FAQ Page

I draw from a wide range of psychological models and evidence-based therapies to tailor make an intervention best suited to the needs of each individual client.

I have training and experience in: Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT); Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT); Mentalisation Based Therapy (MBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI).

I will be adding EMDR as a treatment option in early 2021.

I offer both in person therapy sessions and online sessions depending on the needs and preferences of each individual client. Face to face sessions are offered from comfortable and cosy rooms in Bearsden during fixed time slots. Please note that availability of face to face appointments may vary depending on any COVID-19 pandemic restrictions - contact me for further information.

Online therapy has advantages as I have more flexibility in when I can provide sessions. You may also find that having therapy from the comfort of your own home makes it easier to fit sessions into your busy schedule. There is a growing evidence base to suggest that online therapy is just as effective as in person treatment for many mental health difficulties.

I rent clinic rooms on specific days of the week from The Wellbeing Rooms in Bearsden: Visit Website.

The clinic rooms are spacious, private and comfortable. They are also COVID safe with strict hygiene and cleaning protocols. There is plenty of free parking nearby and Bearsden train station is only a short walk from the clinic.

Online sessions are delivered via video call using the platform Zoom. Clients will be sent a link to a secure, password protected, “room” in advance of their appointment. Zoom sessions are not recorded and are compliant with UK privacy laws (GDPR). All you need to join is a device with a mic and a camera. Most smart phones will be suitable, but you can also use tablets or laptops with these features.

As a Clinical Psychologist, I’m interested in talking with you about current events happening in your life as well as going deeper and looking at some of your personal history that may be relevant. I work alongside clients at a pace that feels manageable, and it may be that we need to spend some time helping you to develop new coping skills before it feels safe to talk about your past (especially if you have a history of trauma or abuse).

Working with a psychologist is much more than just talking about “how that made you feel”. You will get much more out of therapy if you are an active participant in the process, and change can happen much more rapidly if you are willing to do some work in between our appointments. I will likely suggest that you complete some tasks outside of our sessions (e.g. reading a book, listening to a specific podcast, keeping a diary of particular behaviours, taking actions towards your goals) and whilst none of this is “mandatory”, these tasks would be intended to help you progress towards your treatment goals.

Where there is less than 24 hours’ notice of cancellation, or if there is non-attendance, the full fee for that appointment will be charged. Further sessions will not go ahead until any outstanding fees (including late cancellation fees) have been paid in full.

I’m currently in the process of registering as a provider with a number of insurance companies. In the meantime, some insurers may allow you to claim back your session costs with the receipts I provide as a licensed Clinical Psychologist. Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss payment via insurance, and I’d appreciate it if you could let me know whether you’ll be using insurance before booking any sessions.

Unfortunately, I cannot offer crisis support and only check my email/phone messages during standard office hours. If you are in crisis and need urgent mental health support, please contact your GP during the day or NHS 24 (dial 111) if it’s out of hours. You can also contact the Samaritans by phoning 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org if you’re suicidal or in crisis. If you prefer to communicate via text message, you can text the word “SHOUT” to 85258 for free 24/7 mental health support.

One of the key advantages of choosing an independent psychologist is that you can be seen quickly and at a time that suits you. I don’t usually operate a waiting list and typically offer an initial assessment appointment withing 1-2 weeks of initial enquiry/free consultation call, if you decide to go ahead. If I don’t have any availability, I will do what I can to pass on details of another psychologist (or suitable mental health professional) that does have current availability.