Taking The Next Step

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Frequently asked questions

Taking The Next Step

For psychological therapy to be effective, it is essential that we are a good “match” for one another. You need to feel comfortable talking openly to me, and I need to be sure that you are suitable for my style of psychological work.

If you would like to set up a free phone call, or if you would like to ask a question or arrange a first appointment, please fill in a CONTACT FORM.

The first session can be face to face in my office (OFFICE INFO) or virtual from the comfort of your own home.I will ask you about what you would like to change, and ask you to describe your current life situation and the way that you cope with challenge.After this first session, I can recommend a treatment plan, which may be with me, or another type of therapist or treatment approach.If we decide that psychological therapy sessions with me will be helpful, we can then book some further appointments.

Most people choose to come fortnightly for psychological work, but less frequent sessions can also be an option.

Each session lasts approximately 50 minutes and costs £110. This fee is payable on the day of the session via bank transfer or cheque.

Some people find that 2 or 3 sessions are enough to give them a clearer picture of why they are struggling and some ideas about how to progress.

However, many people find that at least 6 to 8 sessions are required to make progress on issues that can be complex or longstanding.

Some people find that a longer therapeutic input is really useful for helping them to continue with their self-development.

I offer sessions between 9am until 5pm on weekdays, usually Wednesdays and Thursdays.Some people prefer to be seen remotely via video link and this can be easily arranged if you have a mobile phone, iPad or laptop.If you would prefer telephone sessions only, we can discuss this in further detail. I may ask you to attend in person or via video link on at least one occasion, so that I can connect with you visually.If you would prefer to be seen in person, MY CLINIC ROOM is in Clifton Moor, York.

I keep confidential therapy notes which are kept securely under the correct information governance guidelines.

As a private practitioner, I do not routinely communicate with your GP.

I follow professional practice guidelines set by the British Psychological Society, so if I feel you are in danger of self-harm or if other adults or children are at risk of harm, I need to inform the relevant authorities. In practice, I have rarely needed to do this.

I am registered with BUPA, so you can approach them directly to ask what your policy entitles you to.

I will need your membership number and the authorisation code that they give you.

Some policies require you to pay the first £100 of treatment.

I don’t currently work directly with other insurance companies, but I can give you a receipt to claim money back from them.

As an independent psychologist, I am not the right person to help you if you feel you are in crisis. Do get in touch with your GP as soon as possible to make them aware of how you are feeling. If the surgery is closed, follow the instructions on their answerphone about who to contact outside opening hours.

You can also phone the Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on the free telephone number 116 123.

Clifton Moor, York

My Clinic Room

Address:     Regus Building, Tower Court, Oakdale Rd, York YO30 4XL

There is a large, free car park outside the building.

Enter the Regus building on the ground floor, then either walk up the short flight of stairs to the reception area or use the lift.

The building is wheelchair accessible, and toilets are available off the reception area.

Please enter your car registration number into the laptop provided when you enter the Regus building reception, so that the car parking company know that you are visiting the building.

Take a seat in the waiting room and I will come and get you at the time of your appointment.

image of Jo McVey clinic room