Your Questions Answered
Your mind, like most, probably has a range of questions, from 'what to expect' to 'where are you based' - We've provided some answers below to the questions we are asked most often.
However, please do get in touch with us if you have any queries or if you would like to arrange a free, 15 minute consultation call.
EMOTIONAL REGULATION IS NOT A SKILL WE ARE BORN WITH... BUT WITH SUPPORT AND CONNECTION, IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN.
FAQS
+ What is Clinical Psychology / who are Clinical Psychologists?
Clinical psychology is an integration of science, theory and clinical knowledge, that aims to understand, prevent, and relieve psychologically based distress and to promote well-being and personal development. The title of Clinical Psychologist is protected in the UK. They may work with adults, children, adolescents, families, couples, groups or organisations. Clinical Psychologists may also choose to specialise in a particular field. All Clinical Psychologists will have completed an undergraduate and doctorate degree, with most having several years experience working in the field. Many Psychologists also continue with further post-graduate training in specialist interest areas.
The Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) currently regulates 16 health and care professions in the UK, including Clinical Psychologists. Each of the professions regulated by HCPC has at least one professional body: for Clinical Psychologists this is the Division of Clinical Psychology (DCP) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
+ What is the difference between a Psychiatrist, Psychologist and Psychotherapist?
The difference between the disciplines is in their background and level of training and expertise. Psychiatrists are fully trained medical doctors who have specialised in mental health and are able to prescribe medication. Counselors and therapists often train in one approach, whereas Clinical Psychologists have completed an undergraduate degree and a post-graduate doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology.
The breadth and depth of a Clinical Psychologists’ training enables them to develop skills and expertise in offering help to people across the life-span, drawing upon different therapeutic approaches to suit an individual or a family’s needs.
+ How will I know if you are the right psychologist for me?
Finding the right psychologist for you can be a daunting and confusing task and add to your overwhelm. We offer a free, no-obligation, 15-minute consultation call for us to determine whether we might be the right service for you. If we discover that we are not the right service for you, then we will endeavour to help recommend someone who is.
+ How long is each therapy session?
Each therapy session lasts up to 50 minutes. On occasion, for trauma processing work we may offer slightly longer 75-90 minute sessions, however these are discussed and arranged on an individual basis.
+ How many sessions might I need?
This will vary depending on the difficulties you are experiencing and the goals you might have for coming to therapy. Typically, we recommend a minimum of 6-8 sessions, following which you will review the work, together with your psychologist, and discuss whether further sessions may be required. Therapy can continue for as long or short a time as you wish or may require.
+ How often should I attend?
Regular attendance is important to enable you to fully benefit from your sessions. Weekly sessions are highly recommended and where possible, the same day and time will be reserved for you each week.
+ What should I expect in my first session?
Your first session is an opportunity for you and your psychologist to get to know each other, for us to learn more about what is currently holding you back in life and what you might like to gain from attending therapy. Together you will start to develop a shared understanding about your difficulties and decide together what the best therapeutic approach might be. You will leave with further information about what therapy might look and feel like. You may set goals at the end of this session, or goals may develop as the work continues in future sessions, either way you and your therapist would work together, at a pace that suits you.
+ Do you offer sessions online?
Yes, all online sessions are delivered via our practice management system called Cliniko. You will be emailed an appointment confirmation each week, within which a secure link is included for you to click on prior to each session. Our experience is that clients settle well into online therapy and treatments are extremely effective. Online therapy continues to be favoured by many individuals who, for various reasons have found this way of working more convenient for our busy working lives.
+ What is your address for in-person appointments?
Currently, Dr Redfern is only offering a few in-person appointments a week, with the remaining sessions being held online. Dr Redfern's Clinical Psychology Associates are all working solely online, offering flexible online appointments - please contact us to enquire about current availability.
Our address for in-person appointments is at our private practice home clinic at:
12 Broadwell Road, Wrecclesham, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4QH
+ Can I use my health insurance to pay for my sessions?
Yes – we are registered with most major healthcare insurance companies, including BUPA, Aviva, Vitality Health, WPA and Cigna. If your health insurance company is not listed here please contact us to request further information.
Prior to arranging an appointment with us, we will ask that you contact your health insurance company to confirm the details of your policy and what it covers you for in the way of mental health. Please note some policies require a GP referral, whilst others do not.
Once you have spoken to your insurance company and obtained the appropriate information, please contact us with your policy number and pre-authorisation code and details regarding any excess you may need to pay, provided to you from your insurance provider. We should then be able to handle all the billing and administration directly with the insurance company.
+ What happens if I need to cancel my appointment?
We operate a 48-hour notice period if you need to cancel a session. Any sessions cancelled with less than 48-hour notice will be charged in full. If you are unable to get to your appointment, we can offer you an online session at the same time.
If you have paid for your session, and need to cancel with more than 48-hours notice, we will issue you with a full refund. Please note that if you are funding your therapy through your health insurance, your provider will not cover the cost of any late cancellations or missed appointments, which will be billed to the individual.
+ Are all sessions kept confidential / private?
All of the conversations and sessions that you have with your therapist are kept strictly confidential. The exceptions to this are if you pose a risk or danger to yourself or to others, or if your therapist becomes concerned you may be at risk of harm from others. If this was to occur, where possible your therapist would speak to you first and together you would come up with a plan as to who would ‘need to know’ and how we would best inform them. This would not be done behind your back but with your knowledge with the aim of keeping you safe.
+ Do you offer urgent appointments?
We are unable to offer an emergency support service and will not be monitoring emails outside of our working hours. If you require help urgently please request an emergency appointment with your GP.
Alternatively you could contact any of the following for emergency and crisis support:
Call 111 – NHS urgent care telephone service.
Attend your local A&E department, where you should be accessed by a trained mental health professional.
Text Shout on 85258. Shout is a free, confidential and anonymous text support service. You can text from wherever you are in the UK.
Call Samaritans on 116 123 to speak to a volunteer, or email jo@samaritan.org for a reply within 24 hours.
Mind – helpline – 03001233393 – 9am-6pm Monday-Friday (except bank holidays), or email info@mind.org.co.uk, or text 86463.