Psychological assessment
At the first meeting I will carry out a psycholgical assessment, which involves gathering details about the current difficulties as well as relevant history. You may also be asked to complete questionnaires to aid the assessment. Psychological assessment aims to develop a thorough understanding of each client’s problems and their goals for overcoming these. Many people worry about this first appointment and do not know what to expect but most tend to find it a helpful process and much easier than they had expected. Please allow up to 1.5 hours, during which we will simply talk about what has brought you to seek help and by the end we will make a plan for the way forward.
Psychological treatment
I am trained in and can provide a range of treatment approaches including CBT, behaviour therapy, systemic, solution focused, mindfulness, DBT and narrative treatment. I also regularly work directly with parents. The most appropriate treatment will depend on the particular needs of each client and on the current scientific evidence-base. I encourage clients to take an active role in their treatment and recovery and the sessions will be conducted in a collaborative way. The number of sessions required varies from client to to client but the average is 8-10 sessions.
Supervision, consultation and training
I have experience of providing both clinical and research supervision and consultation to other professionals.
I can provide training workshops individually or with other colleagues on a number of topics including CBT, anxiety disorders, depression and working with parents. I am also available to provide expert opinion on various psychological issues for the media.
Please contact me for further information about fees and the availability of these services.
Additional information and resources
Websites
If you wish to find out more about CBT please have a look at the information on this site: www.rcpsych.ac.uk
Information about evidence-based treatements for a range of health and mental health problems www.nice.org.uk
Helplines and advice for young people affected by mental health problems and their parents www.youngminds.org.uk
Information on mental health problems and treatments www.mind.org.uk
Range of booklets, worksheets and self-help exercises www.livinglifetothefull.com
Books
C. Creswell & L. Willetts, Overcoming Your Child’s Fears and Worries: A Self-Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioral Techniques. London: Constable & Robinson
P. Gilbert, Overcoming Depression: A Self-Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioral Techniques. London: Constable & Robinson
K. Mears & M. Freeston, Overcoming Worry: A Self-Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioral Techniques. London: Constable & Robinson