Frequently Asked Questions
What is psychological therapy?
Psychological therapy provides a confidential and collaborative space to explore emotional difficulties, patterns of thinking and behaviour, relationships, past experiences and the impact these may be having on your life.
Our psychologists draw on evidence-based psychological approaches and tailor therapy to the individual rather than applying the same approach to everyone.
What is the difference between a psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor and psychotherapist?
Psychologists have specialist postgraduate training in psychology and psychological assessment and therapy. Clinical and Counselling Psychologists draw on psychological theory, research and evidence-based therapeutic approaches to understand and work with emotional and psychological difficulties.
Psychiatrists are medically qualified doctors who specialise in mental health. Their role may include psychiatric diagnosis, medical assessment and prescribing medication.
Counsellors and psychotherapists are trained in talking therapies and may work from one or several therapeutic approaches. Training, professional background and areas of expertise can vary between practitioners.
The most appropriate professional for you will depend on your needs, the type and complexity of the difficulties you are experiencing and the kind of support you are seeking.
How do I know if psychological therapy might help me?
You do not need to have a particular diagnosis or know exactly what type of therapy you need before contacting us.
Psychological therapy may be helpful if emotional difficulties, past experiences, anxiety, low mood, trauma, relationship patterns or other concerns are causing distress or affecting your everyday life, relationships or wellbeing.
A brief suitability call can help establish whether BlueSky Psychology is likely to be an appropriate service for your needs.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can contact BlueSky Psychology directly and self-refer for psychological therapy.
We also welcome referrals from GPs and other healthcare and mental health professionals.
How long does therapy take?
There is no single number of sessions that is appropriate for everyone. The length of therapy depends on your individual needs, the difficulties you would like to work on, your goals and the type of therapeutic work being undertaken.
Some people benefit from relatively focused work, while longstanding or more complex difficulties may require longer-term therapy.
Your psychologist will discuss this with you and review the work collaboratively as therapy progresses.
Are appointments online?
Yes. BlueSky Psychology currently provides psychological therapy and assessment services online.
Online appointments allow you to attend from a private and suitable location without travelling to a clinic.
Find out more about Online Psychological Therapy →
Is EMDR available online?
Yes. EMDR and trauma-focused psychological therapy can be provided online where this is clinically appropriate.
Suitability is considered individually, taking account of your needs, circumstances and the therapeutic work being considered.
Find out more about EMDR & Trauma-Focused Therapy →
Can I use health insurance to help with the cost of therapy?
Depending on your policy, your health insurer may provide some reimbursement for psychological therapy.
We recommend checking directly with your insurer before beginning therapy to confirm the level of cover available under your individual policy. A receipt can be provided for sessions attended.
Is therapy confidential?
Confidentiality is an important part of psychological therapy. Information discussed during therapy is treated confidentially and handled in accordance with professional, ethical and legal responsibilities.
There are circumstances in which information may need to be shared, for example where there are serious concerns about safety, where safeguarding responsibilities arise, or where disclosure is required by law.
Psychologists also engage in professional clinical supervision. Where clinical work is discussed in supervision, information is limited to what is necessary for professional consultation and confidentiality is maintained.
Your psychologist can discuss confidentiality and its limits with you at the beginning of therapy and answer any questions you may have.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or rearrange an appointment, please let us know as early as possible.
- 48 hours or more notice: no cancellation fee.
- 24–48 hours notice: 50% of the session fee.
- Less than 24 hours notice: the full session fee.
- Non-attendance: the full session fee.
Once an appointment has been booked, clients are responsible for remembering their appointment and contacting us if they are unable to attend.
When might BlueSky Psychology not be the appropriate service?
BlueSky Psychology is an independent online psychology practice and does not provide an emergency, crisis or intensive mental health service.
Our service may not be appropriate where someone currently requires a higher level of support, for example:
- An acute mental health crisis or need for immediate psychiatric intervention
- Current suicidal intent or risk that cannot be safely managed within outpatient psychological therapy
- High-risk self-harm requiring intensive monitoring or crisis support
- Unmanaged psychosis or a current manic episode
- Significant alcohol or drug dependence that prevents meaningful engagement in therapy
- An unsafe environment in which privacy or personal safety during online sessions cannot be maintained
- A level of psychological distress or complexity that would be better supported by multidisciplinary, community or inpatient mental health services
If, following an enquiry or assessment, we believe BlueSky Psychology is not the most appropriate service for your current needs, we will discuss this with you and, where appropriate, suggest that you seek support from a service better placed to provide the level or type of care required.
How do I get started?
If you are considering psychological therapy with BlueSky Psychology, you can make an enquiry or request a brief suitability call to explore whether our service may be a good fit for your needs.
You do not need to decide which psychologist or type of therapy you require before getting in touch.
