WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN AN INITIAL CONSULTATION?
I am based in Tunbridge Wells and can offer in-person or online sessions. I can offer walking therapy sessions in the local parks.
Our first session is informal and a chance for you to tell me about what you might like some help with. At the beginning my goal is to work collaboratively to build a shared understanding of your difficulties and develop a plan together.
If I do not feel I am in a position to help, I will always try to recommend a professional who I feel would be better suited. I am part of a network of local Clinical Psychologists.
Clinical Psychologists are health professionals regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC; hcpc-uk.org). All applied psychologists must be registered with the HCPC and names should be checked for registration on the HCPC website. We are trained in assessment, therapy, consultation, supervision, teaching and research. We use our knowledge of evidence-based approaches to help people to make sense of their experiences and to think, feel, behave and relate differently, according to what their goals are. Clinical psychologists take a personalised approach, considering each person’s difficulties as unique to them and their story.
Our training allows us to work with multiple therapeutic approaches and a wide range of people and difficulties. Clinical Psychologists first complete a degree in academic psychology. We then go on to gain a minimum of two years of clinical experience (usually as an assistant psychologist) before completing a doctorate (three further years of closely monitored work and study). The British Psychological Society website has more details about Clinical Psychologists and other applied psychologists.
WHAT IS A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST?
HOW DO CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTs DIFFER FROM PSYCHIATRISTS AND PSYCHOTHERAPISTS?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors. They first study a degree in general medicine and then a 2-year foundation programme of general training, before 3 years core training in psychiatry. As medical doctors they are able to prescribe medication. They are regulated by the General Medical Council (GMC). The Royal College of Psychiatry website has more details about Psychiatry.
Psychotherapists and Counsellors have a variety of different backgrounds. These titles are not protected by a regulatory body and are used by different people with different levels of training. They may have trained in a specific form of therapy. They may be registered with the UKCP, the BACP or the BABCP. It is important to ensure that whoever you work with is appropriately qualified and registered with the correct body.
Fees
Individual sessions are £125, the insurers below are accepted.
