What is a psychologist?
Clinical/Counselling psychologists are trained in assessing, understanding and treating a range of difficulties that can occur in a person’s life.
Psychologists are not medical doctors so will not prescribe medication.
We focus on how people think, feel and behave.
At times therapy can be difficult, however people also find it helpful and can learn important coping skills.
How can psychology help me?
Psychology can help people with a wide range of difficulties including emotions, relationships, unusual experiences and adverse life events.
Psychology can help to improve your understanding of yourself and find more helpful ways of responding to difficult situations. For example:
- Learning skills to manage difficult thoughts and feelings
- Making sense of what led up to your admission to hospital
- Discussing previous life events and how these may impact on current experiences
- Learning ways to keep yourself safe
- Working together with you and your family/carers to increase understanding of your current experience
- Spending time exploring what maintains your wellbeing.
- Assessment of memory problems
What will happen in psychology sessions?
When you first meet with your psychologist, they will ask about your current difficulties, for example, how long you have had them and how they affect you.
They will ask about what brought you into hospital.
They will look at your clinical notes and discuss with your care team how psychology may benefit you.
They will work with you to decide whether psychology may be helpful and what you may wish to use your sessions for.
Sessions tend to happen weekly but this will be discussed and arranged between you and your psychologist.
How can I be referred to psychology?
The psychologists will be available on the ward for you to get to know them.
If you would like to be referred to your ward psychologist you can speak to one of the ward team or to the psychologist directly.
Your care team may recommend that psychology forms part of your inpatient treatment.
Sharing information
Psychologists work as part of the multidisciplinary team on the wards.
They may share information with the team to provide you with the best care.
They may need to let nursing staff know generally how each session has gone so you can get the support you need.
Contact us
Salisbury Inpatient Psychology Service, Heathwood, Fountain Way, Salisbury, Wiltshire,
SP2 7FD
Tel: 01722 548550
BSL Video Relay
https://connect.interpreterslive.co.uk/vrs?ilc=AvonWiltshireMHT and ask for our number; or for switchboard 01225 731731 to connect you.
For information on Trust Services visit www.awp.nhs.uk
PALS
To make a comment, raise a concern or make a complaint, please contact the Trust’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Tel: 01225 362 900
Freephone: 0800 073 1778
Email: awp
Other languages and formats
If you need this information in another language or format (such as large print, audio, Braille), please call the PALS number.
Lead: Clinical Psychologist
Leaflet code: 058 AWP
Last reviewed June 2021
Review due: June 2024