Taking the step

Making initial contact with a Psychologist is a huge step and can feel scary. Our main priority is to be as helpful as we can to you. A bit like walking through an unknown forest, we can’t promise you that we know what will show up, but we can promise you that we are willing to walk with you, no matter how tough the walk gets.

What to expect at an initial consultation and further appointments

When we receive contact from you we will usually respond to you by email. We offer an initial 60 minute consultation. During this appointment you will be asked questions about what brought you to therapy and the current difficulties that you would like help with. You will also be asked broader questions about your life, relationships, etc to help to make sense of your difficulties within the context of your life experiences. We have Clinical Psychology expertise and you have knowledge about your own life experiences and challenges. During the initial consultation we will consider both areas of expertise to make a decision together about whether further psychological therapy would be helpful.

What could be the possible outcomes of my initial appointment?

• We agree together that Flexible Minds is a good fit and is best placed to offer you the appropriate support for your needs, and we will agree a helpful focus and can plan further appointments. All further appointments will be 50 minutes.

• The NHS has some excellent psychological therapy services and may be well placed to meet your needs. When we feel that you could access appropriate support via the NHS then we will discuss this openly with you, to support you to make a decision as to whether you wish to continue with private therapy through Flexible Minds, or be referred to an NHS service.

• On some occasions we may feel that the NHS is better placed to support you than private therapy through Flexible Minds, and again we will discuss this openly with you and advise you how to access this service, which would usually be via your GP.

Why a Clinical Psychologist?

As Clinical Psychologists we are trained to Doctoral level in a range of psychological models and will integrate these to provide therapy that meets your individual needs. It may be appropriate to offer therapy using one model in a ‘pure’ way, or integrate different models in the therapy. Currently, Flexible Minds offers Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Fees

All appointments are charged at £130. We accept direct payment and are also able to bill AXA Insurance company for those with a valid authorisation to access psychological support.

Ethical practice

Flexible Minds Clinical Psychologists work in accordance with professional guidance to offer safe and effective psychological therapy. Appointments provide a confidential space, whilst also working in line with professional practices. We will write to your GP to let them know that we are supporting you but we do not have to share lots of detail. If any concerns arose in relation to the immediate safety of yourself or others then we would have a legal obligation to share this information. All Clinical Psychologists have clinical supervision where they discuss the people they are supporting with another Psychologist, in order to ensure effective and safe care. Your identity would not be disclosed in clinical supervision