FAQ

  • Other than face-to-face appointments at the Beechwood Centre, I also offer consultations on Zoom.

    I will send my Zoom instructions and videoconferencing information sheet to you by email.

    Tips:

    1. Please check that your visual and audio quality is satisfactory (a good-quality broadband connection is essential).

    2. Visual contact is improved by good lighting.

    3. Headphones/earphones tend to improve audio quality.

    4. Desktop works better than a mobile.

    If you experience any problems, please send me an email or contact me on my mobile.

  • At the first appointment we will discuss your needs and concerns, and I will try to develop an understanding of the problems you would like to address. I will ask you detailed questions about the nature and duration of the problem, about aspects of your mental state, your psychiatric, medical and personal history, and your lifestyle. I may also ask you to complete some questionnaires at home or online, to get a detailed picture of your difficulties.

    At the end of the first appointment we can discuss the number and frequency of treatment sessions required to help you. A course of 8-20 sessions is common, but there are exceptions to the rule. We will continue the assessment at the second appointment; however, we will have agreed on what course of action to take at the end of the first.

  • There are a plethora of health professions, which can be confusing. Here is a bit of background to clinical psychology:

    In brief, Clinical Psychology is a branch of psychology that incorporates the science of human behaviour into the understanding and treatment of mental health problems.

    In the United Kingdom, clinical psychologists are required to complete an undergraduate degree in psychology and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology to qualify and register (“Clinical Psychologist” is a protected title by law in the UK and any practitioner has to be HCPC-registered). However, many clinical psychologists would also have completed a Masters degree. It typically takes a minimum of eight years from start to completion of studies.  

    Training placements are conducted in a number of NHS mental health service settings (e.g. child & adolescent, adult, older adult, learning disability, neuropsychology) and there is training in a range of psychological assessment and treatment approaches. This usually includes an emphasis on cognitive-behavioural therapy, but is not restricted to it. Candidates receive instruction in research methods and statistics, and have to conduct a scientific research study, which is submitted as a dissertation.

    The overseeing and regulatory bodies are the Division of Clinical Psychology of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). They distinguish seven “Practitioner Psychologist” categories: Clinical / Counselling / Educational / Occupational / Forensic / Health / Sport & Exercise, each with expertise in a specific area of psychology and different training requirements.

  • Your information will be treated in compliance with the guidelines for registered clinical psychologists. More information will be provided on registering with the practice.

    Administrative forms, requiring you to provide your personal details and outlining my terms and conditions, will be sent to you. It is essential that I receive your completed practice intake form by the first appointment.