FAQ

I have a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, an MSc in Forensic Psychology and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.  I also have a post graduate diploma in Cognitive Analytic Therapy and a post graduate certificate in Management Studies.

I am Chartered with the British Psychological Society, and am registered as a Practitioner Clinical Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council.  I am also a member of the recently formed Association of Clinical Psychologists.

I have been qualified as a Clinical Psychologist for over 11 years and have spent all of that time working in Adult Mental Health with adults experiencing a whole range of psychological difficulties and mental health issues.

Please see the 'About Me' page for further information..

I accept referrals from individuals, GP's and mental health professionals. I also accept referrals from a range of health insurance companies such as Bupa and Axa.

Psychological therapy offered by clinical psychologists is derived from a comprehensive psychological formulation of difficulties identified.  It is underpinned by a range of psychological theories and comprises elements such as ; recent triggers to difficulties and previous experiences which may have contributed to the current difficulties in some way.  It also identifies factors which appear to be maintaining the difficulties, and addressing these is often a major part of the therapy process.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy has its roots in psychoanalysis.  Emphasis is placed on unconscious experience, and the quality of early relationships in personality development is seen as crucial.  Focusing on process issues and the relationship with the therapist are major aspects of the therapy. Therapy is often long term.

CAT is an integrative, time limited therapy which combines elements of cognitive behaviour therapy and psychoanalytic understandings.  A standard CAT therapy is 16 sessions and involves certain key elements, which include a reformulation diagram, a reformulation letter and a goodbye letter.  There is an underlying assumption in CAT, that issues in past/current relationships are the cause of most psychological distress.

CBT combines cognitive and behavioural theories.  It is a time limited therapy which focuses on difficulties in the here and now.  It includes homework tasks and usually involves thought challenging work and behavioural experiments.

Clinical Psychologists have a broad understanding of a range of psychological theories and models which underpin their work.  Therapy is based on a comprehensive psychological formulation of a person's difficulties which is grounded in psychological theory.  Training to be a Clinical Psychologist takes a minimum of 7 years.  Clinical Psychologists are trained to work with people experiencing moderate to severe levels of psychological distress.

Counsellors can be trained in a range of therapeutic models.  Training routes are of varied length, and counselling tends to be shorter term and focused on providing a space to discuss current and past issues.

When considering working with a particular therapist, it is advisable to check their credentials on relevant professional directories.

Clinical Psychologists have an undergraduate degree in psychology and usually go on from this to gain relevant work experience as an Assistant Psychologist, Research Assistant or other clinically relevant post.  They then complete a taught Doctorate in Clinical Psychology which involves a range of clinical placements.  Psychologists use talking therapy to help address people's difficulties.  They are not trained to prescribe medication.

Psychiatrists train initially as general medical doctors and then go on to specialise in mental health.  They are trained to diagnose and prescribe medication.  Some psychiatrists are also trained in psychological therapy.

As long as you give me more than 24 hours notice, you will not be charged for the session.  If you give me less than 24 hours notice then sessions will be charged at the full rate.

The first appointment will be a chance to find out about some of the things you would like to work on, and to start to gather some background information to help us understand what may have contributed to the onset of the difficulties.  At the end of the first session, we will either arrange to meet for a further assessment session or make a plan for ongoing therapy.  It may also be that we agree that therapy may not be the best option for for you at this time.

This will depend on what we both feel is likely to be the minimum amount needed to address your identified area of focus, and could be anywhere between 1 and 24 or more if you felt this could be helpful.

The process of therapy is usually emotionally challenging.  It can involve talking about things which you tend to avoid talking about and often involves processing difficult feelings.  This can lead to increased emotional distress in the short term, but it is hoped that in the longer term you will feel better.

For Midlothian appointments, sessions (lasting 50 minutes) will be charged at £98

Fees for clinical supervision, and services for organisations, will be discussed and agreed on a case by case basis.

Payment should be made during the week of your appointment and can be by Paypal or bank transfer.

It is not necessary to have your own Paypal account to pay using paypal, you can also pay using your credit/debit card.