HART PSYCHOLOGY
DR HELEN CHILDS, CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
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Private Psychological Therapy
in North-East Hampshire & Online
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I'M FEELING AT CRISIS POINT, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
You may be seeking support because you are feeling desperate or overwhelmed. However, please note that I am unable to provide crisis support.
If you feel you need help urgently, for example, if you are having thoughts about wanting to end your life, or if you are having thoughts about harming others, please contact your GP in the first instance, or contact https://111.nhs.uk/, who will assess your needs further. If you feel at imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact 999 immediately. Please do not feel you are burdening others, it is important to reach out and seek help if you are having these thoughts.​​
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If you feel you need to speak to someone supportive and in confidence, The Samaritans are a very helpful support line, telephone 116123, https://www.samaritans.org/. Further information about mental health and support is available at www.mind.org.uk
If you are in an abusive relationship and need help, please contact: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ or https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support
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If during the assessment session or during therapy, I feel that you need increased support through local NHS services, I will discuss this with you.
WHAT IS CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY?
It can be daunting seeking psychological therapy as there are a wide range of therapies available and it is sometimes difficult to work out who is best placed to help, including counsellors, psychotherapists, 'life coaches' and psychologists or psychiatrists.
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Psychology is the study of the human mind, brain and behaviour. Clinical Psychologists complete a rigorous and extensive training and are required to complete a 3 year undergraduate degree, followed by several years of relevant work experience before then completing a 3 year doctorate degree involving training in specialist therapy areas across the lifespan. As a clinical psychologist, I am able to provide assessments, psychological formulations and interventions based on the latest scientific evidence-base for a particular difficulty or condition.
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Practitioner Psychologist is a recognised and protected title, regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). I therefore adhere to a strict code of practice and ethics and engage in regular supervision and continued professional development as part of my registration.​​​​​​
HOW LONG DOES EACH THERAPY SESSION LAST?
Assessment and Therapy sessions last 60 minutes. I am able to offer extended slots when available, should a longer initial appointment be indicated.
I offer weekly or fortnightly appointments and review sessions for those reducing the frequency of therapy prior to discharge.
HOW LONG DO I NEED TO COME FOR?
You are not committed to any length of treatment. Duration of treatment depends on what you want to achieve in therapy, the severity of your difficulties and how ready you feel to make changes. Some people feel they can make changes in up to six sessions, for others with more complex or long-standing difficulties, we look at medium to longer-term therapy input. Where schema therapy is indicated, we will complete an extended assessment over a number of sessions where we will discuss likely treatment length. Schema therapy is a longer-term therapy of often over 1 year in duration (based on regular weekly sessions).
I regularly review progress towards goals at 6-weekly intervals to ensure sessions are effective and meeting your needs.
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CAN I COME FOR A ONE-OFF APPOINTMENT? OR JUST AN ASSESSMENT?
Yes, certainly. Occasionally, people book an appointment to discuss a specific concern or issue. In order to make longer-term changes, you may find a number of sessions useful.
HOW CAN I GET THE MOST OUT OF MY SESSIONS?
This is a great question to ask. Therapy is about learning new skills and ideas and we all learn differently. You may find it helpful to bring a notebook or folder with you to take away resources.
I will provide links to online resources, video clips or recordings of skills to practice, where appropriate. Regular practice of new skills is key and we will discuss ways you can fit this into your schedule to make the most of your sessions.
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​WHO NEEDS TO KNOW I'M ATTENDING APPOINTMENTS?
There is no need for anyone to be informed you are attending psychology sessions, including your GP, and I abide by a strict code of confidentiality.
The exceptions to this are:
1) Risk: should any client disclose information which indicates they are a potential risk to themselves or others, I am duty-bound to share this information with a third party (e.g. GP, social services, emergency services). I would not make a disclosure without informing the client in the first instance, unless I deem there to be a significant risk of harm. If you have a history of risk to self/others, I will discuss this with you and we will develop a safety plan, should these risk issues re-occur.
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2) Professional Supervision: As part of the HCPC code of conduct, psychologists have regular clinical supervision for cases to ensure safe and effective practice. For confidentiality purposes, all personal details are withheld and discussed anonymously.
WHAT ABOUT MY CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY?
Please refer to the detailed privacy statement attached.
DO YOU WRITE ASSESSMENT REPORTS OR LETTERS?
I am happy to provide a written report, should you require this. Reports are charged at the hourly fee rate for completion and on average take between 1-2 hours. For ADHD assessments, a comprehensive written report is included as part of the assessment.
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