FAQs
Common Questions
Thoughtful answers to help you understand how I work and what to expect
Your questions, answered
Below you’ll find answers to some of the questions people commonly ask when first getting in touch, booking services or starting therapy. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you’re very welcome to contact me.
FAQs
About Me
Who is a Clinical Psychologist?
A Clinical Psychologist is a highly specialist mental health professional who uses their skills, knowledge and training to help people understand, navigate and overcome emotional, psychological and behavioural difficulties and distress.
The title Clinical Psychologist is legally protected and reserved only for those who have completed extensive doctoral-level training and are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Practitioner Psychologist. The route to qualification takes many years and typically involves a three-year Undergraduate degree in Psychology (accredited by the British Psychological Society), sometimes followed by a Masters-level degree and then several years of relevant clinical work experience before successful completion of a three-year Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. This Doctoral training includes academic study, research and thesis alongside supervised clinical practice across a broad range of general and specialist NHS service settings.
Clinical Psychologists are trained in multiple evidence-based therapies and work with people across the whole lifespan including children, adults, older adults and families. Their training emphasises a formulation-led approach in understanding individual experiences within the context of their life, relationships and circumstances, alongside symptoms and diagnoses.
As a Clinical Psychologist, I draw on my training as well as my specialist experience in parenthood, perinatal mental health and trauma.
What are Dr Lindsay's qualifications?
My own journey of becoming and being a Clinical Psychologist has involved many years of study, training and clinical experience.
I completed an Undergraduate degree in Psychology and Educational Studies (2001-2004), followed by a Masters in Developmental Psychology (2004-2005), both at Lancaster University. After gaining valuable experience within relevant work roles, I then started my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Liverpool in 2009, qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist in 2012. In addition to my core psychology training, I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Evidence-Based Parenting Approaches from the GMW Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Training Center and accreditation and certification as an Incredible Years Parent Training Parent Group Leader.
Additional specialist training I have completed as part of my ongoing continued professional development includes the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA) Foundation Course in Fertility Counselling, multiple trainings in therapeutic approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and specialist training in trauma, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex trauma (CPTSD) and dissociation.
In the last twenty years encompassing the times before, during and since my Doctoral training, I have worked across the National Heath Service (NHS), Children’s Social Care, the National Probation Service (NPS) and in Private Practice. I have learnt so much from the adults, children, young people and professionals I have had the pleasure of working with, across a vast range of challenges and mental health difficulties, as well as some some wonderful psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health practitioners along the way. I continue to develop my professional knowledge and therapeutic skills through further training, regular supervision and ongoing clinical practice.
To practice in the UK, all Clinical Psychologists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). My Practitioner Psychologist registration number is PYL28910, which you can find on their website.
Practical Information
Is what we talk about confidential?
In most circumstances, yes.
What you share in therapy or consultation remains confidential and will not be shared with others without your permission. There are, however, limited circumstances where I may need to break confidentiality. These include situations where I believe there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, where there are safeguarding concerns relating to a child or vulnerable person, or where I am legally required to disclose information (for example, by a court order). In these instances, my priority is to keep you and others safe and I will need to act accordingly. Wherever possible I would discuss this with you first.
As part of my professional responsibilities, I receive regular clinical supervision from experienced Perinatal and Clinical Psychologists. This helps me reflect on my work and maintain safe, effective and ethical care. Discussions in supervision are conducted confidentially and any identifying information is minimised where possible. Supervising psychologists are also bound by professional and ethical standards regarding confidentiality.
Additionally, I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and store client information in accordance with UK data protection legislation and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Do I need a referral from my GP or another professional to work with you? Will you be in contact with my GP?
No. You do not need a referral from your GP or another healthcare professional to access private therapy or consultation with me.
Clients access therapy and consultation with me through direct self-referral as well as through my Associate work with Parenthood In Mind and Plum Psychology.
I would not usually contact your GP or another healthcare professional to tell them you are working with me unless you specifically requested this or there was a safety reason to break confidentiality (see Confidentiality FAQ).
Where do sessions take place?
I currently offer all therapy and consultation sessions online, via Zoom.
Appointments are available during weekday daytimes, within school hours. I do not currently offer therapy or consultation appointments on Fridays.
If you are interested in working together but are unsure if my availability would suit you, please feel free to get in touch here and we can discuss what might be possible.
What are your fees? Can I use health insurance? Do you offer reduced-rate appointments?
Current fees for all services can be found on the relevant services pages.
Fees vary according to the type of support being offered. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about pricing or which service might be the best fit for you.
I am not registered with any private health insurance providers and can only accept self-funding clients.
Currently, I am unable to offer reduced-rate therapy or consultation appointments. If private therapy is not accessible at this time, there may be alternative sources of support available through your GP, local NHS services including community and mental health midwives, health visitors, and perinatal and adult mental health services, and charities or low-cost therapeutic providers.
What is your Booking and Cancellation Policy?
I understand that illness, childcare difficulties and unexpected life events can arise, especially during parenthood. I always aim to be as flexible and understanding as possible, whilst protecting the limited number of appointments I have available for clients.
For Regular Therapy Session clients, we will agree a regular day and time for your appointments. This specific session pattern provides a consistent time for therapy within your week or fortnight. For Consultation clients, we will agree a day and time in advance. Once appointments are agreed, they are reserved exclusively for you and are not available for other clients to book.
I request that all sessions (Regular Therapy Sessions and Standalone Consultation Sessions) are booked and confirmed through online payment at least one week in advance whenever possible. This helps me manage appointments and ensures your session is confirmed and secured in my diary.
If you need to cancel or rearrange an appointment, I ask for a minimum of 72-hours notice. This gives me the best chance of offering that appointment to another client who may need to rearrange their own session.
If you are unable to attend within the 72-hour notice period, I will always do my best to offer an alternative appointment within the next week where availability allows and avoid the cancellation fee. Unfortunately I cannot guarantee that alternative appointments will always be available, particularly during busier periods. If we are unable to reschedule your appointment cancelled within the 72-hour window, the full session cancellation fee will be payable.
Failure to attend an agreed appointment or failure to provide the required notice to cancel or rearrange will also be subject to the full session fee. Further appointments cannot be offered until any outstanding payments are made.
This policy forms part of the Terms and Conditions that you will be asked to read, agree to and sign before we meet for appointments and helps protect the limited number of appointments I have available.
If exceptional circumstances arise, please do let me know and we can discuss the situation together.
How do I book an Introduction Call?
If you are interested in working together and would like to arrange a complementary 15-minute Introduction Call, please complete my contact form here.
Once we have established contact and, provided I have capacity to take on new clients, I will send out an online Calendly booking link where you can check my availability and chose a day and time that suits you. On booking, you will be automatically be sent a Zoom link for the meeting.
The purpose of the call is to briefly discuss what has brought you to seek support, answer any initial questions you have and consider if the services I offer are a good fit for your needs.
Introduction Calls are not therapy or consultation sessions and are not intended to provide therapeutic support, advice or assessment. There is no charge for an Introduction Call and no obligation to book further appointments after the call.
How do I book my Regular Therapy Sessions, an Individual Standalone Consultation Session or a Psychoeducation Session for Loved-Ones with you?
Following an Introduction Call, if we agree that working together would be a good fit and we are able to find an appointment slot suitable for you, I will send you an online Calendly link for your own personal booking calendar.
For Regular Therapy Session clients, we will agree a time, day and frequency for your appointments. Future sessions can be viewed and booked via your personal booking calendar.
Payment is taken online at the point of booking via Stripe. You will automatically receive confirmation of your appointment together with a new Zoom link for each session booked.
I am based outside of the United Kingdom, or spend time abroad. Can I still work with you?
Possibly. As all sessions are offered online, I am able to work with some clients who are living, working or travelling outside of the UK.
However, there are legal, regulatory, practical and safety considerations when providing psychological support across international borders. Unfortunately, I am unable to offer Regular Therapy Sessions to clients living in some countries including the United States of America and Canada due to registration and insurance restrictions.
If you are currently outside of the UK, or divide your time between different countries, please let me know when making an enquiry. I can then consider whether I am able to work with you and whether the online support I can offer is appropriate for your circumstances and needs.
I have some questions, can I contact you to discuss?
Absolutely. Choosing a therapist or deciding what type of support might be right for you can be a big decision and it is natural to have questions. If there is anything you are unsure about, please feel free to get in touch.
All new enquiries are made via my online contact form and I will be happy to get back to you.
INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT THOUGHOUT PARENTHOOD
Who attends Regular Therapy Sessions?
Sessions are attended by the individual adult seeking support.
Regular Therapy Sessions are offered on a one-to-one basis and I do not currently offer couples, family or child / young-person therapy.
In some circumstances, it may be helpful to invite a partner or another significant person to join part of a session, particularly where this may support the therapeutic work we are doing together and enhance shared understanding. This can be discussed and agreed together where helpful.
How long are Regular Therapy Sessions and how often would we meet?
Regular Therapy Sessions are 60-minutes long.
I recommend starting with weekly sessions where possible. However, fortnightly sessions may be appropriate depending on need, preference and availability. I do not offer Regular Therapy Sessions less frequently than this initially, to help build momentum and provide a consistent space for support and reflection.
Over time, the frequency of sessions may change depending on your needs and goals. For established Regular Therapy clients where we have completed a particular focus of work together but who would like to continue to use the therapy space as part of their ongoing wellbeing practice, I offer monthly check-in sessions and quarterly seasonal reflection sessions as options for longer-term support.
How many Regular Therapy Sessions will I need?
There is no set number of Regular Therapy Sessions. Appointments are offered on a rolling weekly or fortnightly basis, for as long as you need, with the option to move to monthly or quarterly sessions over time.
Regular Therapy Sessions therefore can be short, medium or long term, depending on your needs, goals and circumstances.
Some people find that a relatively short period of therapy is enough to help them understand what is happening, navigate a particular difficulty or move through a specific stage of life. Others benefit from longer-term support, particularly where difficulties are complex and longstanding. Often clients will not initially know exactly how long they want to be in therapy for and this is something we will regularly check in with and discuss together.
We will regularly review how things are progressing and discuss together what feels most helpful, including when it might be time to reduce the frequency of sessions, bring therapy to an end or continue with ongoing support.
ADDITIONAL PARENTAL GENDER DISAPPOINTMENT SERVICES
Which Parental Gender Disappointment Service is right for me?
If you are struggling yourself with distress relating to baby’s sex (parental gender disappointment), you may wish to consider Regular Therapy Sessions or an Individual Standalone Consultation Session.
If you are a partner, family member or loved one supporting someone experiencing gender disappointment, you are welcome to access a Psychoeducation Session for Loved-Ones.
If you are a professional seeking specialist supervision, formulation support, reflective practice or individual or team/service training, please see my Professional Support Service page.
How long is an Individual Standalone Consultation Session or a Psychoeducation Session for Loved-Ones?
Individual Standalone Consultation Sessions and Psychoeducation Session for Loved Ones, are each 90-minutes long and are intended as a one-off appointment.
For individual clients, if following the consultation you feel that ongoing support would be helpful, there is the option of moving to Regular Therapy Sessions, which I would be happy to discuss with you.
How do I choose between Regular Therapy Sessions and an Individual Standalone Consultation Session for support with Gender Disappointment?
This will depend on the type of understanding and level of ongoing or self-directed support you are looking for.
Regular Therapy Sessions provide ongoing support, over time, for as long as you need. They may be more helpful if you would like space to explore your experiences in greater depth, work through difficult emotions, access psychoeducation to learn more about gender disappointment and how this is coming up for you, understand the context within which a preference for baby’s sex has developed, strengthen coping and regulation strategies and make meaningful changes, all within the support of an ongoing therapeutic relationship. Regular Therapy Sessions also give space to be able to consider gender disappointment within a much wider context of life experiences, parenthood and past and/or perinatal trauma and address related difficulties as needed.
An Individual Standalone Consultation Session is designed to be a one-off appointment to provide psychoeducation about gender disappointment which we can start to apply to your experience, guidance and signposting. It can be helpful if you are looking to begin to better understand your experience, start to consider what might be contributing to your distress and consider what kind of support you might find helpful going forward. Some clients choose consultation when they are already in established work with another therapist and can take areas for further exploration back to their usual therapy. Other clients prefer to utilise more self-directed methods of support, which we can signpost to within a consultation.
Some people know from the outset that they would like ongoing therapy. Others prefer to begin with an Individual Standalone Consultation Session and then decide whether further therapeutic support would be helpful. Consultations also give us the option of accessing specialist support when Regular Therapy Sessions are not accessible or when it is not currently the right time for therapy for you.
If you are unsure which option would be the best fit, please feel free to get in touch and I would be happy to discuss this with you within a complementary 15-minute Introduction Call or via email.
Ongoing support
I've worked with you before. Can I come back to you in the future?
Yes, of course. Many clients return for support at different points in their life when new challenges arise, circumstances change or when they would like some additional support.
Sometimes Regular Therapy Sessions come to a natural ending because a particular focus of work has been completed. At other times, practical considerations such as finances, maternity leave, caring responsibilities, returning to work or the demands of family life can make it harder to access private therapy.
Similarly after an Individual Standalone Consultation or a Psychoeducation Session for Loved-Ones, circumstances may change, new questions may arise or you may find that further time and space to reflect at a later date would be helpful.
I have found that returning clients have valued being able to come back to an established professional relationship with someone who already understands their life, experiences and history. At the same time many people find different forms of support, approaches or therapists helpful at different stages of their lives. Whether you return to work with me or seek support elsewhere, my hope is always that you find support that feels right for you at this stage.
My virtual door is always open and previous clients are welcome to get back in touch to discuss current availability and what type of support might be most useful now might be helpful. You can get in touch via my direct email (which you will already have) or my contact form here.
