Psychologist or psychotherapist in Florence: which one to choose

Many people use the two terms as synonyms, but they refer to different training paths and areas of intervention. Understanding the distinction helps you choose more knowingly who to turn to.

The psychologist

He or she is a professional with a degree in Psychology, qualified through a State exam and registered with the Professional Register. They deal with counseling, psychological support, assessment and prevention. They can help clarify a situation, cope with a specific difficult moment, or develop tools for managing stress or emotions.

The psychotherapist

He or she is a psychologist (or a physician) who has completed a postgraduate specialization of at least four years at a school recognized by the MUR. This training qualifies them to treat structured psychological disorders, using specific methodologies tied to the school's orientation: Gestalt, cognitive-behavioral, psychoanalytic and others.

How to find your way

There is no rule that applies to everyone, but a few practical criteria can help:

• if the difficulty is recent, limited in scope and linked to a specific event, a psychological consultation may be enough to gain clarity
• if the discomfort has lasted for months, recurs cyclically or affects work and relationships, it makes sense to consider a psychotherapy
• if significant symptoms are present — recurring panic attacks, very low mood, traumatic experiences — psychotherapy is the appropriate path

In any case, the choice should not be made alone and without guidance: the first sessions are precisely meant to understand what is needed. I explore this topic in more depth in the article about the difference between psychologist and psychotherapist.

A check that's always worth doing

Whoever you choose, you can verify their registration in the Register of Psychologists on the website of the National Council of the Order. It's a simple and often overlooked safeguard: the profession is regulated, and qualification is not a mere formality.

My training

I am a psychologist and psychotherapist, registered with the Register of Psychologists of Tuscany (no. 5767), with a degree in Clinical and Health Psychology from the University of Florence. I work with an integrated approach that combines Gestalt and EMDR, cognitive-behavioral techniques and Autogenic Training.

Where I practice

I see clients in my office in Florence, at Via Tommaso Campanella 5, in the Campo di Marte – Coverciano area, reachable by bus lines 10, 17, 20, 31, 32. Also available are online sessions.

Contact me for an initial exploratory consultation, with no obligation.