What is clinical psychology?
Clinical psychology aims to reduce emotional distress and to enhance and promote your psychological and emotional well-being. Clinical psychologists have specialist knowledge of emotional difficulties and the effects of abuse and trauma.
How can the clinical psychologist help?
This will depend on what the problem is. For instance you might need help with anxiety or panic attacks. Or, it might be something like an eating or a sleeping problem. The psychologist will first listen carefully to you and ask you some questions about how you are feeling and what you are finding difficult. She’ll then agree with you what to do next. This might involve developing new skills, for example in managing anxiety or being more assertive; or trying out new ways of thinking about situations.
The clinical psychologist will not prescribe drugs or admit you to hospital.
What will happen?
You will get an initial appointment to meet the psychologist. At the first session she will ask you to tell her what has been happening and why you think you need help. This will help you both decide whether a psychological approach would be worth trying. You do not need to tell her anything you don’t want to.
How long will it take?
The first session will take about an hour. After that it will depend on what you need. Usually, women have about eight to ten sessions.
Who will know?
We will not tell anyone outside EVA anything about you without your permission unless there is serious risk of someone being harmed. Your safety and wellbeing are very important to us.