Question 1

Do I have a mental health problem?

Accepted Answer

Common mental health disorders like anxiety and depression, are called common because everyone struggles from time to time.
 
We are all on a continuum.
 
We all have negative and anxious thoughts - whether this becomes a 'disorder' is just an issue of terminology. As a rule of thumb, if your thoughts and the way you have started to react, or manage, your thoughts (e.g. by staying in bed more, withdrawing from friends, feeling isolated, drinking or eating more, sleep problems) then its a sign therapy can help

Question 2

Do I need a referral to see a private psychologist?

Accepted Answer

Your GP may have recommended talking therapy but you do not need to be referred by a GP.
​
Anyone can come and see a private clinical psychologist.
​
Simply contact me to arrange your sessions.

Question 3

​How is a psychologist different to a counsellor?

Accepted Answer

I will not just be offering a space to talk and reflect. Psychologists like to get to the root of the issue and make significant changes in your thinking, reactions, interactions and emotional state. 
During our assessment, I will construct a carefully developed 'formulation.'
 
This is a psychological blueprint, diagram, or map, of your mind.
 
Put simply, it is critical for effective therapy as it shows us exactly where to work. It draws together your past and present, your thoughts and feelings, your environment and health and your hopes and dreams. It highlights how all parts of your life are interacting and where the problems are.
 ​
Once we know exactly what is working against you and keeping you stuck we can change your direction using a variety of intervention methods. My therapy page describes the different ways I work.

Question 4

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

After we have our consultation I will provide a fair estimate of treatment length. I base this on the clinical guidance produced by the National Institute of clinical excellence NICE). On average, depending on the problem, most clients will have between 8-12 sessions for a mild issue, and 12-20 for a more chronic or complex issue. Many of my clients like to switch to coaching sessions once they achieve their goals.

Question 5

How often will I need to come?

Accepted Answer

Research shows that therapy is most effective if you see your therapist weekly.
 
However, once you have 'the hang of it' starting to have sessions less often is what I advise. I know life is busy and I will support you with the process of becoming your own therapist from our first session. I want you to learn as much as you can about your own mind, your automatic reactions, your repeating patterns and habits and how to change these and maintain your progress. Many clients like to come less frequently once they are applying the work successfully into their life.

Question 6

What are the benefits of seeing a clinical psychologist?

Accepted Answer

You are investing in yourself. When you are trusting your mind, your psyche, your mental health and the re-wiring of your neuronal connections to someone then you need to be very sure of their credentials.
 
Depending on the amount you would normally invest in something you rely on every day, like a car, a phone, or a laptop, most people accept that spending more gets you what you pay for.
 
Clinical psychologists have been at University for a minimum of 6 years, most averaging 8 years of University Education to finally qualify as a Doctor of Clinical Psychology. I have 3 degrees and a total of 8 years at the University of Manchester.
 
After qualifying, Clinical Psychologists in the NHS are committed to several continuing professional development courses each year and ongoing supervision of their skills every year.

If I am working with you on your problems, I am not just fixing your problems, I am teaching you to be your own therapist. This means that the skills you learn now, for these problems, will be your investment to use again and again, as you need to, now or in the future when another problem or challenge presents.  I believe that this is true value.

Question 7

Can I have therapy sessions through my health insurance?

Accepted Answer

We do not accept any insurance clients. Some clients have paid for their therapy personally and been able to get reimbursed from their insurance company but this is not something we can arrange for you.

Question 8

Is it confidential?

Accepted Answer

As a Chartered Consultant Psychologist, I am trained to respect your privacy, confidentiality and to be discrete.
 
There are many high-profile individuals who seek therapy and want assurances that their treatment is confidential.
 
As this is a private service I adhere to clear and strict guidelines relating to confidentiality. This means that anything you say to me is confidential, and no information is released about you.

There are only a small number of situations where I have a legal duty of care to share information.

This is only if I become concerned about serious harm occurring to either yourself or others.
 
Other circumstances would be if required to by a court of law, or if a referring agency or insurance company is paying your fees or requires a report.
 
Should any of these exceptions occur, this would be discussed.

I will gladly answer any questions about confidentiality and your information at our initial meeting.

Frequently asked questions