Psychological Therapy & Assessment
Evidence-based therapy and assessment available in person in Liverpool city centre or remotely
Therapy
Psychological therapy provides a space for the client and the therapist to work together on the client’s goals. Together they develop the tools the client needs to overcome whatever challenges they are facing.
Psychological therapy usually involves a series of weekly or fortnightly appointments, lasting 50 minutes each.
Assessment
Psychological assessment involves one or two sessions to understand the client’s needs, challenges, strengths and goals. The aim of an assessment is to come up with a plan to help the client meet their goals. This plan may include therapy or other forms of support.
Psychological assessment can also provide evidence of someone’s difficulties to support a formal process such as fitness-for-work, an insurance claim, or a legal case.
Common Issues
At some point in our lives, most of us feel overwhelmed and unable to cope as well as we would like.
Distress can affect people in different ways. Some common examples of psychological issues include:
- Anxiety– avoiding things, feeling like something bad is going to happen, worrying a lot about the future, experiencing strong physical sensations like heart racing
- Low mood/Depression– not enjoying things, lacking motivation, thinking negatively, being self-critical
- Trauma/painful memories– feeling like you are stuck in the past, reliving past traumas, having nightmares, avoiding reminders of the past
- Intense emotions– overwhelming anger, sadness, guilt or grief
Challenging Situations
Difficult experiences and major life changes can put people under significant psychological pressure.
Psychological issues can be caused by a range of challenging situations such as:
Changes and pressures
- Adjustment to major life changes
- Relationship difficulties
- Physical health problems
- Work stress
Loss and difficult experiences
- Traumatic experiences
- Bereavement
- Existential crises
How Psychological Therapy Can Help
Different types of therapy are suitable for different psychological issues. As a Doctor of Clinical Psychology, I am trained to use a range of approaches and tailor therapy to the individual. Person-centred counselling is also available through experienced counsellors who work within the service. The approaches below are all well-established, supported by research and widely used in the NHS and private practice.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
A practical, forward looking therapy which aims to connect people with the things they value most in life. ACT helps people who are experiencing painful thoughts and feelings to relate to them differently. When people are able to tolerate distress, they can do what matters to them and live a meaningful life, even in very difficult situations.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
A structured, skills-based therapy. It helps people understand the links between their thoughts, feelings, behaviours and physical sensations. From there, they can identify patterns that keep problems going and make changes that help them cope more confidently.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
A powerful modern treatment for trauma. EMDR uses memory processing techniques to help people feel less distressed by past traumatic experiences or fears about the future so they can move on with their lives. One of the strengths of EMDR is that it does not require people to talk a lot about their trauma for it to be effective.
Person-Centred Counselling
A supportive form of counselling which provides a safe and non-judgemental space to explore difficult thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The counsellor listens carefully and seeks to understand each person’s individual perspective, without directing them or telling them what to do. This can help people develop greater self-understanding, recognise their own strengths, and find ways forward that feel right for them.
Integrative Psychological Therapy
A flexible approach that brings together useful ideas and techniques from different types of therapy. It can be a helpful way of working when one single model does not fully fit a person’s needs, circumstances or goals.
Fees and Initial Consultation
Therapy and assessment sessions cost £120. I accept all major insurers including Bupa and AXA.
If you have any questions about therapy or assessment, you can request a free, brief initial consultation.
If you would like to enquire about psychological assessment or therapy, please get in touch