FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST?
Clinical Psychologists are trained to work with people of different ages across the lifespan, and may work with individuals, couples and families. They are trained to doctoral level, which means they have specialised training to help people with psychological, emotional and/or behavioural distress that is getting in the way of their daily life and general well-being. A Clinical Psychologist will draw on the best available psychological theories in developing an understanding of the underlying causes and maintaining factors of a client’s difficulties. Evidence-based therapies are the foundation of any treatment plan, which is tailored to each individual person and the particular goals they have for therapy. The aim is to reduce distress and enable clients to lead lives that are meaningful to them.
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Clinical Psychologists are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which is also the body that governs the profession. Clinical Psychologist is a protected title and only those who have completed the doctoral qualification are entitled to use it.
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Many Clinical Psychologists are also registered as Chartered Psychologists with the British Psychological Society (BPS), which is the body that represents psychologists in the UK. Chartered membership is legally recognised and can assure clients they are receiving the highest standard of psychological expertise and knowledge.
Having trained in the NHS I have completed training in all core therapeutic approaches based on the latest research evidence in order to provide the highest standard of care.
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Please refer to the HCPC and BPS websites to verify my registrations.
WHAT ARE EVIDENCE-BASED THERAPIES?
Evidence-based therapies are therapies that have been shown to be effective in clinical research. In the UK the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides national guidance regarding treatments for many difference physical health concerns and mental health issues. You can visit them at www.nice.org.uk.
WHAT IS A DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE (DBS) CHECK?
A DBS check is an examination of someone's criminal convictions and cautions and in the UK this is carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service. This is a legal requirement for anyone working with children or vulnerable adults and helps to ensure that individuals are suitable to this kind of work. For anyone working in health of social care settings additional information is checked, this is called an enhanced DBS check. Click here to visit the Disclosure and Barring Service website.
WHAT IS THE INFORMATION COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE (ICO)?
The ICO is the independent body in the UK which upholds information rights in the public's interest. Most organisations or businesses that process personal information must register with the ICO and follow its guidance to ensure personal information is processed, used and stored appropriately. If you would like to read more about your information rights, please click here. To check the register click here.