FAQs

I have worked with a wide variety of people from varying walks of life, backgrounds and ages.

People often come to therapy when their usual coping strategies are maybe no longer as helpful as they used to be or when particular coping strategies may have become unhelpful and started to create further difficulties. Sometimes things resolve themselves but sometimes people need guidance in order to be able to move forward.

Part of being in this world involves encountering difficulties at times. This is something we all experience and is a normal and natural part of human existence.

Clinical psychologists are scientist-practitioners who, through the use evidence based therapies, are trained to support and guide you to create positive changes in your life so that you can move forward with a greater sense of well-being. Other mental health professionals such Psychiatrists usually manage mental health difficulties by prescribing medication. Psychotherapists or counsellors may offer similar types of talking therapies but often work from only one therapeutic approach such as cognitive behavioural therapy. The unique strengths of a clinical psychologists is that they are trained in multiple therapeutic approaches at doctoral level, alongside conducting research into the effectiveness of therapy. Clinical psychologists are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which ensures a high level of competency and expertise. 

I am an integrative Psychologist which means I draw on a range of models to enable me to provide support and guidance that is specifically tailored to you. Every person is completely different and their maybe multiple strategies to achieve the same goal. Not “one size fits all”

This is entirely dependent on my availability and yours. I may have space to start immediately, but it may not be at a time that is convenient for you. This is something that can be discussed in our initial free telephone conversation. But I will always endeavour to offer you convenient sessions as quickly as possible.

Following assessment, I usually recommend a minimum of 6 sessions in order to develop and experience the therapeutic relationship and allow progress. I can provide a better idea of length required following assessment as this is dependent on your needs and presenting difficulties. Each individuals requirements are very different however we will decide this together during assessment.

Yes. Psychologists are registered with professional bodies that have strict codes of conduct regarding confidentiality. A psychologist will only breach confidentiality if they recognise a risk and need to ensure safety.

My full privacy policy explains how your personal information is stored, used and how long it is retained for. You can access this policy here.

Online therapy offers greater flexibility and is a way of working that a lot of us have had to become accustomed too over the last year or so. I offer online therapy (via zoom) if this is your preferred method. Online therapy maybe better suited if you are short on time, have family commitments, or have a physical or psychological difficulty that may make travelling or leaving the house more difficult (such as chronic pain or social anxiety).

There is no need to bring anything with you. However, if you did want to share anything that you have written, drawn or you have an object or a photograph that you feel would help you to explore your difficulties, then please feel free to bring this along. Sometimes people find using a notebook to write things between sessions can be helpful but this is not required.

Yes if you feel it would be helpful to bring someone with you for support then you are welcome to invite them along to some or all of the sessions.

I am a registered professional with AXA PPP healthcare, Aviva, Vitality Health and Aetna.

If I am not currently registered with your insurer please let me know and I may be able to get registered.

I do not offer an emergency service. If you need help urgently, please contact the following services;

GP

Local A&E or contact your

Local crisis support service, details of which can be found at Find Crisis support services – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Samaritans – call 116 123 to speak to a volunteer, or email jo@samaritan.org for a reply within 24 hours.

Mind – helpline – 0300 123 3393 – 9-6 Mondays to Fridays (except bank holidays);

Email  info@mind.org.uk, or text 86463