Our clinical psychologist, who works within the Specialist Children’s Services, will help children up to the age of five, and their families, if problems affect how they feel, think and behave.
The clinical psychologist will:
- Talk to the child and/or parent about their difficulties
- Think about why the problems have occurred
- Think about how these problems are affecting everyone in the family
- Think together about how to manage feelings
- Explore possible ways to deal with the difficulties
- Work with other members of Specialist Children’s Services
- Give advice to other people, such as teachers
- Use special tests, or questionnaires, to help provide more information about the problems
We offer appointments at the Child Development Centre, at school, at local children’s centres or at home.
Seeing a Psychologist
How might clinical psychology help?
Psychologists can help people in a variety of ways. We don’t prescribe medications—instead we are trained to help people talk through their problems and find new ways of managing difficulties.
At the beginning, we try to get to know you a little and find if psychology might help, or if there are other services that are a better fit for you. We use different approaches in our work that are adapted to help you. Sometimes this might include talking about your problems, and learning how the way you think about a problem can change how you feel and how you act. Sometimes we will think about what is already working and how to do more of what you want in life. Other times, we will work practically to help you set goals and think about how you can make changes to help you meet your goals. We sometimes offer groups where children and young people with similar health conditions can meet whilst learning new approaches.
For very young children, we will work with parents and carers to understand what life is like and to help them adjust to their child’s needs and think about what changes they want to make.
We will sometimes also work with schools and other professionals involved in your care.
Who will I see?
We are qualified Clinical Psychologists experienced in working with children and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. You will usually see the same person throughout your care. You may be asked if you would be willing to see a Psychologist in Clinical Training. This psychologist has already done a lengthy course of study and they will be closely supervised by a fully qualified psychologist.
How often will I see the psychologist?
We can decide together how often to meet and for how long. Some people see a psychologist only once or twice, others may continue to meet for several months. Appointments usually last for around 50 minutes.
How will we work?
We will work together as a team. It might help to think that while the psychologist knows a lot about listening and asking questions to help change happen, you are the expert on your life and what you would like to change. It can take time to see improvement, and like all new things, it can sometimes feel unusual.
This kind of work is not for everyone, it isn’t a ‘magic cure’ and it isn’t always the right time for people. We are always happy to talk about what is helpful or not, and we will try to signpost you to other services if psychology isn’t right for you at this time.
Can I bring someone with me?
You are welcome to ask someone (like a parent/ carer or friend) to come with you to your appointment if you wish. However, it can be helpful to have some time alone with the psychologist as having someone else there can change what you say or how we work. This is something we can talk about and decide as we go along.
What happens to information I share?
Information that you share with us is kept confidential. This means we don’t tell other people what you have said without your permission. We will discuss together how much of what we talk about we share with your healthcare team and other people. However, if we think that you or somebody else is at risk of harm, we cannot keep this confidential: this means we have to get advice about how to help keep everyone safe. We usually talk about this with you first if we can.
Also, as part of good practice, we have to talk about our work in clinical supervision. This is done in private and is confidential.
Finally, if you meet the psychologist outside the hospital (e.g. in a shop) they will not normally say ‘hello’ unless you do first, so that you don’t have to worry about other people knowing you see a psychologist.
What if I cannot attend an appointment?
If you cannot attend an appointment please email us at [email protected] as soon as possible. Missing too many appointments makes it difficult to make progress.
And if I have worries or complaints?
If you have any worries at all please tell us. We are always open to feedback and this gives us the chance to work with you to give you the very best experience possible. If you prefer you can also contact the hospital Patient Experience Team is available via [email protected] or telephone (01423) 555499 or minicom (01423) 554466. If you want to share feedback about our service, you can fill in the friends and family test questionnaire here: https://fx.hdft.nhs.uk/FriendsAndFamilyTest/CommunityServices and select “psychology team” from the drop down list.
Working Hours
Clinical psychology is available in our Child Development Centre in Northallerton on Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.
Key staff
Clinical Psychologist: Alison Pritchard
Location
Child Development Centre
24 Brompton Rd
Northallerton
DL7 1EA
Referral
Children can be referred to the clinical psychologist by a paediatrician or any member of the Specialist Children’s Services team that is involved in the child’s care.