FAQs
Why me? Why now? Why isn’t the problem going away?
A ‘psychological formulation’ is a core skill that distinguishes Psychologists from other therapists and it is essential in designing a personalised therapy plan. After assessment, we will develop a formulation – a visual diagram that identifies the cycles that maintain your symptoms. It includes theoretical knowledge combined with your experiences so you can answer: “Why me? Why now? Why isn’t the problem going away?”.
What is a psychology assessment?
A typical assessment will be over 2-3 sessions. The main aim of assessment is to explore your problems in depth - by understanding your current experiences, and how the problems developed over time. This provides an opportunity to explore what brought you to therapy, and crucially to understand together why problems are persisting, keeping you feeling stuck. Dr Bell will ask about any problems that have not been covered in or benefited from previous therapy. She may also ask you to complete some specialised questionnaires to help her understand the problems – she will of course share and discuss with you what we learn from these. Each person’s goals for therapy are unique and we will formulate an approach best suited for you.
How many sessions are needed?
The length of therapy all depends on the problems and your goals. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines provide recommendations for the number of treatment sessions for specific disorders. Dr Bell works with people on a weekly basis, and later sessions can be less frequent to monitor maintained changes. She won’t want to rush the therapy process, but she also does’t want to keep you in therapy for longer than you need or want.
Are there problems you don’t work with?
Psychologists tend to specialise, which ensures you will get up-to-date expert knowledge and experience. Dr Bell recommends seeing a HCPC registered Psychologist who specialises in your problem area.
Dr Bell does not work with: addictions, anger problems, agoraphobia, bipolar disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, dissociative disorders, eating disorders, hoarding, grief, OCD, pain management, personality disorders, phobias, physical health conditions, psychosis, feeling suicidal, or self-harm. Dr Bell works with individuals over 18-years old, and no longer offers family or couples therapy.
‘Evidence-based’ therapies and why is this really important?
There are many forms of therapy available, yet only a small proportion are backed by strong scientific research. ‘Evidence-based’ therapies have been proven to be effective in reducing symptoms during rigorous research trials. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is probably the best example - please see the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) for disorder specific guidelines. Dr Bell offers a range of evidence-based therapies and integrate the best available published evidence to guide therapy, with a genuine and warm therapeutic relationship.
What are your clinic times?
Clinic hours: (8am-9pm)
Mornings: Mon/Tues
Afternoons: Tues
Evenings: Mon/Tues/Weds/Thurs
Sessions are 50 minutes - please note that 50 minutes is considered a “therapy hour” and provides practitioners time to breathe and take care of administrative tasks between clients.
How much does therapy cost?
Online sessions are charged at £200. In-person sessions are limited and start at £295 per session. Please see fees page.
Do you accept private health insurance?
Dr Bell is registered with the following health insurance providers: Aviva, Bupa Global, Cigna, Healix, WPA. Sessions will be invoiced at the pre-agreed insurer rates. Please see fees page.
What happens during therapy?
In sessions, we will set an agenda, including a review of your week. We will continue to ‘fine-tune’ your understanding of difficulties and develop a wider and more individually tailored repertoire of coping responses. Successful CBT makes therapists redundant - it enables you to become your own therapist! Dr Bell assures you of complete confidentiality, ethical practice and utmost discretion.
Is face-to-face therapy better than online therapy?
Online therapy has become the preferred forum, as it is easier to fit into a busy lifestyle - clients may prefer to stay at home or at their desk because they wish to skip the commute. Face-to-face therapy and online therapy follow the same general rules. All the therapeutic approaches that Dr Bell uses can be used effectively online. This means that you can access me from anywhere, via platforms such as Zoom, Google, Skype. Dr Bell suggests treating online sessions the same as you would do for a session in person to gain the most benefit. Please note, online therapy is not appropriate for everyone, and she will assess its suitability for you.