Nicola Kennelly Psychology

What is Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology offers a scientific, evidenced based understanding to mental health, emotional well-being and behaviour. Training is required in all major evidenced based models offering an understanding of people (e.g. attachment, behavioural, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural, neuropsychological, systemic, solution focussed, trauma focussed and family approaches). Clinical Psychologists become aware of the strengths and limitations of each of these models. We recognise that human beings are complex and cannot always fit into an understanding by one model alone. So we are trained to think holistically from many perspectives, in order to find a solution for your situation to bring about change that is individually tailored for you.

The process takes place in 3 phases (these are not always discretely separate): assessment (where a holistic picture of a person's situation is gathered); formulation (where an understanding of the situation is developed); and intervention (where solutions are created to help achieve change).

My style:

My training and my own life experience has taught me that at times all of us have circumstances we struggle to cope with, including myself. This underlies my non-judgemental, down to earth, approach towards finding solutions. I strongly believe it takes courage to recognise and acknowledge our own struggles and I do not underestimate the bravery it takes to seek help. I strive to establish a positive trusting relationship with the people I work with, where genuine and honest feedback can be given. I also find humour helpful too. I try to come alongside people to support them through the challenges they face and find my role to be a privilege.

I have an integrative psychological approach. I understand difficulties arise from a complex combination of nature and nurture in a social and cultural context, influenced by specific life events. I have been fortunate as a clinical psychologist to receive training in multiple approaches towards understanding and supporting people including attachment, behavioural, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural, neuropsychological, medical, systemic, solution focussed, family and trauma focussed approaches. I am always mindful of all of these approaches. I think holistically about the situations people are in and integrate these ideas to choose solutions with you that may help your specific situation.

Clinical Psychology Packages:

I can offer psychological assessment, formulation and intervention; teaching and training, professional advice and consultations, and group or individual supervision.

I am happy to work for individuals and their families, or for other professionals and organisations e.g. social workers, schools, health commissioners, those in the legal system. I encourage queries to be made via email and we can then consider whether I may be able to support you. I'd then be happy to arrange a further phone call or meeting in person to discuss things further.

Please feel free to contact me about any concerns you may have. I will not agree to begin an assessment process with you if I do not feel able to help you. It is important that you feel you can work with me too, as having a good relationship is key to any support you receive. We will only agree to begin the assessment process if we both agree we can work together.

 

Please feel free to contact me with any queries by email, my preferred method of contact: nicola.kennelly@gmail.com.