Services

Psychology Assessment & Formulation

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Therapy

Initial Psychological Assessment & Formulation

This psychological assessment and formulation is a one-off consultation designed to help you understand what’s going on for you and what might help next.

It’s particularly suited to people who want clarity before committing to therapy, or who would value an experienced psychologist’s perspective without the expectation of ongoing sessions.

The focus is on understanding you as a whole person, not simply assigning a diagnosis.

Psychology Assessment & Formulation

What is a psychology assessment and formulation?

A psychology assessment involves exploring your current difficulties, relevant life experiences, and the patterns that may be maintaining the problem. This information is brought together into a psychological formulation — a shared understanding of what’s happening and why.

This formulation forms the basis for clear, thoughtful recommendations tailored to you.

What the assessment includes

A 90-minute assessment session (online or in person)

Exploration of emotional, psychological, and contextual factors

A collaborative psychological formulation

A written summary outlining the formulation and recommendations

Recommendations may include:

Practical strategies you can begin using immediately
Suggestions for therapeutic approaches that may be helpful, and why
Guidance about whether psychological therapy might be useful at this stage

Who this service is for

This psychology assessment may be helpful if you:

Feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what’s going on
Are considering therapy and want an informed starting point
Have previously tried therapy and want a clearer formulation
Are experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress, burnout, or life transitions
Would value assessment from a senior NHS psychologist

If you’re unsure whether this service is suitable for you, you’re welcome to get in touch to discuss this.

book assessment & FORMULATION

Integrative therapy tailored to you

I offer psychological therapy, drawing on a range of evidence-based approaches. Rather than working within a single model, I work integratively, shaping therapy around you, your experiences, and what feels most helpful at this point in your life.

Therapy offers a space to slow things down, make sense of patterns that feel stuck, and develop new ways of relating to thoughts, emotions, and relationships.

Psychological Therapy

My approach to therapy

My approach is collaborative, thoughtful, and responsive. We begin by exploring what brings you to therapy and what you’re hoping for, and from there the work develops at a pace that feels right for you.

Therapy usually begins with an assessment phase, which helps us develop a shared understanding and shape the focus of the work.

Some people come with a clear focus in mind; others arrive feeling uncertain or overwhelmed. Both are welcome.

Therapeutic approaches I use

I draw on a range of psychological therapy approaches, depending on your needs and preferences:

Humanistic therapy
A relational, person-centred approach that emphasises understanding your lived experience and supporting self-awareness, growth, and self-compassion.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Explores links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, offering both practical tools and psychological understanding.

Psychodynamic therapy
Focuses on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns may be shaping present-day difficulties and relationships.

Systemic therapy
Considers difficulties within the context of relationships, roles, and wider systems, rather than locating problems solely within the individual.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Supports the development of psychological flexibility, helping you move towards what matters to you while responding differently to difficult internal experiences.

Mindfulness-based approaches
Encourage awareness of the present moment and a kinder, less reactive relationship with thoughts and emotions.

These approaches are not used in isolation. Therapy is shaped collaboratively and may draw on different approaches at different times.

What therapy can help with

Psychological therapy can be helpful if you’re experiencing:

Anxiety or ongoing worry
Low mood or depression
Stress, burnout, or emotional exhaustion
Difficulties in relationships
Life transitions or identity questions
Making sense of early life experiences
A sense of feeling stuck or disconnected

Practical details

Sessions: 50 minutes

Format: Online and/or in person

Frequency: Usually weekly, though this can be discussed

If you’re unsure whether therapy is right for you, this can be explored together in an initial session.

BOOK HERE FOR THERAPY

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between an assessment and therapy?
An assessment is a one-off session focused on understanding what’s going on and offering a formulation with recommendations. Therapy involves ongoing sessions to support change over time. There’s no obligation to continue from one to the other.

Is the assessment the same as an initial therapy session?
No. The assessment is about gaining clarity and direction, rather than beginning ongoing therapy.

Does therapy include assessment and formulation?
Yes. The early stages of therapy involve assessment and formulation, which help guide the work. This is part of the therapy process rather than a separate, standalone assessment.

Do I need to choose a specific type of therapy?
No. Therapy is shaped collaboratively and may draw on different approaches depending on what’s helpful.

How long does therapy last?
This varies. Some people come for short-term work, others for longer-term therapy. This can be reviewed as you go.

Do I need a diagnosis?
No. The focus is on psychological understanding, not diagnostic labelling.

What if I’m not sure which option is right for me?
That’s very common. You’re welcome to get in touch to talk it through.