FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
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What is the difference between a psychological session, psychological interview, psychotherapy, and psychological support?
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How do in-person and online meetings work?
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CANCELLATION, RELOCATION AND REFUND POLICIES
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informed consent, confidentiality and professional relationship
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Can a psychologist prescribe drugs?
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How does an initial psychological interview take place?
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Do I have to have a serious problem to see a psychologist?
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What happens if I don't feel comfortable after the first few meetings?
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How long does a session last?
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Can I receive an invoice? Is it tax deductible?
What is the difference between a psychological session, psychological interview, psychotherapy, and psychological support?
As a registered psychologist, I can offer patients a range of recognized professional services, but it's important to clarify what falls within my remit and what requires other professionals or specializations.
What can I offer you?
🔹 Psychological interview
It's the structured meeting where we explore emotions, thoughts, difficulties, or goals together. It's the heart of my work, and it's where I listen, evaluate, and help you make sense of what you're experiencing.
🔹 Psychological session
This is another way of defining an interview: the term "session" refers to the meeting itself, whether in person or online. It can be a one-off or part of a process.
🔹 Psychological support
I'll help you manage times of stress, personal crises, relationship difficulties, anxiety, uncertainty, or life changes. This isn't "therapy," but rather targeted, professional, and structured help.
🔹 Psychological counseling
It is a more limited and targeted intervention: it can help you clarify a situation, make a decision, or address a specific issue (e.g. work, parenting, relationships).
Other interventions, if necessary, will be evaluated and proposed to the individual. It is the specialist's responsibility to inform and direct the individual towards the most effective path to achieving their needs.
“The psychologist is required to define his own competence, his own limits and to use clear terminology that is consistent with his professional role and with the aims of the intervention.”
Code of Ethics of the Order of Psychologists.
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How do in-person and online meetings work?
Meetings will be arranged following initial contact. You can schedule them through my profile on Guida Psicologi or by filling out the form in the contact section, where you'll also find my phone number and social media links.
In-person appointments will take place at the agreed-upon time at our Florence office at Via Bonifacio Lupi 14. Online appointments will include a Meet link to connect at the start of the session.
Don't show up too early! I may be busy with another patient. For organizational and privacy reasons, please arrive 5 minutes early and wait to be called. The others will do the same for you!
The price difference between the two services includes office space and travel expenses, allowing us to better tailor the service to the individual's needs and availability.
In-person and online sessions offer the same level of attention and depth: only the setting changes. The choice depends on what makes you feel most comfortable and your practical needs.
CANCELLATION, RELOCATION AND REFUND POLICIES
Each booked appointment represents a private and carefully prepared space, both organizationally and interpersonally. For this reason, cancellation or rescheduling requests must be communicated with minimal advance notice, to allow for mutually respectful time management.
You can cancel a session and receive a full refund only if the request is made at least 48 hours before the scheduled time. After this time, the time is considered permanently booked and the payment is non-refundable, even in the event of unforeseen circumstances or unannounced absences.
If you wish to reschedule your appointment, you can do so at least 48 hours in advance. Appointment changes can be accommodated based on the specialist's and patient's availability. If you notify us within 48 hours of your appointment and there are no available slots for the rescheduled appointment, any payments already made will not be refunded, as the appointment is confirmed and reserved, with no option to use that slot for other requests.
All communications regarding cancellations or rescheduling must be sent via email or the same channel used for booking. The date and time the request is actually received will be considered valid.
These conditions are designed to protect the value of shared time and to support a therapeutic relationship based on clarity and mutual commitment.
What is informed consent and why is it important?
Informed consent is a crucial step in starting any psychological treatment. This means that before we begin working together, we will clearly and transparently explain the goals of the work we can do, the meeting schedule, the expected duration, costs, data management, and any other aspects that will help you make an informed decision. Only after receiving this information will you be able to freely choose whether or not to begin the treatment by signing a form that formalizes this choice.
It's not just about bureaucracy: it's a way to respect your freedom, your right to know, and your active role in the psychological process. It's also a space for dialogue where you can ask all the questions you want and feel welcomed and informed, right from the start.
Is the information I share confidential?
Yes, absolutely.
Everything shared during the psychological program is covered by professional secrecy. This means that any personal, emotional, or family information that emerges during the sessions remains strictly confidential. Even the fact that you are undergoing psychological therapy is never disclosed to anyone. Confidentiality is an essential part of the relationship between psychologist and patient, and is protected by law and the code of ethics.
Only in very specific cases—such as situations of grave danger to you or others—may it be necessary, or required by law, to breach confidentiality, but always in compliance with the regulations and with the utmost care.
Protecting your privacy is a constant priority, accompanying every step of the way.
What kind of relationship is created between psychologist and patient?
The relationship that is built between psychologist and patient is unique, professional and profoundly human.
It's not a relationship between friends or a simple conversation: it's a safe space, created to listen to you without judgment, accompany you on your personal journey, and help you make sense of what you're experiencing.
Even though a strong emotional connection may arise, my role remains that of a professional, with clear and shared boundaries. This allows the process to maintain balance, trust, and safety.
There are no dual roles or personal involvement: precisely because I respect you, my job is to be present in an authentic yet professional way, to offer you the best in terms of listening, clarity, and responsibility.
Can a psychologist prescribe medication?
No. Psychologists do not prescribe medication. My role is to support people through psychological assessment, evidence-based interventions, and the therapeutic relationship. The prescription of medication falls exclusively within the scope of medical professionals, particularly psychiatrists.
If, during the course of therapy, it becomes clear that a medical or psychiatric evaluation may be beneficial, I can help guide you toward the appropriate specialist and, where appropriate, collaborate as part of an integrated approach to your care.
Supporting mental health is often a collaborative process. My role is to provide non-pharmacological psychological support, helping you better understand your experiences, develop effective coping strategies, and improve your emotional well-being.
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What happens during a first psychological consultation?
The first session is a dedicated space for listening, getting to know one another, and understanding what has led you to seek psychological support. Together, we will explore the difficulties you are experiencing, your goals, and your expectations for the therapeutic process.
During this meeting, I will also explain how I work, what you can expect from therapy, how we might proceed, and I will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
There is no need to prepare in any special way. You are welcome to come exactly as you are, even if you are unsure of what to say or do not yet have a clear understanding of what is happening. The first session is already part of the therapeutic process, and the only thing that truly matters is taking that first step.
Do I need to have a serious problem to see a psychologist?
Absolutely not.
You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from psychological support. While many people seek therapy during particularly difficult periods, many others begin therapy to better understand themselves, navigate important life decisions, cope with change, improve their relationships, or simply enhance their overall well-being.
There is no problem that is "too small" or "not serious enough" to deserve attention. Psychological support can be valuable not only when facing emotional distress, but also when you want to grow, strengthen your personal resources, or gain new perspectives on your life.
If something is weighing on you, leaving you feeling confused, or making you feel stuck, that alone is a meaningful reason to reach out for support.
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What if I don't feel comfortable after the first few sessions?
Therapy is, above all, a relationship, and like any meaningful relationship, it takes time to develop trust and a sense of connection.
If, after the first few sessions, you do not feel comfortable, it is completely appropriate to talk about it. Exploring these feelings together can sometimes become an important part of the therapeutic process. In other situations, it may be more helpful to pause or to find another psychologist who feels like a better fit for your needs.
There is no obligation to continue therapy, and there are no expectations or judgments on my part. You are always free to make the decision that feels right for you, and that choice will be met with respect.
The most important thing is that you feel safe, understood, and able to engage in the therapeutic process with confidence.
How long does a therapy session last?
Each session lasts approximately 50 minutes.
This time is intentionally structured to provide a focused and confidential space where we can explore the issues that matter most to you with care, attention, and continuity.
Regularly scheduled sessions help establish a consistent therapeutic rhythm, supporting the psychological process while maintaining a healthy balance between therapy and everyday life.
In certain circumstances, the length of a session may vary slightly depending on individual needs.
Will I receive an invoice? Are therapy sessions tax deductible?
Yes. A regular invoice is issued for every session and will be provided to you after each appointment.
If you have an Italian tax code (codice fiscale), your invoices can also be submitted to the Italian Health Card System (Sistema Tessera Sanitaria), allowing eligible expenses to appear automatically in your tax return. Psychological services are generally recognized as healthcare expenses and may therefore be tax deductible in accordance with Italian law.
This means that you may be able to recover part of the cost through your annual tax return. If you have any questions about invoicing or tax deductions, I will be happy to provide further information, or you may wish to consult your accountant or tax advisor.
