Frequent Asked Questions

Clinical psychology training is a three year doctoral level course involving placements in different NHS health settings as well as doctoral level academic requirements. To undertake the clinical psychology doctorate, individuals need to have completed a British Psychology Society (BPS) accredited psychology degree, followed by many years of working in a healthcare setting and as an Assistant Psychologist. Many also complete additional qualifications e.g. a masters degree, prior to starting training as a Clinical Psychologist. Therefore Clinical Psychologists have had a minimum of 6-7 years at university and often 4-6 years of clinical experience by the time they qualify. Clinical Psychologists are trained to deliver psychological interventions to individuals, groups, and services. We are able to draw upon current research and evidence base to use therapies and interventions that are best suited to the person / group and their needs. We receive regular supervision and training to ensure our practices continue to be ethical, professional and effective.Clinical Psychologists are registered through HCPC (Health Care Professions Council) this demonstrates we are a regulated profession and qualified to practice.Clinical Psychologists are trained to deliver interventions to help people reduce and manage their distress, using psychological methods.  They are trained in a range of approaches and are able to apply their skills to a range of settings and services. They do not prescribe medication and are not medically trained.Clinical Psychologists differ from CBT therapists whose training focuses on CBT and 1-1 therapy. They may have trained in additional approaches after qualifying. Clinical Psychologists differ from counselors who are usually trained to a diploma level, they focus on active listening approaches, giving people space and time to talk through the situation they are finding difficult.

Sessions can either be remote or in person. Our consulting room is based in Keynsham, between Bristol and Bath for sessions in person. Remote sessions can be via video call or telephone call depending on your preference.Sessions usually last 55 minutes (allowing for 5 minutes note taking at the end of the hour).Sessions will firstly aim to understand your main difficulties and the areas you would like to work on. Following this we will make a plan together and estimate how many sessions we may need. Our work will draw on evidence-based and NICE recommended psychological approaches to ensure its effectiveness. Often there will be strategies you can practice between sessions. We can review together how the work is going and help you to reach a point where you feel more able to cope and manage on your own.

Your first session will be an assessment session, this provides us the opportunity to fully understand your current difficulties and what you would like help with. Following this your Clinical Psychologist can discuss recommendations, signposting and a possible treatment plan with you at the end of the assessment session. Occasionally our service may not be well suited to your needs in this case we would suggest an alternative service for you.Any treatment plan will be developed collaboratively with you to meet your needs at the time. You are under no obligation to continue sessions, if you do not wish to.Get in touch with us with your key reason for seeking help at the moment. We will send you our Terms & Conditions, contact information form. We will also send some questionnaires which can help inform our assessment. Please complete these prior to meeting for an assessment, this means we can use your session time more efficiently. We require payment of the session prior to meeting, in order to secure your space. If you cancel within 48 hours of our appointment we are unable to refund your payment.

Our Fees are £140 per (55 minute) session, this reflects the level of expertise and experience of the Clinical Psychologist.Occasionally sessions may be organised for a longer length (e.g. 90 - 110 minutes) if this suits the individual attending and the therapy approach. This will always be planned and agreed together before hand. Longer sessions are priced accordingly (e.g 110 minute session is £280).Fees are payable at least 48 hours prior to the session, this is to secure your appointment. Payment information is provided when booking your assessment session.If you need to cancel your appointment please do so in plenty of time so your money can be refunded. Cancellations that happen within 48 hours of the session time are unable to be refunded due to being unable to re-fill the appointment space at short notice.

Psychological treatment or psychological therapy is not treating the cancer. The aim of psychological treatment and psychological therapy is to reduce the emotional distress associated with the cancer e.g. feeling anxious, depressed or traumatised. Psychological therapy can also be helpful in working with symptoms associated with cancer such as pain and fatigue but the aim is to help your ability to manage these symptoms and cope with them, not to treat or get rid of the pain. In turn can help you live a more meaningful life and able to do more, despite the cancer.

If you are considering harming yourself, harming other people or are feeling suicidal we recommend: Speak with your GPPhone 111Call the Samaritans on 116 123 Call 999 if you have already harmed yourself and need urgent medical careWe are not a crisis service and are unable to provide you with the support you need in this situation. We will advise you to speak with the above services. We also have a duty of care to pass this information on to your GP or the appropriate service if needed. If there are concerns about your ability to care for yourself, or other people dependent on you (e.g. if you are a single carer for young children) we are unable to provide you with the support you will need. We recommend speaking to your General Practitioner (GP) as a first option. If we also share these concerns following a session, we will advise you speak to your GP. We also have a duty of care to pass this information on to your GP or the appropriate service if needed.