Frequently Asked Questions

We encourage you to ask many questions when choosing to work with a Clinical Psychologist. It is important that you feel comfortable during this process and have any queries you may have answered. Here are some answers to the questions we have received the most. If you can’t find what you are looking for, please get in touch.

How long are appointments and therapy sessions?

Assessment and therapy sessions last typically 60 minutes. With regards to how many sessions you may need, this will be discussed at your assessment as we will develop a mutually agreed contract on the set number of sessions based on your goals for therapy. Usually, 6-12 sessions are sufficient but this does depend on the nature of the presenting problems.

How frequently would we meet?

Evidence suggests that therapy is most effective when sessions are regular and consistent. We recommend that sessions take place on a weekly or fortnightly basis. However, we do appreciate and respect that everyone's needs are different and the frequency of the appointments can be discussed and agreed upon during the assessment and subsequent sessions.

Are our sessions confidential?

St Albans Psychology respects the importance of providing a safe, trusting, and non-judgemental therapeutic space. However, the only time a clinician is required by law to break confidentiality is if they have concerns that someone is at risk of harming themselves or others. We are happy to discuss any further questions you may have on this particular issue.

As part of clinical practice, all therapists are required to use an external supervisor (typically another Clinical Psychologist) to discuss treatment and ensure best and safe practice for the people they work with. Supervisors are also accredited in clinical practice and supervision. Information but not names will be shared with the supervisor who regularly reviews my practice.

What do I do if I need to cancel an appointment?

Please do let us know as soon as you can if you cannot attend and/or need to rearrange your appointment. Our cancellation policy requires you to give us a minimum of 24 hours notice before to your appointment. If you do not attend your session without giving at least 24 hours notice of cancellation, you will be charged the full fee for the session.

How is my data stored?

We use computers that are password protected and information stored on hard drives which are encrypted. We store clinical notes on ‘WriteUpp’ which is a commercially available system specifically designed for this purpose. We store any paper records in a cabinet in a securely locked office.

For any email correspondence, St Albans Psychology uses 'Proton Mail' which offers end-to-end encryption and zero-access encryption. If you do not use 'Proton Mail', they also offer password protected emails with clients. We can agree to use a password for email correspondence to ensure that any email will be inaccessible to your email provider.