What is clinical psychology?
Clinical psychologists work with people in a variety of settings, most commonly in health centres, clinics and hospitals. They have academic and specialist professional training in the application of principles of psychology to health and emotional problems. They are not medical doctors and therefore do not prescribe drugs. Clinical psychologists use their psychological knowledge and understanding of behaviour, emotions, thoughts and experiences to help people with problems connected with health, relationships and emotional well-being and to assist people to cope with illnesses such as C.F.S.
What kinds of problems can clinical psychologists help with?
Within the CFS service, Clinical psychologists see patients for a wide range of issues such as:
- stress related to medical problems
- activity pacing
- anxiety
- depression
- chronic pain
- dealing with relapse
- problem solving
- goal setting
- coping skills
- symptom management
How do I get to see a clinical psychologist?
If you are interested in meeting with a clinical psychologist, please speak to your consultant or any member of the service about a referral. You will then be sent a letter offering an initial assessment appointment as soon as one becomes available. The initial meeting will last about an hour.
What happens during the first appointment?
The initial meeting will be an opportunity for you and the clinical psychologist to meet and assess your situation and concerns. You will have the opportunity to talk about your situation and to ask questions. You will discuss ways of addressing your needs or solving your problems and you and the clinical psychologist may agree to meet for further sessions.
Sometimes the clinical psychologist may suggest a referral to other agencies that specialise in particular problems or to services that are nearer to a person’s home or work.
Confidentiality
Whatever is spoken about in the session is confidential. It is usual for clinical psychologist to write to the person who referred you, and your G.P. summarising the outcome of the meeting and when the sessions end. If there was a serious risk of harm either to yourself or to other people, the clinical psychologist would act on this but would consult with you where possible if this was the case. If you have queries about confidentiality do discuss this with the clinical psychologist.
How do I get to see a clinical psychologist?
If you are interested in meeting with a clinical psychologist, please speak to your consultant or any member of the service about a referral. You will then be sent a letter offering an initial assessment appointment as soon as one becomes available. The initial meeting will last about an hour.
What happens during the first appointment?
The initial meeting will be an opportunity for you and the clinical psychologist to meet and assess your situation and concerns. You will have the opportunity to talk about your situation and to ask questions. You will discuss ways of addressing your needs or solving your problems and you and the clinical psychologist may agree to meet for further sessions.
Sometimes the clinical psychologist may suggest a referral to other agencies that specialise in particular problems or to services that are nearer to a person’s home or work.
Patient Information Leaflet - Clinical Psychology and CFS/ME