Whats the first step? Once an appointment has been arranged, a registration form will be completed, and you and your Psychologist will begin with an assessment meeting which usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. During this appointment we will discuss with you the problems that you have been having, how they may have arisen, how they affect you and your relationships, and what changes you hope to make. This allows the Psychologist you are meeting with to determine whether treatment is likely to be helpful and, if so, to decide on a treatment plan. In this meeting you will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions and think about how you might like to work with your Psychologist. The meeting also gives you a chance to see how you feel about the Psychologist you are meeting with, and think about whether or not you wish to continue with more regular meetings for treatment. Attending an assessment meeting does not commit you to attend on a regular basis. During an assessment we will consider whether additional services may be appropriate and will be able to signpost you accordingly. 

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It is our aim not only to help people understand and manage their difficulties better, but moreover to feel safe and secure within a trusting relationship. We know how challenging it can feel to come to a psychological assessment/treatment session for the first time, and we would like to try and make it as comfortable as possible. Therefore, if you have any questions about the assessment process, treatments we offer, or general questions about our service please don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

What happens in Psychological treatment? If you would like to proceed with Psychological therapy you will develop a Therapy Agreement with your Psychologist. This is a helpful way to clarify the focus of your treatment, as well as practical information regarding your appointments, cancellations, confidentiality, fees and payment. 

 

Treatment sessions often take place on a weekly basis for 50 minutes. Some parts of EMDR treatments may require longer sessions. The duration of treatment depends on your presenting difficulties, your therapy goals and the agreed treatment plan.

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The structure and content of each session will vary and is dependent on the therapeutic approach that has been agreed (e.g. EMDR, CBT, Mindfulness etc.). Initially treatment sessions are likely to focus on developing a deeper understanding of your difficulties and using the appropriate psychological processes that will help you to work through these difficulties effectively and move you closer towards achieving your goals. This might include developing methods to deal with troublesome thoughts and/or emotions, addressing difficult memories, or developing ideas about how you might trial new ways of behaving or being in relationships with other people. Therapy can sometimes involve a more active process and may include making notes or records in between meetings to gather information about yourself, learning new strategies within the sessions and applying these between sessions. Throughout treatment, your Psychologist will work collaboratively with you to review the treatment plan and make sure you are happy with the style and pace of treatment.

 

What happens at the end of Psychological therapy? You and your Psychologist will agree the end date of therapy together. As you work towards the end of therapy, time will be spent reflecting on the therapy journey as a whole, assessing if the therapy goals have been met, and developing a plan of how your changes can be consolidated, how you can continue to work on areas that will maintain your progress, and how to manage any future setbacks. Our aim is to empower you with the appropriate knowledge, psychological tools and strategies that will enable you manage your difficulties in effective ways and improve your wellbeing.  Your Psychologist is also likely to ask you for feedback regarding your treatment so that we continue to develop our practice.