Periodically people ask me where they can get counselling in Provence in English...it’s not so easy to find. So when I come across someone really good who does just that, I’m very happy to share the info.
After training and then working as a therapist in London for four years, my friend Jitesh Odedra has officially hung out his counselling shingle in Tarascon.
Since moving from London to Provence in 2015, Jitesh has done a variety of jobs including teaching English and consulting to the European Union on their Erasmus Program.
Last year, however, he realized he really missed the intimacy of the work--and saw how Covid amplified a need for therapy--so he decided to update his certification so he could practice here in France.
I did some sessions with Jitesh early this year and found them extremely rewarding.
Jitesh practices “humanistic counselling” which has developed over the past 60 years within the larger field of professional psychology.
“The focus is predominantly on the individual’s unique story and their potential to explore,” he says. “It includes self-learning, creativity, acceptance and empathy. My goal is to create a space that’s non-judgmental, supportive and understanding, in a setting that’s always safe and confidential.”
Above all, humanistic counselling adheres to the belief that the client has vast resources for self-understanding, for altering their attitudes and for putting new more-constructive behaviors in place.
“The approach focuses on you and your world,” Jitesh continues, “and provides an empathetic, attentive and accepting space in which you can explore the past, present and future, instead of concentrating on one specific period of time. I believe that our stories, memories and feelings are a good starting point. Therapy enables one to change focus and navigate life in a different direction. Culture and cultural differences make this journey richer and more challenging."
Jitesh works in English and in French, in person and online, for individuals, couples and families of all nationalities. His bright, pretty office in Tarascon is located in a renovated priory adjacent to the Eglise Saint-Jacques, in the heart of the village. Personally, I love the guy and find him funny, insightful, discrete, compassionate and wise...and I think you would too. You’ll find his bio, prices and other details on his website below.
+33 (0)6 16 36 52 62
counsellinginprovence.com
counsellinginprovence@gmail.com
Ancien Presbytere de St Jacques
Place St Jacques (Rue Emile Zola)
How refreshing and practical to be reminded that part of the dream of living in France may mean therapy and counseling.
ReplyDeleteThanks for saying that! :)
DeleteI can vouch for all of the above!
ReplyDeleteHi Julie. Thanks for this very helpful article. Definitely something that isn't spoken much about here in this region. If it's okay with you, I'd like to share this post on the FB group, Expats in and around Manosque.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Kruti
Hi Kruti, of course you can share it...thank you! :)
DeleteA friend just wrote me this: "I just saw your post about counseling in Provence. I also have another alternative to suggest, I don’t know if you’re familiar with Betterhelp. It’s an online platform where you’re assigned a therapist according to your needs and you can chat, phone, or video call as many times as you like and whenever you want. I think it costs 200/month. I find it interesting for people who cant commit to a physical appointment every week or who travel a lot or who are afraid of COVID and being in a room for too long with someone else, etc. Hope this is helpful!"
ReplyDelete