psychological counselling for depression

Clinical psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. Its principles and theories are applied to help individuals, couples, families, groups, and organisations.

Clinical Psychologists usually undergo 7-8 years of training, which includes obtaining a Psychology degree (usually 3 years), plus the doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology (usually 3 years).

Additionally, some relevant experience, such as working as an assistant psychologist, IAPT worker, nursing assistant, researcher, etc., is often required to secure a place on the Clinical Psychology training course.

Clinical Psychologists are trained in a wide range of psychological assessment, intervention, and therapies. They can offer a tailored approach to individuals, including integrative therapies, which combine two or more types of therapy in a theoretically coherent practical way.

The training of Clinical Psychologists is much more extensive than that of most Mental Health Counsellors. In addition to their foundational training, many Clinical Psychologists go on to receive specialist training in particular approaches.

We view each person as unique. Rather than use a label regarding which mental health problem you have, we work out with you what’s contributed/led to, the present difficulties and what’s the best way forward.

We offer a range of therapy approaches.

Sometimes, it is appropriate to offer an individualised, integrative approach (combining 2 or more in a theoretically coherent practical way).

We will advise you, out of many possible psychological approaches including:

• Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT),
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT),
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR),
• Experiential Dynamic Therapy (EDT),
• Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT),
• Emotion Focused Therapy, etc.

To see one of our clinical psychologists, complete our brief, online form or call us on 0330 223 1844 for a free, no-obligation consultation where we will aim to help us fix a good day and time for you.

Click the following link below to see more information about the individual psychologists that work with us.

We see individuals, couples and families.

We see people over the internet with some in same-room appointments, for talking therapy or psychological therapy remotely using Zoom.

Psychological therapy has been shown to be effective on-line – it is more than counselling over the internet.

As well as psychologists based across the UK, e.g., in Birmingham, Staffordshire, Shropshire, London, North of England and other areas,

As seeing a Clinical Psychologist can be a very personal journey, you would normally first meet up to see if you can work together as client – psychologist, as two people.

The first, and any subsequent, session is charged at the rate for the psychologist you see.

The Clinical Psychologist will offer an assessment. That is, getting to know you to understand possible issues linked to how the difficulties started and how they persist.

This assessment will usually consist of asking you to share about your background, key family members (past and current), relationship history, and anything else you feel is significant.

How long you will meet for can be agreed between you and your Clinical Psychologist at the first /first few meeting/s depending on the help required, the clinical understanding reached and your preferences.

We would not offer to see you for longer than necessary.

Alternatively, you might choose to be seen for a few sessions (1-4) just for assessment.

After an assessment, you can be advised if psychological approaches could help you and the approach needed in the Clinical Psychologist’s opinion.

Clinical Psychologists have a wide range of experience. Depending on your specific needs and which Psychologist you see, the cost is usually in the range of £100-£140 per appointment. It depends on which person you decide to meet.

We can be more specific once we have considered your particular presenting needs.

We will always let you know the exact cost before you agree to meet.

From time to time, we also offer classes (courses and workshops) to those interested in learning skills in a group setting and meeting others. These cover areas such as: self-esteem, confidence, understanding more about interactions with others, understanding “rules” from childhood.

Please email letting us know of your interest and/or ask the person you see for more information about this. When we have the dates for our next course, information will be posted here.

We would normally ask you for details of your GP. We will agree with you whether you would like us to write to your GP to let him/her know that you seeing a Clinical Psychologist. We would normally prefer to write.

We take your GP’s details because, should the situation dictate and we become concerned for you welfare, then we would have to let him/her know. As part of our duty of care, we aim to tell you that we are doing so first.

We would usually only break confidentiality where absolutely necessary, for example, if we were informed that a crime was to be committed.

You are entitled to make a complaint about any Clinical Psychologist you are unhappy with to either the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and/or the professional association for Clinical Psychologists, the British Psychological Society.

(The former was set up for the protection of the public and potentially can strike someone off the register so they cannot practice again in future, if found guilty of misconduct).

Many professional organisations have published codes of conduct and code of ethics.

All individual practitioners should carry professional indemnity insurance for their work. You can ask to see a copy of their up to date certificate.

We hope, and expect, that you will receive an excellent service from our Clinical Psychologists.

However, in the event of you not being satisfied with the service you receive from your Clinical Psychologist, you have several options available to you, depending on your degree of dissatisfaction.

Please visit our complaints procedure page for more details.