Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology is an integration of social science, theory, and clinical knowledge for the purpose of understanding, preventing, and relieving psychologically based distress or dysfunction and to promote subjective well-being and personal development. Central to its practice are psychological assessment, clinical formulation, and psychotherapy, although clinical psychologists also utilise their skills and training in other areas such as in research, teaching and consultation.

Clinical psychologists work to improve mental wellbeing and reduce psychological distress by:

• Improving the psychological health & performance of individuals, families, organisations & communities through skilled, knowledge-based services;
• Innovating in response to clients’ needs & thereby developing applications of psychology & related disciplines;
• Designing, developing & supporting accessible services to support these innovations.

Clinical psychologists are highly trained professionals, who undergo a minimum of seven years’ pre-registration training in order to qualify and practice clinical psychology.

In the UK, they undertake a Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsych), which is a practitioner doctorate with both clinical and research components accredited by the British Psychological Society and the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). Entry into these programs is highly competitive and requires at least a three-year undergraduate degree in psychology along with some form of experience, usually in either the NHS or in academia as a Research Assistant. Only those who successfully complete clinical psychology doctoral degrees are eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC as a clinical psychologist.

Sports Massage and Soft Tissue Therapy

Soft tissue therapy is the management, manipulation, and rehabilitation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

It is applicable not just to sports people but is effective for everybody and can help to relieve many day to day problems that anyone can experience, such as repetitive strain injury, sprains, tension and fatigue.

The benefits include improving circulation and lymphatic flow, assisting in the removal of metabolic waste ie. lactic acid, increasing or decreasing muscle length and tone, relaxation and aiding recovery from injury.

What can you expect from a treatment?

• A range of assessments will be carried out to determine whether Soft Tissue Therapy is appropriate.
• Your therapist will devise a suitable treatment plan individual to you
• A range of massage techniques can be applied to improve the recovery from acute and chronic injuries
• Advanced soft tissue techniques are used to improve joint and fascial mobility
• Neuromuscular techniques are utilised to improve function and movement.
• Your therapist will offer advice on remedial exercises and lifestyle factors aimed at speeding up recovery and preventing injury as well as improving posture, performance and function.

Clinical Reflexology

Reflexology is a non-invasive complementary therapy that promotes deep relaxation. This can be very beneficial in reducing stress levels and helping to improve wellbeing.

It is a touch therapy that is based on the theory that different points on the feet, lower leg, hands, face or ears correspond with different areas of the body - known as reflex points. Reflexologists work on specific points and areas in order to disperse blockages of energy and allow the body to restore its balance naturally.

Usually, after a treatment your tension is reduced and you might feel relaxed. You may also notice yourself sleeping better and find your mood and sense of wellbeing improving.

What can you expect from a treatment?

• At your first treatment, Kim will take a full health history and will ask you to sign a consent form for treatment. This information will be kept confidential.
• You will be asked to remove your shoes and socks and you will be seated in a reclining chair or on a therapy couch.
• Kim will then use her hands / fingers to apply pressure to your feet. You may feel areas of minimal discomfort during the treatment, but overall the experience will be relaxing.
• The session will be completed with a gentle foot massage lasting a few minutes. In total the session will last 45 minutes to an hour.
• At the end, Kim may recommend a course of treatments.