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 in both adults and children. 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.
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
- Coping with Chronic Illness/Health issues (Pain, CFS/ME, Diabetes, Cardiac Conditions)
- Changing Behaviour (eg smoking, diet)
- Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Self-harm
- Work place issues
