But how do you choose the right one? How can you tell if this person will truly be able to help you?

This is a question I receive regularly at my practice in Nantes. And it is entirely legitimate. The therapeutic relationship is an alliance between two people, and this alliance must be built on trust, competence and a genuine understanding of your needs.

Why the Choice of Therapist Is Crucial

Before discussing selection criteria, it is important to understand something: the quality of the therapist is one of the most important factors in therapeutic success.

Research in psychotherapy shows that success depends less on the technique used than on the quality of the relationship between the therapist and the patient. This is what we call the "therapeutic alliance". Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck, the founders of cognitive behavioural therapy, understood this well: CBT without empathy is an empty technique.

But how do you assess this alliance before even starting? And how do you verify that the therapist has the necessary skills to support you?

Essential Criteria for Choosing Your Psychopractitioner

1. Check Training and Accreditations

A genuine CBT psychopractitioner must have completed rigorous training. Here is what you should look for:

• Certified CBT training: A minimum of 400 hours of theoretical training in cognitive behavioural therapy
• Clinical supervision: The therapist should undergo regular supervision with a more experienced practitioner
• Membership of a professional body: In France, look for therapists registered with AFFORTT (Association Francaise des Formations et Recherches en Thérapie Comportementale et Cognitive) or other recognised bodies
• Continuing education: A good practitioner continues to train throughout their career

Why? Because CBT is a science-based approach. It evolves. Research on Beck's cognitive therapy, Young's schemas, or mindfulness (Kabat-Zinn) constantly allows us to refine our techniques.

2. Specialisation and Experience

CBT can treat many disorders: anxiety, dépression, sleep disorders, emotional dependency, relationship problems... But not all therapists spécialisé in every area.

Questions to ask:

• Do you have experience with my specific issue?
• How many patients have you supported with this type of difficulty?
• What is your success rate (or rather, how do you measure progress)?

If you suffer from emotional dependency, for example, look for a therapist who understands attachment issues. If it is a relationship problem, make sure they have experience in couples therapy. We explored this question in our article on the 10 cognitive distortions that sabotage your romantic relationship — understanding these mental traps is essential for a good therapist.

3. The Concrete Therapeutic Approach

A good CBT psychopractitioner does not simply listen. They must propose a structured approach with clear objectives.

What you should hear during a first consultation:

• A clear explanation of your problem in cognitive and behavioural terms
• A proposal for measurable therapeutic goals
• A description of the techniques that will be used
• An estimated treatment timeline

For example, if you suffer from relational anxiety, the therapist should explain how your automatic thoughts ("He doesn't love me anymore", "I'm going to lose him") fuel your compulsive checking behaviours (checking your phone every 5 minutes). This article on relational anxiety details how CBT can help you break this cycle.

4. Empathy and Compassion

Here, I must be honest: this is the most subjective part, but also the most important.

A therapist can have all the qualifications in the world — if they treat you with coldness or judgement, it will not be effective. You should feel that:

• They truly listen to you (not just to fill in a form)
• They understand your emotions without judging you
• They adapt their language to your situation
• They respect you as a person

During your first call or first appointment, ask yourself this simple question: "Did I feel heard and respected?"

5. Transparency on Fees and Process

Before committing, you should know:

• What is the cost per session?
• What is the typical duration of a session?
• How many sessions are generally needed for your issue?
• Is there a cancellation policy?
• Does the therapist offer an initial informational consultation?

A serious professional will be transparent about these points. They will not promise a miraculous cure in 3 sessions, but they will be able to give you a reasonable estimate.

Practical Exercises: How to Evaluate a Therapist

Before committing, here is a small exercise I often recommend:

Exercise: The Compatibility Test

Call 3-4 therapists and note your impressions:

- How did they welcome you? - Did they ask questions about your needs? - Did they explain their approach in simple language?

Ask these 5 key questions:

- "What is your experience with [your issue]?" - "How does CBT work for [your issue]?" - "How do you measure progress?" - "How many sessions do you think it will take?" - "What happens if I don't feel improvement after 5-6 sessions?"

Evaluate how you felt:

- Did I feel heard? - Did I understand their approach? - Do I trust this person? - Am I comfortable with the fees?

Pitfalls to Avoid

The therapist who judges you

If the therapist makes you feel bad about your feelings or behaviours, that is not a good sign. CBT accepts that you have negative thoughts, fears, jealousy — this is normal. The therapist's role is to help you transform them, not to condemn you.

The therapist who promises a quick cure

"You'll be cured in 5 sessions!" Be wary. Therapy is a process. Certainly, rapid improvements can be seen, but lasting change takes time. This is particularly true for deep-rooted schemas — what Jeffrey Young calls "early maladaptive schemas". We detailed this in our article on Young's 18 schemas.

The therapist who does not involve you

You are the hero of your own story. A good therapist gives you the tools, but you must use them. If the therapist does not offer you exercises to do between sessions, or does not actively involve you, it is not genuine CBT.

The therapist who has no boundaries

A therapist who responds to your messages at midnight, who offers you free sessions, or who suggests a friendship outside of therapy — these are warning signs. Professional boundaries exist for your protection.

Questions You Should Ask

Here is a list of concrete questions you can ask during your first contact:

About their training:

• What is your foundational training? (Psychologist, nurse, coach, etc.)
• How long have you been practising CBT?
• Are you regularly supervised?

About your issue:

• Have you treated cases similar to mine?
• What is your approach for [anxiety/emotional dependency/relationship problems]?
• How do you know if the therapy is working?

About the process:

• What does a typical session look like?
• How long do you think I will need to attend?
• Do you assign homework exercises?
• Are you available for emergencies?

About fees:

• What is your fee?
• Do you offer reduced rates for students or the unemployed?
• Can I have an invoice for insurance reimbursement?

Before You Start: Assess Your Own Situation

Before even looking for a therapist, it is helpful to understand where you stand. If you are wondering whether you really need therapy, read our article Do I Need a Therapist? 10 Unmistakable Signs.

You can also take our free psychological tests to gain a better understanding of your current situation.

What Happens Next: The Therapeutic Alliance in Action

Once you have chosen your therapist, the first 2-3 sessions are crucial. This is when the therapeutic alliance truly takes shape.

You should feel:

• That the therapist understands your situation


• That you have a clear direction


• That you are actively involved in the process


• That you are already beginning to see things differently

If after 4-5 sessions you feel no improvement and no connection, there is no shame in looking for another therapist. It is your mental health that is at stake.

Conclusion: A Personal and Important Choice

Choosing a CBT psychopractitioner is not a décision to take lightly. It deserves time, reflection and trust in your instincts.

Remember: you are the client. You have the right to ask questions, to request clarifications, and to seek a better fit if necessary.

A good CBT therapist will combine scientific rigour, genuine empathy and practical involvement. They will help you understand how your thoughts, emotions and behaviours interact — and above all, how to modify them to live better.

For personalised support tailored to your situation, visit psychologieetserenite.com. I would be delighted to discuss your specific needs and explore how I can help you.

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Gildas Garrec, CBT Psychopractitioner in Nantes

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Watch: Go Further

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