Clinical Health Psychology

What is a psychologist?

Psychologists have been trained to understand how people think, feel and act. We have completed a Doctorate in Clinical or Health Psychology, or training in several specific therapeutic approaches. We are accredited by the Health and Care Professionals Council, (HCPC). Psychologists do not prescribe medication or do physical examinations.

Psychology at LUHFT

Many services in LUHFT have one or more psychologists integrated in their teams. We work directly with patients and also work together with our colleagues from other professions to develop services which are better able to meet patients’ psychological needs.

As a group of psychologists across the Trust, we work together to learn from each other.

What can psychologists help with?

Psychologists can help with a range of difficulties which can happen when someone is living with a health condition. This might include:

• Adjusting to the changes in their life
• Difficulties coping with the demands of their new situation
• Worries about treatments, procedures or staying in hospital (including fear of needles)
• Making decisions
• Feeling anxious or fearful about the future
• Feeling low in mood or energy
• Post-traumatic symptoms
• Treatment decision-making
• Social and family relationships.

It is normal for people living with illness to experience strong emotions such as sadness or anger. These often get better over time, but we can try to help people who are struggling and feeling stuck. We aim to help people to find solutions to these difficulties and to live a full and meaningful life alongside the health condition. We work with each person as an individual with a unique life story.