FAQs
I’ve decided I would like to see a Psychologist. What should I do next?
The first step is to contact us using our enquiry form. We may suggest a brief telephone call to answer any initial queries before scheduling a first session.
What happens at the first session?
The initial consultation will involve a comprehensive evaluation of your needs. In practice this means hearing your thoughts about what is troubling you, gathering details about when and how the problem has developed and discussing what might be helpful from here. It is also an opportunity for us to get to know each other and for you to decide if you feel comfortable working with me. By the end of this session, I will be able offered you some initial impressions of what our work might include. Your goals for therapy and an initial therapy plan will be discussed.
There is no obligation to have further sessions after our initial consultation.
I’ve decided that I would like further therapy. How many sessions will I need?
It is normal for us to plan four sessions in the first instance followed by a review. The length of the course of therapy is dependent on the difficulties presented but is normally between 6 and 20 sessions.
How long are the sessions and what do they involve?
Ongoing therapeutic sessions run for 50 minutes. This is known as a therapeutic hour.
The sessions may involve discussing thoughts, feelings and behaviours, practicing exercises both together and between sessions and keeping records or notes. We will work on problems using evidence-based therapies and in line with the guidelines given by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).
Single session intervention sessions run for 90 minutes. The session will include a brief assessment to build an understanding of the situation, and the development of a plan to move forwards.
Are sessions confidential?
Everything that is discussed in our sessions is confidential and remains between the client and the therapist. We will not share information about you without your permission. The only exceptions to this are if the therapist is concerned that the client or someone else is at risk of being harmed, or if illegal activity is disclosed.
We will always discuss sharing information with others before we do so.
It can be helpful for us to share information with your GP and other health professionals involved in your care. We will discuss this with you in your initial consultation. Personal information is stored in line with GDPR regulations.
What should I do if I feel unable to keep myself safe?
We regret that we are unable to provide a crisis service. If, at any point between sessions you feel that you are unable to keep yourself safe it is important that you contact your GP in the first instance. If it is out of hours we recommend that you present at your local A&E service where appropriate assistance can be given.
Why see a Clinical Psychologist rather than a Counsellor?
Clinical Psychologists undergo in-depth training covering the full range of psychological disorder, populations and life span. They are trained to assess using a range of techniques including interview, observation and psychometric measures. Following assessment a formulation is developed, which aims to put the information gathered into a coherent explanation of a client’s difficulties. This is then used to inform treatment using a range of evidence-based psychological models.
Clinical Psychologists complete both an undergraduate and doctorate degree and are registered and regulated by the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council). A Chartered Clinical Psychologist must also be registered with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and must have completed a registered doctorate degree and been qualified for a specified minimum period.
Counsellors also use talking therapy to alleviate distress and have normally trained in a specific model for this purpose. However, the term “counsellor” is not regulated and, essentially, anyone can practise using this term regardless of qualification or experience. While many counsellors are very proficient it is very important to investigate credentials before beginning work and to clarify if your difficulty is within their area of expertise.