psychological therapy

One of the main benefits of choosing to work with a Clinical Psychologist is that we are trained to draw on and to integrate a range of psychological therapy approaches. The ability to integrate approaches in this way means that we are able to respond with flexibility to each individual we work with.

Whilst I do make use of a number of approaches in this way, I principally draw on psychodynamic psychotherapy, which is a school of psychotherapy that has, for over a century, been evolving in response to the original ideas of Sigmund Freud. This evidence-based approach takes as much interest in the person experiencing symptoms as it does in the symptoms themselves. The aim is to achieve deep-seated change in the way a person relates to themselves and to others. It tends to appeal to people who wish to think about themselves in depth in order to make enduring changes in how they cope with life.

Each session lasts for fifty minutes and takes place in a purpose-built clinic in Wolsingham, online, or by phone.
 

supervision

I have completed a BPS approved Register of Applied Psychology Practice Supervisors training course and am experienced in providing clinical supervision to other psychologists. I am an accredited Balint Group leader and can provide reflective practice groups in this format. Fees for individual clinical supervision are the same as for therapy.

assessment & formulation

I offer an Assessment and Formulation package, which includes five sessions and a report. During the initial four sessions, information is gathered about your difficulties in order to understand them better from a psychological perspective. A preliminary 'map' of what may keep the problems going is then developed and shared. This 'formulation' is used to inform recommendations for treatment or management of the difficulties in question. Whilst the assessment does sometimes result in a diagnosis, often it does not as many conditions require multidisciplinary input to reach a formal diagnosis. A final fifth session provides an opportunity to discuss a draft of the report and to consider any changes that may be required before it is finalised. Often, people wish to have an assessment report to share with their GP.

The Assessment and Formulation Package is typically requested when a person:

• Prefers to have a report that includes treatment recommendations prior to deciding whether to commit to psychological therapy.

• Presents with a significant level of risk and/or complexity and a formal assessment is recommended as a first step.

• Wants an opportunity to talk about their problems in depth before deciding whether psychological therapy is for them.

• Wishes to consider whether there may be things they can do to help themselves without on-going psychological therapy.