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Lou Hillier Psychology
Online Psychologist & Statement Analyst
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems can you work with?
I specialise in relationship issues and complex trauma/PTSD but I am also very happy to treat most other psychological issues, from mild to severe. The exceptions being ongoing serious self-harm/suicidal behaviour and active psychotic symptoms. These require assessment and treatment usually under psychiatric supervision. If you are not sure and if your issue doesn't appear on the list below, get in touch and I will help you figure this out.
Addictions. ADHD. Adjustment. Agoraphobia. Anger-Management. Anorexia. Anxiety. Attachment. Bereavement. Bipolar. Body-Dysmorphia. Bullying. Bulimia. Childhood-Trauma. Chronic-Pain. Depression. Conflict. Dissociation. Domestic-Violence. Gender-Identity. Generalised-Anxiety. Health-Anxiety. Identity-Confusion. Impulse-Control. Intimacy. Low-Confidence. Low-Mood. Low-Self-Esteem. Historic-Abuse. Obsessions-Compulsions. Panic. Paraphilias. Personality-Disorders. Phobias. Overeating. Relationship-Problems. Relaxation. Trauma. Sexuality. Sleep. Social-Phobia.
What is Online Psychological Therapy?
Online therapy uses video-call apps like Zoom or Skype and works in the same way as psychological therapy provided in-person. There is mounting evidence that online sessions are no less effective than in-person sessions. There are also several distinct advantages to working online. It is ideal for people who can’t easily get to a therapist’s clinic or who don’t have much spare time for travel. It is also appealing for those who prefer to talk about deeply personal issues from the comfort and security of their own home. It is more affordable due to not incurring preparation time of the clinic room nor costs for lighting, heating, cleaning and insurance. You also save money and time from not having to travel and avoid the frustration often associated with looking for a parking space! With ongoing concerns about viruses and seasonal flu, online sessions provide a 100% safe alternative to meeting in-person. And the final advantage is it is better for the environment as it reduces car journeys.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on your reasons for getting in touch and what you want to achieve from your sessions. I offer a free initial consultation via Zoom where we consider what is needed to best meet your goals and needs. Sometimes a series of 2-3 assessment sessions is sufficient to help people refocus and find a way forward. For others 12 or fewer sessions are enough, but others may require longer-term or open-ended assistance. You can also consider booking one-off sessions as and when you need them. If you don’t know what you want to achieve, or how you can benefit from seeing a psychologist, our initial consultation will help you move towards answering these questions.
How long is a session and how often will I need them?
Sessions are scheduled to last for 45 minutes. The standard frequency is once a week. However, the frequency is up to you and what your specific needs are. Sometimes having two session a week is helpful, at other times it might be beneficial to have a session once a month, or only as and when you need them. You can change the frequency at any time and we can discuss frequency in the initial Zoom call. I aim to be as flexible as possible so that your needs are always central. The same time and day can usually be reserved for you if you have weekly sessions, but if you move to sessions that are less frequent then flexibility on appointment times and days is often required as the same slot cannot be reserved.
What is the cost and how do I pay?
The initial telephone or Zoom consultation is free and usually takes about 30 minutes. Please get in touch to book your free Zoom consultation or you can call 01258 857433 to make this booking. If you call, and depending on both your schedule and mine, it may be possible to conduct the initial consultation without the need to book a separate appointment. However, I can only provide one free initial consultation per client, so if your enquiry is about a family member or friend, please bear this in mind when calling or requesting a free consultation.
Between £85 and £130 Online Zoom/Telephone 45 Minute Session depending on referral source*.
For Couples and Family Therapy there is a £20 additional charge per person per session.
Payment by online bank transfer to be made the day before each session. For those with Health Insurance via AXA, BUPA, Vitality, and Aviva, you would need to provide your insurance policy number and/or authorisation code and once validated, payment can then be made by the Health Insurance company direct to your therapist.
*Some concessionary places are available for those on lower incomes but there is usually a waiting time for a place to become free. Fees vary depending on whether you are a direct self-referral or if you are referred by another organisation.
Get in Touch
Send your message below, double-check your email address is correct!
Get in Touch
Send your message below, double-check your email address is correct!
Get in Touch
Send your message below, double-check your email address is correct!
What if I have to cancel a session?
I will strongly encourage you to prioritise your sessions and have a cancellation policy to support this. If you cannot attend a session and need to cancel, I will make every effort to reschedule to another time/day in the same 7-day period so that you do not lose the appointment. However, I cannot guarantee this will be possible and if you give less than 48 hours notice of cancellation and it is not possible to reschedule, the fee is not refundable.
Will I get ‘worse’ before I get ‘better’?
Not necessarily, although it is not unusual for people to experience some turmoil and emotional ups-and-downs during times of personal learning and change. I will support and help you deal with all your experiences and prepare you adequately to deal with the results of making changes in your life and also prepare for the end of our work together and beyond.
What if I’m not satisfied with the service?
All British Chartered Psychologists are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the registered by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) and work to the strict codes of professional and ethical conduct of both these organisations. In the unlikely event that you are not satisfied with the service, there are complaints procedures you can follow through the BPS and HCPC.
I have another question that is not here?
Please get in touch if you have any other questions and I will answer you as soon as I possibly can.
Confidentiality
Your privacy is of utmost importance and all your information remains entirely confidential, with two exceptions:
1. When you/another is at serious risk - relevant professionals may need to be informed to ensure safety.
2. When information is shared indicating a criminal offence has been or is planned to be committed - relevant authorities may need to be informed.
Please see the Confidentiality Agreement for more details.
Risk Contacts
If you or another are at risk and require urgent support, please contact your GP and one or more of the following:
Call 111 NHS non-urgent medical 24/7. Text 85258 Shout text support 24/7. Call 999 or go to your local Hospital A&E.
Regrettably, I am unable to respond to emergencies or urgent situations that require immediate support.