Dr. Joanna White
Clinical Psychologist
(D. Clin. Psych., MA Ed, BA Hons - HCPC, BPS & ICO reg)
Counselling & Psychological Therapy
Sevenoaks, Kent
I am a Clinical Psychologist and Counsellor based in Sevenoaks with nearly 30 years experience of counselling and working with psychological difficulties. Since qualifying as Clinical Psychologist in 2003 I have worked in a variety of NHS settings, supporting and counselling adults and older adolescents in managing common problems such as: depression, anxiety, stress, adjustment, relationship problems, work issues, fatigue and sleep difficulties, eating and other behavioural changes. I have also worked as a Psychologist and Counsellor supporting clients in managing long-term physical illness such as chronic pain, CFS/ME, Cardiac and Respiratory problems and Diabetes. I am registered with the British Psychological Society (BPS), the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Information Commissioners Office (ICO)
I able able to offer face-to-face, video or telephone appointments. Where appropriate, Single Session Therapy is also avaialable on request - please see tab for further details.
Within my role as a Psychologist and Counsellor in the Sevenoaks and Tonbridge area, I am also able to offer supervision or psychological therapy to other Psychologists, Counsellors and Therapists.
What is a Clinical Psychologist?
Psychology is the study of all aspects of behaviour, thoughts, feelings and motivations. A Clinical Psychologist is trained in understanding and treating a wide range of problems in these areas. Using evidence from research we are able to work with common difficulties such as anxiety and depression through to more complicated mental health problems across the lifespan. Qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist requires a minimum of 6 years training and usually includes an additional 2-3 year period of work experience. Training includes a combination of placements within the NHS, academic study and research. I am also a qualified Counsellor, holding a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counselling (MA Ed. For more information on the role of Clinical Psychologists and Counsellors please see the British Psychological Society Guide.
As a Clinical Psychologist and Counsellor, I will listen and work collaboratively with you to try to support you in understanding your current difficulties. I will then help you to manage and cope with these difficulties and provide practical support and counselling to enable you to overcome them. This process begins by gathering information about you and your reasons for pursuing counselling or psychological therapy. From this we would develop a joint understanding of your problems; what is maintaining them and what might help things to improve. Understanding can increase your sense of control over your life, identify areas for change and work towards acceptance in other areas. I aim to provide a confidential and supportive counselling space for you to talk which will help us to develop a trusting relationship and work towards managing your emotions, identifying unhelpful patterns and teaching specific skills.
My approach
I am trained in a range of psychological therapy and counselling approaches including CBT, Systemic and Psychodynamic therapy, but tend to work using primarily CBT, drawing on other approaches where appropriate.
As a Counsellor, I also incorporate Mindfulness based theory and practice and Compassion-focussed and Schema therapy ideas into my work. Drawing on a range of approaches means that counselling and therapy can work towards a more individual and in-depth understanding of a wide variety of problems.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT or “Cognitive Behavioural Therapy” is a talking therapy that tries to understand an individual’s difficulties in terms of the relationships between their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. In this way, psychological counselling and therapy aims to address problems by listening, understanding and then challenging underlying beliefs and assumptions and helping to make changes to behaviour if necessary. The focus of counselling and therapy tends to be in the here and now but sometimes understanding past issues can help the process. CBT is recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence- NICE in the psychological treatment of most mental health problems.
Individualised Therapy
As a Clinical Psychologist, I am trained to work in an integrative way, applying a range of approaches to provide therapy, tailor-made to individual needs. Mindfulness aims to encourage individuals to be more aware of the relationship between their thoughts and feelings in the current moment and can work well along-side CBT.
Compassion focused therapy has been shown to be a particularly effective counselling approach when looking at the role of self-critical thoughts, while incorporating Schmema therapy ideas can help to better understand the role of past experiences in current challenges.
What sort of Problems can Psychology help with?
Psychological Therapy and Counselling can be helpful in managing a range of difficulties including:
Anxiety
Depression
Stress
Relationship problems
Self-esteem
Bereavement
Adjustment
Eating Disorders
Coping with Chronic Illness/Health issues
Changing Behaviour (eg smoking, diet)
Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Self-harm
Work place issues
Neurodiversity
Pregnancy & childcare issues
Health Conditions
Prior to working in Psychological Therapy Private Practice I have worked in a number of settings within the NHS, offering counselling and support to individuals coping with long term/chronic physical health conditions such as pain, diabetes, heart problems, CFS/ME, respiratory conditions, MS.
As a result I am also able to offer sessions focusing on the psychological aspects of coping with these difficulties and other Long Term Conditions.
Sessions can be tailored to meet the needs of a particular individual and can include a range of themes including: Accepetance and Adjustment, Relaxation and Stress Management; Managing Anxiety and Depression; Communicating with Friends & Family.
Single Session Therapy
If you have a specific issue that could be tackled in a focused way, then Single Session Therapy (SST) may be an option for you. SST helps to identify existing strengths and skills, highlighting positive solutions to the problem, rather than negative causes. The session aims to allow you to become “unstuck” and feel confident to move forward with your life.
SST consists of an initial 20 minute telephone call to identify the specific problem, followed by a 50 minute face-to-face therapy appointment.* The therapy appointment is usually arranged for a few days to a week after the initial telephone call to allow for reflection and preparation for the session. You may be asked to complete a short questionnaire in advance of the session.
After the therapy session, further ongoing therapy may be recommended if appropriate. A 20 minute follow-up telephone call at 3 months is also offered as part of the SST.
*The main 50 minute session is also available as a telephone or video conference appointment.
Getting started
If you are interested in pursuing psychological therapy or counselling with me, I will first of all arrange to meet you for an Initial Assessment Session. This lasts for 50 minutes and provides an opportunity for me to find out more about your current difficulties, establish what you would like to get out of the therapy sessions and plan further sessions together.
This first session also gives you a chance to find out more about the psychological therapy and counselling I offer and ask any questions you might have about the process. After assessment, all other counselling sessions will also last for 50 minutes and will usually be booked weekly. Psychological therapy can continue for any number of sessions depending on the nature of the problem and your own wishes.
Next steps
After assessment, counselling sessions are usually agreed in advance blocks of 5, with regular progress reviews. You are free to stop sessions at any point, regardless of the agreed time-frame. Alternatively, if after assessment you feel that psychological therapy or counselling with me is not for you, I am happy to provide you with information regarding alternative sources of counselling or psychological support. Prior to arranging an Initial Assessment Session, I am happy to engage in a brief telephone call to answer any specific questions that you migth have.
In CBT, what happens in-between counselling sessions can be just as important as what goes on during it. This means that sometimes we will agree tasks, goals or exercises together for you to work on during the following week. Where appropriate I may provide written material to support what we have covered in the session.
Session information
Payment:
I request that the initial consultation be paid for in advance by bank transfer. Further appointments can be paid by bank transfer on the day.
Cancellations:
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please let me know as soon as possible. Unfortunately appointments not attended without prior notification or with less than a 48 hour notice period will be charged at the usual rate. You may contact me by phone, text or email to cancel your appointment.
My location
My Sevenoaks psychological therapy and counselling practice is also with easy reach of: Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Riverhead, Godden Green, Seal, Borough Green, Bessells Green, Dunton Green, Chipstead, Otford, Kemsing, Chevening, Whitley Row, Stone Street, Knatts Valley, Underriver, Sevenoaks Weald, Heaverham, Sundridge, Ivy Hatch, Brasted, Ide Hill, Knockholt Pound, Wrotham, Ightham, Shipbourne, Leigh, Hildenborough, Southborough, Charcott, Chiddingstone Causeway, Penshurst, Bidborough, Chiddingstone, Speldhurst, Sevenoaks Weald, Underriver, Bough Beech, Fordcombe, Higham Wood, Rusthall, Langton Green, Hever, Tudeley, Mark Beech, Westerham.
Cost
Sessions are charged according to the length and type of appointment.
Initial Assessment Session (50 mins)
£130
Treatment Session (50 mins)
£120
Single Session Therapy
£200
Treatment Session discount is available for block bookings and advance payment.
I am registered with a number of private health insurers including BUPA, AXA PPP, AVIVA, WPA Please contact me for further details or to discuss other insurance providers.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how I work, or to arrange an initial assessment session.
You can also call me on 07518 531116 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.