Frequently asked questions

Psychological therapies or ‘talking therapies’ are treatments for a range of behavioural, emotional and mental health difficulties.  There are many different types of talking therapies which all involve working with a trained therapist.  Psychological therapies can be delivered in a range of ways: on a one-to-one basis; to families, and to groups.  Psychological therapies help you make sense of your experiences and identify ways of addressing your difficulties.  For some difficulties one type of talking therapy may be more effective than others.  Different talking therapies also suit different people. 

Clinical psychologists are highly trained health professionals who specialise in the assessment and treatment of a broad range of behavioural, emotional and mental health difficulties.  Clinical psychologists have extensive training including an undergraduate degree in Psychology and then a postgraduate Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. During their postgraduate training clinical psychologists acquire extensive knowledge regarding the models and theories that help us understand the development and treatment of mental health problems.  During training clinical psychologists apply these models and theories through their delivery of “talking therapies”.  Clinical psychology trainees complete a number of placements with different populations (e.g. adult mental health; older people; children and young people; people with learning disabilities) to reflect different needs and presentations across the life span.  They are trained to understand what works, and for whom.  Clinical psychology trainees are robustly assessed, both clinically and academically. It will take a minimum of 7 years from beginning an undergraduate degree in Psychology to the completion of the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.  For the vast majority of clinical psychologists the route to qualification will have been much longer as they will have taken time to develop a robust clinical and academic portfolio necessary to obtain a place on the clinical psychology training course.  Clinical psychologists are not medically trained and cannot prescribe medication

All clinical psychologists in the UK are regulated by the Health Care and Professions Council (HCPC).  Registration of clinical psychologists with the HCPC demonstrates that they have the appropriate qualifications and experience to practice as a clinical psychologist and that they meet the HCPCs high standards of ethics, training, education and professional behaviour.  It is important to note that ‘clinical psychologist’ is a ‘protected title’. Unlike other titles that can be used by anyone (e.g. ‘psychologist’, ‘counsellor’, ‘psychotherapist’) protected titles are safeguarded by law and anyone using these titles must have demonstrated the prerequisite rigorous training, experience and standards necessary.  Protected titles are a key measure in safeguarding the public and it is important that those who seek therapy check that potential therapists are appropriately trained and accredited.  

I am registered with the HCPC (HCPC number PYL26968).  

Please click below to be re-directed to the HCPC ‘Check the Register’ page. 

I do not have the facility to offer an emergency or crisis service.  If you require help in a crisis please contact your GP, out of hours GP, or your local A&E department.  

If you, or someone you care for, is in immediate life threatening danger always call 999.  

Other useful numbers:

• NHS 24: telephone 111

• Samaritans: If you just want to speak with someone over the phone and are feeling suicidal or need emotional support you can call the Samaritans National helpline on 116123 (free from any phone). 

• Breathing Space: If you want to speak with someone over the phone and you are feeling down or depressed then you can call Breathing Space on 0800 838587.  Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 6pm-2am; Friday 6pm-Monday 6am.  Webchat support is available Mon-Fri 6pm-10pm at https://breathingspace.scot. 

Confidentiality is a key component of the therapeutic relationship and it is essential that clients feel they can speak openly.  Everything discussed in session is confidential and will not be shared with anyone without your permission.  There are two exceptions to this:

Risk of Harm

If I am sufficiently concerned that you are at risk harming yourself or that someone else is at risk of harm then I have a duty of care to share this information with a relevant third party (e.g. your GP; social services etc).  If I had to make such a disclosure I would discuss this with you first.

Professional Supervision

Supervision is an essential part of being a competent clinical psychologist.  It serves to protect both the clinical psychologist and the client.  Participation in supervision with other clinical psychologists is required in my professional code of conduct and is a prerequisite for my professional registration. In supervision I discuss individual cases but all discussion are anonymous.

Payment can be made via bank transfer, cheque or cash.  Payment information and details are contained 

within the Terms & Conditions that will be emailed following the initial consultation.  

Payment for the initial appointment should be made 48 hours before the appointment.  If 

this is not received then the appointment cannot go ahead.  Payment for therapy 

appointments will be invoiced on the day of your appointment and should be made within 

48 hours of receipt of the invoice.

Yes, I operate a strict 48 hour cancellation policy for appointments.  Cancellations made after this period (or non-attended appointments) will be charged at the full standard hourly rate.  

Cancellations can be made via telephone or email.