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FAQS
ABOUT CBT
What is CBT?
CBT will enable you to resolve your problem by helping you to identify how the thoughts that you have lead to negative feelings and behaviours and then by teaching you a range to skills to enable you to change these thoughts and in turn the way that you feel and react to situations thus improving your problem and your overall experience of life.
What issues can it help with?
CBT can help adults, children and couples to deal with a range problems including:
- Depression and low mood
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
- Trauma
- Relationship problems
- Low self esteem and confidence
- Grief
- Self harm
- Sleep problems
- Physical pain
- Life changes
- General dissatisfaction/distress
- Somatic Problems (inc. chronic migraine, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
Will it work?
Research indicates that CBT is currently the most effective talking therapy available and as such is recommended by the government body NICE for a range of mental health problems (see ‘What issues can it help with?’ above).
Your own attitude will also make a difference. If you go along determined to make the most of every session and be completely honest about yourself, it is more likely to work. If, as a result of what you learn about yourself, you are prepared to face your fears and risk making changes in your life, it is more likely to work.
What happens in sessions?
Following an assessment (1-3 sessions depending on the type of problem) your Psychologist will outline a individually tailored treatment plan which you will work on together over a number of sessions (see ‘How long does it take’). The principle aim of CBT is to help you to become your own therapist so sessions will involve teaching you a range a psychological and practical techniques to help you to better manage and overcome your problem which you will practice in between sessions.
ABOUT ARRANGING AND ATTENDING TREATMENT
How many sessions will I need?
The period of time over which you meet will depend upon your the severity and chronicity current or your difficulties, however on average for mild problems with a relatively recent onset 10-15 sessions are offered, for moderate problems 20-30 and for more severe problems 40+ session are recommended. The counselling programme is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that satisfactory progress is being made and that you are comfortable with all aspects of the treatment you are receiving.
The more time you can dedicate to practicing the techniques you are taught the more quickly you will begin to notice improvements in how you feel and how you respond things.
How often to I come?
During the first phase of treatment (the length of this will depend on the nature of your problem, see ‘How many session will I need) whilst you are learning the techniques you need to overcome your problem you will attend sessions on a weekly basis. As you become more familiar with the techniques and more confident in managing your problem independently the frequency of your sessions will be reduced to fortnightly, then to monthly. You will then be offered a 3 month and a 6 month follow up session to help you to iron out any residual problems or concerns.
How do I arrange an appointment?
You can arrange an appointment by contacting Dr Gray (Consultant Clinical Psychologist/Service Coordinator) either by email info@oystercounselling.co.uk or by telephone 07884061218
ABOUT OUR PSYCHOLOGISTS
What training do our Psychologists have?
Our Psychologists are either Doctors of Clinical Psychology or Counselling Psychologists (MSc). Each has spent a between seven and nine years training to enable people to overcome their emotional difficulties and has been a qualified practitioner for at least three years. In addition to practicing privately, many hold (or have recently held) senior positions in the NHS.
In addition all our Psychologists are accredited to practice by The British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy (BABCP) and hold a practicing certificate with The British Psychological Society(BPS). All are also registered with The Health Professionals Council which monitors and regulates the practice of Clinical Psychologists and some are members of The British Association of Cognitive Psychotherapies South London.
What is a BPS Practicing Certificate and why is it important?
The British Psychological Society is the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK. The Society was formed in 1901 and has more than 45,000 members. Through its Royal Charter, the Society is charged with overseeing psychology and psychologists. It has responsibility for the development, promotion and application of pure and applied psychology for the public good. (http://www.bps.org.uk)
Practicing certificates are only issued to Chartered Psychologists which is the benchmark of professional recognition for psychologist. It reflects the highest standards of knowledge and expertise.
What is BABCP Accreditation and why is it important?
The BABCP is the British Association of Behavioural Cognitive Psychotherapists. It is the lead organisation for the theory, practice and development of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the UK.(http://www.babcp.com)
BABCP Accreditation is the “Gold Standard” that every CBT Practitioner is striving to achieve. Any practitioner can be a member but to achieve accreditation with the BABCP demonstrates that the practitioner has met the rigorous criteria outlined in their core profession, qualifications and clinical experience and ensures that they are continually updating and developing their skills through ongoing training.
Can you prescribe medication?
If patients require medication we refer and/or liaise with external agencies (e.g., psychiatrist, a private clinic, your GP) to ensure you have a specialist in medication management. All our psychologists are trained in monitoring patients taking medication as an adjunct to cognitive behavioural therapy.
ABOUT PAYMENT
How much does it cost?
Our fees are as follows
- Pre Assessment Liaison / Consultation via email
- Face-to-Face session (50mins)
- Telephone session (40mins)
- Video session ** (40mins)
- Online Counselling
- -
- -
- -
- -
- No Charge
- £80-£130*
- £ 75
- £ 75
- from £60
Assessment, Progress and Discharge reports are available on request.
*Depending on location, please contact us for more information
**Clients will need Skype/VOIP for this treatment option
How do I pay?
Payment should be made by electronic transfer. To avoid unnecessary breaks in treatment, cleared funds should appear in this account 48 hours before the appointment. To insure against late/unpaid fees and therefore to maximise the reliability of the service that we can offer sessions for which payment is not received (as cleared funds) 48 hours in advance will be cancelled.
To secure the preferred treatment slot the fee for the first consultation is payable at the point of booking. This is a non-refundable payment.
Do I pay if I don’t attend?
To ensure that sessions can be offered on a regular basis to all patients:
- The full session rate will be charged for all sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.
- A maximum of two cancellations will be accepted in any 20 week period (inc. session cancelled due to patient’s holidays or sickness and sessions cancelled due to late payment by patients). The full session rate will be charged for additional cancellations regardless of notice period.
If you have already paid for your session and if appropriate the fee for your session will be refunded to you by electronic transfer.
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS
Please do not hesitate to contact Dr Gray (Consultant Clinical Psychologist/ Service Coordinator) either by phone (08454670940) or by email (info@oystercounselling.co.uk) with any other questions or concerns that you have. We look forward to hearing from you.
This website gives only a brief introduction to counselling. There is much more to know than can be written in this small space. However, if you feel, from what you have read that counselling may be able to help you, or if you would just like to know more please contact Dr Gray:
Tel: 0845 467 0940
Email: info@oystercounselling.co.uk
