Frequently asked questions

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What is a Clinical Psychologist?

The work of Clinical Psychologists with children and families has recently been well-publicised in the media. Shows such as XXXX have shown a particular role in helping parents to manage difficult behaviour. However, Clinical Psychologists have a much broader remit than this, using many different approaches and ways of working with the aim to “…reduce emotional distress and to enhance and promote psychological well-being“ (nhscareers.co.uk). Approaches include more traditional therapeutic work with children, with parents, and with whole families; and also work aimed at supporting parents and preventing difficulties developing, such as working with groups of parents and child-care professionals. Whatever the approach a Clinical Psychologist uses, they are trained to base their work on up-to-date research and literature, ensuring their work is ‘evidence-based’.

What issues can a Clinical Psychologist help with?

All sorts of child behaviour can feel challenging, even when it is perfectly normal! As previously stated, Clinical Psychologists can offer useful input to parents who are simply keen to prevent behavioural difficulties, ensure a positive parent-child relationship, and develop their ideas for parenting. In addition, the skills of a Clinical Psychologist can be usefully applied in a variety of situations where child behaviour has become problematic to a family. Examples of some common difficulties include sleep and eating problems; difficulties with behaviour and tantrums; anxieties and phobias; anxiety about school; anger and aggression; low self-esteem; panic attacks; and difficulties adjusting after divorce or separation. This list is not exhaustive. If you have an issue and wonder whether this service might be able to help, please get in touch to discuss your situation.

Are you a Child Psychologist?

The Health Professions Council (HPC) who now register all Psychologists specify a number of legally protected titles Psychologists can use, ‘Child Psychologist’ is not one of them - probably because all Clinical Psychologists are trained to work with children as well as other age groups. In practice, ‘Child Psychologist’ is often used to refer to a Clinical Psychologist who predominantly works with children, as I do. You can check if someone is registered with the HPC through their website (provide link xxxx).

What’s the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health care. As such, a Psychiatrist has a role in identifying biological manifestations of emotional and behavioural difficulties and may diagnose a ’disorder’ or prescribe medication.

Rather than diagnose, a Psychologist seeks to ‘formulate’, that is to draw on psychological theory and research to try to understand difficulties in context, for example, taking into account social and environmental factors; the contexts of family, school and society and differing belief systems. They will usually provide the client with this ‘formulation’, either verbally or in written form. This set of ideas about how the problem might be understood then forms the basis for tackling that problem. This is usually done through talking and through changing the way people interact and behave with each other.

What qualifications do you have?

To qualify as a Clinical Psychologist, I undertook a 4 year undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology (Bsc (HONS)), then worked as an Assistant Psychologist for 2 years to gain clinical experience in the field before securing a place on a 3 year doctoral training programme (DClinPsy). During doctoral training, I undertook academic study, placement experience within the NHS and also a large scale research study and thesis. It is a requirement that all trainees gain experience in working with clients across the age range, however many people choose to work towards specialising with one particular group and I did this with children and families.

What models do you use?

Need to write this bit up…. XXXXXXXXXXXX ……….Systemic / behavioural / CBT / solution focussed. Make it clear that group sessions are broadly CBT.

Do children attend group sessions?

Largely depends on the groups preferences and on the age of the children. Can be easier for parents to talk about their children and to think clearly when they are not there. If children in school, might find it easier to focus at a time when they’re no there. If little children and don’t have childcare, they can be present and we can work with that. I am fully aware of the restrictions on parents time and am flexible xxx more

Who attends family sessions?

Whoever you want! Xxxx expand!!

What age of children do you work with?

The model of the group sessions means that these are most suitable for parents of children who are pre-adolescent. - research tells us that it is with these children that such approaches are most effective.

Family work is also usually with younger children as many of the difficulties adolescents face are often dealt with more effectively by a team of people (as can be provided by local NHS services). However, each family situation is different so do feel free to get in touch to discuss your needs.