Once you have contacted me I will arrange a 15 minute consultation appointment with you. During this appointment we will briefly discuss what your problems are, what you are looking for and decide if a more detailed assessment appointment would be useful for you. If you decide to continue then we will arrange an assessment appointment and I will e-mail you a copy of my terms and conditions.
Assessment
Any psychological intervention begins with an initial assessment. In this we typically discuss your health journey so far, what current problems you are facing and what you would like therapy to help with. This usually includes talking about symptoms, treatments, your general and mental wellbeing, and your day to day life.
I will ask questions to better understand how your thoughts, feelings, and/or behaviours might be contributing to your current difficulties, and whether aspects of your past could also be playing a part.
We will also talk about your strengths and coping strategies, and how to maximise these.
As well as assessments for therapy, I have a lot of experience doing one-off psychological assessments prior to planned surgeries such as cosmetic (plastic) and risk reducing mastectomy surgeries. I provide a confidential, non-judgemental space to help you access and process your thoughts and feelings about your body, surgery and the recovery process. We can work together before and after surgery to maximise your coping tools, and support your self-esteem and body image. I can also liaise with other professionals involved in your surgical care if required.
Therapy Sessions
If after assessment we feel we will work well together, we will develop a plan for therapy and future appointments. Appointments usually take place weekly or fortnightly and we can discuss what would best suit your needs. All of our appointments will have a session plan which we decide on together at the start of each appointment. I have experience in a range of therapies and will use these to help you achieve your therapy goals.
I have trained in and use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Common problems I work with
- Adjusting to a health diagnosis
- Coping with a physical injury and injury rehabilitation
- Management of pain and other physical symptoms
- Preparation for surgery
- Low mood, anxiety or trauma symptoms related to health problems or injury
- Anxiety about medical procedures
- Health anxiety
- Fear of needles and vaccinations
- Living with a visible difference
- Managing a long-term health condition and adhering to treatment
Often people who seek therapy will be experiencing more than one of the above problems at the same time. I am trained to assess and treat people in this situation and have experience of helping them.
I do not offer a crisis or emergency service. If you are experiencing difficulties that you may require urgent or immediate support with them please contact:
Samaritans
Phone 116 123. Opening hours 24 hours a day 7 days a week
Breathing Space
Phone 0800 83 85 87. Opening hours Monday – Thursday 6pm – 2am. Friday 6pm – Monday 6am
NHS 24
Phone 111. Opening hours 24 hours a day 7 days a week
Dr Kim Kemp 