Clinical Psychology & CBT
What is Clinical Psychology?
Psychology is the study of how people think and behave.
Clinical psychologists undergo extensive training in different types of treatment modalities in order to assess and treat both adults and children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. They use a variety of instruments and tests in addition to detailed assessment interviews to understand the nature and causes which underpin an individual’s difficulties. Following assessment the psychologist will discuss their findings and opinions with you so that you can make an informed decision about the most effective treatments in a collaborative manner. Psychologists will then tailor their treatment package according to the nature of the individual’s difficulties. Following assessment the psychologist will discuss their findings and opinions with you so that you can make an informed decision about the most effective treatments in a collaborative manner.
Psychologists will therefore tailor their treatment package according to the nature of the individual’s difficulties.
Why should I see a psychologist?
There are many different reasons why you may want to see a psychologist.
Sometimes people see a psychologist because they are going through a difficult time, for example at work or in their relationship, or simply just struggling with the day-to- day difficulties of life.
Psychologists can help you to identify unhelpful patterns of behaviour or lifestyle choices which can create challenges in interpersonal relationships and other domains of functioning.
You may want to develop new coping strategies to help you manage your emotions better or deal with stress more effectively.
Many people see psychologists as part of a broader process of growth and personal development, to help them nurture their potential and become more balanced and effective.
What are the different types of Psychological Therapies?
There are many different types of Psychological Therapies which can either be done as individuals or in groups.
Cognitive Analytical Therapy
Family and Marital Therapy
Dialectic Behavioural Therapy
Counselling & Psychotherapy (discussed in another section)
The most common form of Psychological Therapy administered by Clinical Psychologists is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT.
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy that is widely used in the treatment of mental health difficulties. CBT is interested in the interaction between your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and behaviour.
The aim of CBT is to help you identify negative thinking patterns and unhelpful behaviours that can trap you into a vicious cycle. CBT aims to change these negative patterns in order to improve the way you feel.
What can CBT treat?
CBT can help with a wide range of difficulties such as, but not limited to:
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)p>
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
What can I expect from CBT sessions?
Following your enquiry, an initial, free-of- charge telephone assessment will be conducted by a therapist in order to assess your needs and answer any questions you may have about the processes or about the individual counsellor or psychotherapist. Following this, an appointment will be made with the appropriate therapist. However, depending on the nature of the problem, you may be advised to book an appointment with one of our psychiatrists first, before starting therapy.
If CBT is recommended for your difficulties, you can expect between 5-20 weekly sessions lasting 30-60 minutes. The therapist will conduct an initial assessment to discuss your current problems and set goals on what you would like to change through therapy. CBT mainly focusses on problems in the present. However, it is useful to explore how past experience plays a role in the present.
During your sessions, you will work collaboratively with the therapist to explore and challenge negative thinking patterns and behaviour that may be maintaining your distress. You will become equipped with coping strategies that can change the way you feel and respond to situations in the future. CBT is an active form of therapy that guides you to become your own therapist. You are often given tasks to complete between your sessions in order to facilitate your recovery.
To make a booking or enquiry