HEALTH ISSUES
Psychology Explored… Johan Truter works within adult psychology and established his Clinical Psychology practice in 2007. Alongside him works Dr Alexandra Dent who also has her own practice in Melton Mowbray; Alexandra works in adult and child psychology with a special interest in trauma. Also involved is Suzanna Watson who specialises in helping children with brain injuries. They create between them a broad network of expert knowledge and are available to consult in Stamford. Amander Meade asks the questions therapist?’ In our professional opinion, the right choice is whoever the client would feel most comfortable with.
Johan Truter WHAT EXACTLY IS PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPY? Psychological therapy creates a safe, nonjudgemental space in which a person can explore, learn, develop and understand the psychological difficulties they experience – like helping a person complete a jigsaw puzzle of their lives. Some people enter therapy as they do not understand what is happening to them and others because they know the reasons for their difficulties but are not able to manage a change. We look at what underlies a person’s mental health and once we have a detailed history of our client we tailor a unique therapeutic package of care. There are numerous different therapies available now and it can be confusing to know what they all mean. Some of the most common recognisable ones are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Systemic Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, EMDR and Mindfulness. A broad training in different therapies enables us to work out what package of care would be most effective for each individual. WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A THERAPIST? Therapy is a two way process and the relationship between client and therapist is crucial. During the initial appointment the client needs to ask themselves whether they felt comfortable with the therapist. Is it a safe space to discuss difficult issues? Is the therapist respectful and non-judgmental? Therapy is not always a comfortable process but it should empower the client with time. Sometimes the question is asked ‘do I choose a male or female
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WHAT KIND OF CONDITIONS OR SYMPTOMS CAN BE IMPROVED BY SEEKING THE HELP OF A PSYCHOLOGIST? There are many different conditions or difficulties including depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, relationships difficulties or abuse. Most of us will experience such difficulties at some time throughout our lives. It could be more helpful to view mental health as a healthy reaction to unhealthy circumstances. For example, if I experienced a trauma it is usual to feel anxious as a consequence. If we are over worked and
sleep deprived it may lead to anxiety and depression. Psychological therapy helps to assist in breaking the negative cycle and helps to establish new, healthier patterns. DO PEOPLE GENERALLY WAIT TOO LONG TO SEEK HELP? Yes, it seems people do postpone therapy for different reasons. Mental health difficulties can leave us feeling out of control and a person may worry that talking to a therapist will only exacerbate this feeling. With anxiety and depression in particular, the more we struggle on alone, the worse it gets. WILL I BE LABELLED ‘MENTALLY ILL’ IF I SEEK HELP? Initially, clients often feel a sense of shame by seeking help – ‘I have given in’ (failed). Once they understand the therapeutic process, perceptions change. As mental health difficulties erode our confidence having our feelings recognised by a professional is always helpful – it’s good to know that you are not alone in experiencing particular thoughts or feelings. Any information discussed is kept confidential unless a person is at risk of being harmed or is threatening to harm someone else – all of which is explained at the first session. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST VISIT? The first assessment session allows you the space and time to communicate your difficulties as well as a detailed background history. At the end of the initial assessment, you will receive a generalised summary of the psychologist’s clinical impressions as well as an indication of what types of intervention may be most suitable. Therapy will be kept under regular review to make sure that both client and therapist are working towards the same goals and a successful outcome.
Dr Alexandra Dent
Contact: Johan Truter Tel: 01780 758556 www.psychologistuk.co.uk Dr Alexandra Dent Tel: 07986 585270 www.alexandradent.co.uk
STAMFORD LIVING FEBRUARY 2016
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