Frequently asked questions

What is a Remotepsychologist?

I chose this domain name because it best expresses the main working modality I have been working on since COVID. I had several websites in the past, for example, juditpsychologist.co.uk or juditcounselling.co.uk.

How does my service work?

You need to contact me through the website. Usually, I reply within three working days, and I answer your questions.

How much does it cost?

My hourly rate is £100 for a 50-min online session and £150 for a 50-min in-person session. I offer a 15% discount for NHS workers, university students, and those I know from another service.

What is a counselling psychologist?

A counselling psychologist integrates psychological theory and research with therapeutic practice to help clients understand and manage emotional, behavioural and relational difficulties.

What is the difference between a counselling psychologist and a counsellor?

A counselling psychologist has a BA/BSc and an MA/MSc in psychology, and is registered with the BPS and HCPC. Their approach may be more `clinical`, meaning that there is a huge focus on symptom reduction (how to cope with anxiety, to reframe intrusive thoughts, etc), implementing behavioural changes, understanding the relationship between past and present, and being more confident about the future.

A counsellor may studied psychology, but most of them (at least those I met with) come from other professions, like nurses, teachers. In the UK, they are usually registered with BACP, UKCP, or NCPS, and they work with active listening, often focusing on existential issues or sudden, current difficulties, or bereavement.

What types of issues do I work with?

Typical areas include anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, workplace stress, bereavement, childhood adversity, and adjustment to major life events. You can find a DSM-5/ICD-11-type list here, though the page is still under construction.

What therapeutic approach do I use?

As a clinical psychologist, I am trained in different therapies. However, I offer a more integrative, bespoke approach, taking into account possible neurodiversity.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies based on the goals and complexity of the issues. Some clients benefit from short-term therapy (6–12 sessions), while others require longer-term therapy. I prefer having some structure, and I often offer 5 or 10-session chunks with clear goals.

Are sessions confidential?

Yes. Everything shared is confidential except in situations where there is a risk of harm or a legal requirement to disclose information.

What does an expert witness psychologist do?

An expert witness provides independent, evidence-based assessments and reports for legal proceedings, including family court, criminal cases, civil claims, and immigration matters.

I offer assessment after minor psychological injuries (civil claims), but not in any other cases.

You have to be aware that my report is independent.

I accept instructions from solicitors and submit the invoice after sending my report. The invoice is expected to be balanced within 15 days.

What information do I need to provide before the assessment?

In general, background documents, previous reports, medical records, and a clear outline of the legal questions to be answered.

How do I book an appointment or instruction?

Please contact me through the website. If you need to send me documents, ask for my email address so you can send those documents securely. Do not send anything without having agreed on it.

What does a psychological assessment involve?

Assessments usually include a combination of clinical interviews, psychometric tests, collateral information, and a review of relevant documents. The assessment can range from a single session to multiple interviews, depending on what we want to assess. As an expert witness, I use a few screening tests and ask very specific questions, or I use semi-structured interview forms.

As a counselling psychologist, it often takes three-five sessions to assess a new client. Before you think, `it`s too long, what on Earth...?`, I have to tell you that every psychologist works this way, even at the NHS. I need to collect a huge amount of information before setting up a plan: about the problem you're facing, yourself, and also to `test` which approach is best for you and what amount of added stress you are able to tolerate.

Do you work with children, adults, or both?

In the past, I worked with children from ages 0 to 14, as well as young adults and adults. Since 2018, I have been working with children and young adults from the age of eight, and with adults (my oldest client was 72 so far).

What if I booked a session with you, but I have to cancel it?

We are humans, sometimes we change our mind or there is a more urgent problem to solve. However, please take into consideration that that slot has been kept only for you, I was preparing for that session, I may have paid for the room we meet in, and this service is a professional service. Before you engage in therapy (with another provider or me), please review the cancellation policy.

I have my issues, but I also have problems with my partner.

I offer both individual and couples therapy.

You may have interpersonal problems with your partner, but a) they do not want to attend couples therapy with you, or b) you want to get help for long-standing, repeating interpersonal problems, `patterns`, so we can work on those issues together.

However, if it turns out during your individual therapy that it would be preferable to get couples therapy, I cannot work with you and your partner; I have to refer you to another colleague.