WHAT WE DO
It is our aim as Clinical Psychologists to work with clients to provide them with the tools and techniques that they need to manage a wide range of mental health difficulties. Our focus at New Avenue Psychology is about helping our clients to find a way of overcoming personal challenges, to improve their wellbeing and develop a better understanding of themselves.
We will work collaboratively with clients to assess and understand the difficulties they are facing, with a focus on why and how these difficulties developed, before creating bespoke treatment packages tailored to help them move forward.
Assessment
Following a free initial telephone consultation with one of our Clinical Psychologists, clients will be invited to the clinic for their first session. During this session we will talk more about the reasons for seeking support, when the difficulties arose, what has been tried before, and what the hopes are for the future. We will also ask about any other important factors that may be impacting upon current wellbeing.
At the end of the assessment session, if we feel that therapy would be beneficial, we will discuss a regular time and day to meet. We do have flexibility but at the beginning of therapy we recommend that sessions are weekly or fortnightly.
Formulation
Integral to the work that Clinical Psychologists do, and something that distinguishes us from other healthcare professionals, is psychological formulation. Essentially this is an explanation for the ways in which difficulties have developed and what factors may be keeping them going. Working collaboratively to think about these factors allows us to come up with an individualised treatment plan.
Psychological treatment
Clinical Psychologists are trained in several different models of therapy and these will be discussed as part of the assessment. Ultimately, psychological therapy helps by examining current thoughts, emotions and actions and how these interact. We will talk through ways in which you can change these cycles to improve wellbeing.
Some common models of psychological therapy are.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Mindfulness Based Therapy (MBT)
Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT)
Narrative Therapy
Systemic Therapy
Try not to be overwhelmed by the different choices of treatment; all of the above have proven good effects. Sometimes we will combine types of treatment depending on what we think will be most effective. We have a lot of training and experience and will propose the best course of treatment based on a client’s individual needs.