Francesco Musillo

Psychologist psychotherapist FSP

Professional career

After studying Psychology at the Universities of Geneva and Manchester (UK), I obtained a Master of Science (M Sc) in 1997. I initially specialized in Neuropsychology, occupying various positions at different locations in the HUG (University Hospitals of Geneva). After an 'interlude' of several years in public education, I returned to psychology and specialized in Psychotherapy. During and after this training (which allowed me to obtain a Diploma of Advanced Studies in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy), I worked in several psychotherapy-psychiatry consultancies in Geneva, Lausanne and Sion. This has allowed me to gain experience with people suffering from various difficulties. At the beginning of 2019, I opened a consultancy in Sembrancher and a few months later also in Martigny.

Methods

For my training, I have favoured scientifically validated approaches that I practise in a humanist way.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

The cognitive behavioral approach considers that most of our behaviors and beliefs have been learned and continue to shape our habits (of doing and thinking). Through an analysis of the triggering factors (situations, beliefs, sensations, ...) and an active collaboration, therapist and patient aim to adopt new, more adapted habits and a lasting autonomy. In addition to dialogue (speech and verbal exchange constitute a major tool) and analysis, the therapy often includes psycho-body techniques (breathing, cardiac coherence, mindfulness, ...) and exercises, among other things.

Here is more detailed information : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy

EMDR

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy of choice for the treatment of the effects of trauma. It often brings relatively quick relief of suffering and a significant reduction in symptoms. It allows you to: desensitize current traumatic memories, anxieties or phobias, treat post-traumatic stress states, install thoughts more suited to the present.

Here is more detailed information : www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/

Moreover ...

Beyond or in combination with these 2 main approaches (CBT & EMDR), I include in my practice different skills or knowledge of which here are some non-exhaustive elements : tools and knowledge from positive psychology (a scientific discipline different from 'positive thinking'), treatment of BURN-OUT, CBT treatment of insomnia, bereavement, shy-bladder syndrome, heart coherence, ...

Services

Good mental health is crucial for overall good health. Although it is fair to view imbalances as a normal part of life, it is advisable to consult when they start to become too intense or lasting. Better to consult earlier than later.

Thanks to a collaborative, humanist, respectful and confidential care relationship (as psychotherapists, we are bound by professional secrecy and very strict data protection), we restore psychic balance and autonomy in the best possible way. If necessary, I refer people to another specialist (psychologist more experienced in a given area, doctor, ...).

The first sessions consist of a comprehensive assessment aimed at defining the difficulties and their context. Sharing and talking often brings rapid benefits. The type of service and its duration vary according to the nature and intensity of the difficulties and expectations of the patients. Some situations require occasional ad hoc support, others a more sustained and lasting follow-up. In any case, at all times, each person remains completely free to decide what he/she wants to do (or not to do ...): frequency, duration, interruption, ... of the sessions.

Note that drugs, which can clearly provide benefits in some situations, cannot be prescribed by a psychologist, only by a doctor.

Reimbursements

From July 2022 on, the services can be reimbursed by the swiss basic health insurance. In this case, it is necessary to have a prescription from a doctor.

In some cases, benefits can be reimbursed by private supplementary health insurance, depending on the level of personal cover. Patients should contact their insurance company to know precisely the specifics and conditions of the reimbursements; companies and contracts vary greatly.

In some situations, other institutions (AI, Lavi, etc.) cover the costs of the psychotherapeutic follow-up.