Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Clinical Psychologist, and how do they differ from a Counsellor?

Clinical Psychologists are senior mental health practitioners. Clinical Psychologists trained in the UK have to complete a psychology degree (or conversion) accredited by the British Psychological Society, in addition to a 3-year Doctorate in Clinical Psychology - this is the highest level and standard of academic qualification. Typically, most clinical psychologists have also undertaken at least 8 years of training and work experience before qualifying.

Many counsellors are not trained to this level of qualification, and most have completed qualifications at the Diploma level. Clinical Psychologists are also taught a variety of different therapies and how to integrate these different approaches to suit the client. Counsellors have typically trained in only one therapy.

Clinical Psychologists aim to reduce psychological distress and enhance and promote psychological and physical well-being. They are highly skilled in carrying out psychological assessment, delivering psychological therapy, and also providing consultation, training and supervision to others.

Offering psychological therapy is one of the main roles of a Clinical Psychologist and they are trained in a number of different types of psychological therapy. Psychological therapy is a way of helping people to work through a range of emotional, relational and behavioural difficulties.

How do I pay my fee’s

I ask for payment at the time of booking for assessment appointments.

For subsequent appointments payment by cash or card is made at the end of each session. Payment via online banking is also accepted 24 hours prior to the session.

What are your fee’s?

Most sessions last for 50 minutes and are priced at £100. Longer sessions can be arranged if we think this is something that would help you.

I charge an hourly rate for reports or other written work.

Do you accept payment through medical insurers?

I am covered to accept payments from most insurers. Please contact me for further information about whether I am covered by your insurance provider. You will need to check your policy with your insurer to ensure you are covered for psychological therapy and how many sessions of therapy you can have. Authorisation from your insurer will be required before therapy can commence.

Fee’s for sessions through insurance companies may vary.

How frequently would we meet, and for how many sessions?

The number of sessions will be dependent on what you would like to focus on within your sessions. You can have as many, or as few, as you think you need. This may be something that we explore in your assessment appointment.

Most people find that in order to get the most out of their therapy, they choose to meet frequently such as weekly or fortnightly. This is also something for us to explore at your initial session.

What is the process for cancelling sessions?

I ask that you give a minimum of 48 hours’ notice if you wish to re-arrange or cancel your appointment. I will then be able to do this for you without incurring any charges . If you cancel within 48 hours of your appointment time or miss your appointment you will need to pay in full for the session as the time had been allocated to you. For individuals accessing sessions through their health insurance, missed sessions may be deducted from the total number contracted.

Will the things I say be treated in confidence?

Confidentiality and trust are at the heart of my work: they are an integral part of creating a safe space for us to work together. As a registered professional Clinical Psychologist, I am bound by a strict code of confidentiality. To enhance the practice and give you the best possible treatment, I sometimes discuss my clinical work with a professionally registered supervisor who is also bound by confidentiality. In accordance with my professional guidelines, if I am concerned about your own safety, or the safety of someone else, I may need to contact external services. Where appropriate I would always seek to discuss this with you in the first instance.

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When do you offer appointments?

I currently offer appointments in the evenings during the week, and some day times. Appointment times can be flexible. Please contact me to discuss your requirements.

Can I contact you outside of sessions?

If you need to cancel or re-arrange an appointment please contact me by telephone or email. I will aim to reply to all contact within 48 hours. Unfortunately I will not be available for support outside of sessions, and am unable to provide crisis support. Please contact your GP, the NHS out of hours contact line (111) or the Samaritans (116 123) on these occasions.