Question 1

What's the difference between a Clinical Psychologist and other therapists?

Accepted Answer

Clinical and Counselling Psychologists train to doctoral level in more than one therapy, across the age range and across core areas — adult, child and adolescent, learning disabilities, older adults, and neuropsychological testing. The British Psychological Society recognises Clinical Psychologists as holding the highest standard of psychological knowledge and expertise. Training takes seven to ten years on average, combining academic study, research training, clinical training and supervised practice. It's worth knowing that the titles 'psychologist', 'counsellor', 'therapist' and 'psychotherapist' aren't protected by law. Anyone can use them, whatever their training. 'Clinical Psychologist' and 'Practitioner Psychologist' are protected — those require HCPC registration.

Question 2

How do I know you're qualified?

Accepted Answer

I'm registered with the Health & Care Professions Council, registration number PYL17840, which is a legal requirement to practise as a Clinical Psychologist in the UK. HCPC registrants must meet defined standards of professional practice and conduct, and you can check the public register on the HCPC website. I also hold Chartered Psychologist status with the British Psychological Society, which reflects the highest level of psychological skill and expertise, and the BPS register is public too.

Question 3

How long is a session?

Accepted Answer

50 minutes, other than specific interventions such as EMDR, which may run longer.

Question 4

Do I actually need to see a Clinical Psychologist?

Accepted Answer

If a difficulty is affecting you enough that you're considering therapy, therapy is likely to help. There's no threshold of unwellness you have to reach first, and everyone's concerns are real and valid to them. Psychologists bring a particular set of skills and a way of making sense of difficulty. If you choose a Clinical Psychologist, you're choosing the highest level of training available in the field.

Question 5

How many appointments will I need?

Accepted Answer

It depends entirely on what we're working on — anywhere from one to twenty-four or more. My aim is the minimum needed to address what you've come for, not the maximum you'd tolerate. Some therapies, such as IPT, run to a set number of sessions. I'd encourage you to commit to those, but there's no obligation and no penalty for changing your mind. You can book a block in advance or one at a time, whichever suits.

Question 6

Do I have to tell my GP?

Accepted Answer

No. You don't have to tell your GP, or anyone else, that you're seeing me. The exception is if you told me something that made me think you or someone else was at risk of harm — I would likely need to pass that on, and your GP may be who I contact. If you'd like your GP kept informed of progress, I can arrange that with your written consent. I can also assess and write to your GP with treatment recommendations if you're having difficulty accessing NHS input or are waiting for it.

Question 7

Is therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with two exceptions: I discuss my work in clinical supervision, which is a professional requirement and keeps the work safe; and if I believed you or someone else was at risk of serious harm, I'd have to pass that on. Confidentiality is covered in full in the terms discussed at the first appointment.

Question 8

What if I need to cancel?

Accepted Answer

Let me know as soon as you can. I ask for 48 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule; with less notice, or a missed appointment, the session fee is payable.

Question 9

How is my information stored?

Accepted Answer

In line with UK GDPR. I use cloud-based, fully encrypted software. Any paper forms or session notes are scanned into your record and then destroyed — no client information is kept on the premises. Records are held for six years and then erased. Full terms are available on request and discussed at the first appointment.

Question 10

Can therapy make me feel worse?

Accepted Answer

It can feel harder before it feels easier. If you're coming to therapy, there's usually something painful or frightening holding you back, and facing it is uncomfortable. Processing difficult feelings causes short-term distress — but avoiding them is what keeps them powerful. The discomfort is the work, and it passes.

Question 11

Do you offer in-person appointments?

Accepted Answer

All appointments are currently online — video call, telephone or secure messaging. That means I can see you anywhere in the UK.

Question 12

Do you work with pet bereavement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it's a specialist area for me. I've written a book on it and run a dedicated practice at petlosspsychology.com, where you'll find articles, books and a full online course.

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