What is clinical psychology?
Clinical psychology aims to reduce psychological distress and promote well-being in individuals.
A clinical psychologist assesses an individual, using various methods, including psychometric assessment, clinical interviews, and direct observation of behaviour.
The clinical psychologist will then determine the best way to work with a patient to enhance their psychological well-being. Following the assessment, it may lead to advice or a recommendation for counselling or therapy.
The therapeutic interventions delivered by a clinical psychologist are NICE approved for the treatment of all mental health conditions.
How does clinical psychology help?
A clinical psychologist works in many different areas of therapy.
Depending on the individual, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT) may be used. Applying one or more ways of working with an individual, a clinical psychologist addresses negative thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
A patient working with a clinical psychologist aims to clarify the underlying causes of a particular issue and develop skills for responding to difficult and problematic behaviours.
This process is likely to facilitate insight and growth if the patient is motivated to change.
Benefits of clinical psychology include:
- Promotes healing from past traumas
- Reduce stress
- Cultivate well-being
- Improved relationships and working life
- Manages intrusive thoughts and maladaptive coping mechanisms
The expected outcomes are reduction or elimination of symptoms causing mental distress, a greater understanding of the problems you face and strengthened coping skills.
Triggers and strategies to minimise triggers are identified to help prevent relapse or resolve any future episodes more effectively. Commitment, motivation and individual responsibility is the key to success.
Clinical psychology at Nightingale Hospital London
At Nightingale Hospital, clinical psychology can be accessed in an individual or group setting as part of an outpatient, day patient or inpatient programme.
We have several clinical psychologists with a breadth of experience in all mental health conditions to match your individual situation.
We establish successful patient/therapist partnerships and achieve the most effective therapeutic relationship due to this extensive expertise.
We will take the time to understand your problem and individual needs.
Interested in working at Nightingale Hospital?
Are you an accredited clinical psychologist and interested in working at Nightingale Hospital?
Visit our careers page to see if we have any vacancies, or get in touch with our HR team to submit an expression of interest.
Related conditions
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Alcohol addiction
- Anger problems
- Anorexia nervosa
- Anxiety
- Bereavement
- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Binge eating disorder (BED)
- Mood disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic attacks
- Personality disorders
- Phobias
- Postnatal depression
- Psychosexual difficulties
- Psychosis
- Schizophrenia
- Self-harm
- Sleep disorders
- Stress
- Suicidal thoughts
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
