Clinical psychology is a specialised field dedicated to understanding and improving mental wellbeing. Clinical psychologists use evidence-based approaches to help you navigate challenges, overcome reoccurring difficulties and enhance your overall mental wellbeing. They will undergo extensive training, typically earning a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, and are equipped with the knowledge and skills to address a wide range of psychological difficulties. With a focus on empathy and collaboration, clinical psychologists create a supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards positive change. Often input from a clinical psychologist will start with an assessment, then a collaborative formulation before it moves to an individualised therapeutic intervention plan.
My approach
My approach centres around your needs. Because of this I generally integrate different theories, models and approaches to make sure that whatever we do is specific to you and your needs. I will use evidence-based approaches. Generally my approach follows the following structure:
Assessment:
When you embark on the therapeutic journey with me, the first step is a comprehensive assessment. This involves in-depth conversations, and sometimes standardised tests or questionnaires. The goal is to gain a deep understanding of your story and your experiences. The assessment process is collaborative, and it will go at your pace.
Formulation:
A formulation is a shared understanding of your story and experiences. It provides an understanding of you, any difficulties you may be experiencing and will aim to make sense of these. A formulation is underpinned by psychological theory/ies which provide/s a framework for understanding your story. It is important that your formulation makes sense to you and that you are actively involved in creating this. As a formulation is about personal meaning we will also consider your strengths and resources, making sure to take a holistic approach to you.
Sometimes it can be helpful to think of a formulation like a roadmap of how you have come to be who you are in the here and now. Importantly a formulation also indicates any repeating patterns that you may find yourself in or any ‘stuck points’. We will use the formulation to consider your needs and I will explain to you what evidence-based approaches would be suitable. You are always in control, so we will think about this together and the choice will be yours. However, sometimes a formulation is all that you may need, especially if you’ve struggled with understanding who you are. If that is the case, you may feel that you don’t need further therapy and you are in control of this too. The aim of the formulation is to empower you and create a shared understanding of you.
Intervention:
If we both feel it would be helpful to work together on your needs that we identified in the assessment and formulation we would consider what therapeutic approach would be best. As I work integratively, I will make sure that everything is tailored to your needs and based on evidence-based practice. I use a range of therapeutic modalities, including: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Trauma Focused-CBT, Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) informed, Attachment Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Systemic Therapy informed, and relational approaches.
Who I work with
Clinical Psychologists are trained to work across the lifespan, from very young children to people who are older adults. Clinical Psychologists are trained to address the diverse needs of the people they support. This means that they are trained to work across the spectrum of mental health difficulties. Due to my own skill set and expertise I specialise in working with adults. The difficulties that I could support you with are, but not limited to: trauma and adverse experiences, difficult repeating relational patterns, low mood, anxiety, stress, emotional dysregulation, hearing voices or other experiences that are not shared.
I offer all my therapy remotely using a video platform – Microsoft Teams. Sessions fees are £130. I currently only take self-funding referrals and am not registered to take referrals from private insurance companies. If this changes, my website will be updated to reflect this.
If you feel like I might be a good fit, I would be delighted if you got in touch here. I am also happy to discuss any questions or concerns you might have.