FAQs
Do I need a referral?
No. You are welcome to contact me directly to discuss your needs and arrange an
appointment. Some health insurance providers may require a GP or consultant referral
for reimbursement, so it is worth checking your individual policy, if relevant.
What happens at the first appointment?
Our first appointment is an opportunity to begin understanding what has brought you to
therapy or assessment and what you hope to gain from the process. We’ll explore your
current concerns, relevant experiences, and any questions you may have. We can also
consider whether my approach feels like the right fit for you and discuss possible next
steps.
How many therapy sessions will I need?
There is no fixed number of sessions. Some people come for short-term, goal-focused
therapy, while others benefit from longer-term work exploring more longstanding
patterns and experiences. We may initially agree to work together for around six
sessions and then review how therapy is progressing and whether it continues to meet
your needs.
Do you offer online appointments?
Yes. Waterview Psychology is an online practice, and therapy and assessment
appointments take place through Cliniko’s secure video platform. Online appointments
offer flexibility and accessibility, allowing you to attend from your own home or another
private space without the need to travel.
What difficulties do you work with?
I work primarily with adults, and can also see older adolescents aged 16–17 where
appropriate. I see people with a broad range of psychological experiences, including
anxiety, low mood, trauma, stress and burnout, relationship difficulties, emotional
regulation difficulties, psychosis, longstanding emotional or interpersonal patterns, and
challenges associated with navigating life as a neurodivergent person. I can also meet
with family members who would like help understanding a loved one’s mental health
difficulties and thinking about how best to support them. If you are unsure whether my
service is suitable for what you are experiencing, you are very welcome to get in touch.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
People seek therapy for many different reasons, and you do not need to be in crisis to
benefit from psychological therapy. You may have a particular difficulty you would like
help with, feel stuck in recurring patterns, be navigating a period of change, or simply
want to understand yourself and your experiences more deeply. If you are unsure
whether therapy or assessment would be helpful, please feel free to get in touch. I am
happy to answer any questions before you book an appointment.
Do I need a diagnosis?
No. Many people benefit from therapy without ever receiving a diagnosis. My approach
begins with understanding you and your experiences rather than focusing solely on
diagnostic labels. That said, as a Clinical Psychologist, I am trained in psychological
assessment and diagnosis. If questions about diagnosis arise, we can discuss whether
exploring this would be relevant or helpful, and whether any further assessment may be
appropriate.
Are sessions confidential?
Yes. What you share with me is treated as confidential. There are, however, some limits
to confidentiality. Information may need to be shared if there are serious concerns about
your safety or the safety of someone else, where safeguarding concerns arise, or where
disclosure is required by law. Wherever possible and appropriate, I would discuss this
with you before sharing information. Confidentiality and its limits will also be explained
before we begin working together.
Can I use my health insurance?
Some health insurance policies provide reimbursement for psychological therapy or
assessment. The amount of cover and the services included vary between insurers and
policies, so I recommend checking directly with your insurer before booking. You will
automatically receive a receipt for payments made through Waterview Psychology,
which you can use when making an eligible claim.
Do you prescribe medication?
No. Clinical Psychologists do not prescribe medication. If medication may be helpful as
part of your care, we can discuss this together and, where appropriate, I can liaise with
your GP or psychiatrist with your consent.