Working with a psychologist: Genuine information you need to know

Most clients I see have never worked with a psychologist before, So, they don’t really know what to expect. Although it’s normal to have some trepidation, the intake process should be straightforward and quickly put you at ease.

A good psychologist will:

• take time to understand you and your situation (often including a no obligation initial discovery call)

• give you opportunity to ask any questions you may have about service delivery

• be clear on contracting arrangements (including important elements like communication, fees, and confidentiality, and Professional Liability insurance)

• maintain ethical boundaries

• clarify the goal you’re striving to achieve

• design and deliver a bespoke, evidence-based solution for you, based on your current context (and adapt as appropriate if circumstances change)

• continually monitor progress

• evaluate the work on completion

Feeling better | Getting better | Staying better

In the first session or two, you’ll likely gain increased self-awareness, so you’ll start to ‘feel’ better.

Make some behaviour changes and you’ll start to ‘get’ better at what you do.

Stick with those behaviour changes, you’ll ‘stay’ better and likely elevate to a higher performance standard.

How do I know if my chosen provider is suitably qualified?

It takes around 6-10 years of formal training to qualify as a psychologist. In the UK, the professional body for qualified psychologists is the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). The HCPC keeps a register of health and care professionals who meet the appropriate standards for training, professional skills, behaviour and health. You can search the register here to ensure your chosen provider is suitably qualified, registered, and insured.