Frequently Asked Questions
What are your fees?
I offer weekly 50 minute sessions at £110.
How do I pay my fees?
Once we have arranged an appointment time, I ask you to pay for your session 48 hours before your appointment, in order to secure your appointment. Payments can be made by online banking transfer, cash or cheque.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
I ask that you give a minimum of 48 hours notice if you wish to re-arrange or cancel your appointment. I will then be able to do this for you. If you cancel within 48 hours of your appointment time or miss your appointment you will need to pay in full for the session as the time had been allocated to you.
I'm interested in accessing your service. What are the next steps?
Will everything I say be treated in confidence?
As a registered professional Clinical Psychologist, I am bound by a strict code of confidentiality. However, to enhance the practice and give you the best possible treatment, I sometimes discuss my clinical work with a professionally registered supervisor who is also bound by confidentiality. However, as stipulated in my professional guidelines, in rare cases I would be obliged to contact relevant authorities if I thought that there was a possibility of harm to yourself or another person. In such circumstances, I would aim to discuss this with you first before contacting the relevant authorities.
When do you offer appointments?
At present, my availability is:
How often would we meet, and how long are sessions?
Typically, I offer weekly sessions lasting either 50 minutes or 75 minutes if you wish to have more time to explore your difficulties in greater depth. In cases where clients are travelling long distances or from overseas, I also offer ‘block therapy’ sessions of three hours. I will always do my best to meet your needs and would be happy to discuss your requirements with you.
What if I am travelling from overseas or long distance?
For clients travelling from overseas or long distance, I can offer you 'block therapy' sessions of up to 3 hours at a time. This way we can use our time together in the most effective and efficient way possible.
Are you professionally registered?
Yes, I am professionally registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). the HCPC are the body which monitors healthcare professionals in the UK, and provides assurances of safe practice. You can search for my registration under the HCPC by visiting their website http://www.hcpc-uk.co.uk/ and entering my registration number: PYL33429 in the 'check registration' box.
What is a Clinical Psychologist and how are they different from Counsellors?
Clinical psychologists deal with a wide range of mental and physical health problems. Central to our practice is the way that we use psychological formulation to make sense of how a person’s difficulties began and continue to be maintained. In this way we are able to help people make long and lasting positive changes. Assessment and psychological formulation typically result in advice, intervention programmes or psychological therapy.
How do I choose a therapist?
Generally there are two main factors related to successful therapy according to research. The first is the quality of the relationship between the therapist and the person seeking assistance. Without a good therapeutic relationship, it is unlikely that therapeutic interventions will be effective. Therefore, it is important you choose somebody that you feel comfortable with, but someone whom also pushes you to achieve your potential. To do this, you may decide to contact or see a number of therapists before committing to one. By meeting with me, you can get a sense of what I am like and whether you feel as if you can work with me.
The second factor relates to professional competence and the degree to which they have invested the time and energy it requires to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to help those seeking therapy. To gauge this, it is advisable to read what they have to say, contact them with any questions you have, and ensure they are professionally registered.
What if I am unsure about undertaking psychological therapy?
Psychological therapy can be hard and takes effort and commitment in order to reap the rewards. I am happy to meet with you for an initial assessment to spend some time carefully investigating your difficulties and to help identify the treatment options that may be best suited to your needs. Following this, you can make a decision as to whether or not you wish to undertake a treatment with no obligation to do so.
Do you accept payment by medical insurance?
Yes. I am covered to accept payments from the following insurers: AXA; Aviva; Healix; and VitalityHealth.
Do you offer online therapy?
Yes I offer online therapy, which is particularly suitable for people restricted to travel to my base in central Leicester perhaps either because they are in a different part of the country, of they have mobility issues.