Some people seeing a
clinical psychologist for the first time, may not know what to expect,
so please feel free to contact Dr Loumidis and he will personally deal
with any questions you may have.
Zoom consultations
For Zoom consultations, please
download the Zoom App onto your phone, laptop or tablet, and Dr Loumidis will
send you an email and password at the time of your appointment.
Initial assessment
During the first session, Dr Loumidis will try to understand your
problems, your history, your background, your needs and wishes, your
personal life
circumstances, the factors that might have led to the development of your
difficulties, the way in which your current difficulties affect your
life, your expectations of treatment, and a range of other relevant
factors. In some instances, Dr Loumidis may use psychological tests.
Psychological opinion
Dr Loumidis can provide you with his psychological opinion if you
wish. This may be a diagnostic opinion on what your condition is likely
to be (for example panic disorder, reactive depression, etc). He will
then incorporate all the possible factors that may have caused,
contributed to, or maintained your condition, and draw your individual
problem formulation. This personal formulation will form the basis of
your individual treatment plan. Dr Loumidis can offer you his opinion
on what types of treatments he recommends. If you
like, Dr Loumidis will inform you on the likelihood of success of
treatment, and an approximate indication on the number of sessions that
you will probably need. You can discuss any of these issues with Dr
Loumidis at any point.
How does psychological therapy work?
Every person’s treatment plan is different and is based on their
individual problem formulation. Therapy helps to tackle symptoms,
reduce psychological distress and to enhance and promote psychological
well-being. This is achieved by helping people change or control
unhelpful thoughts, distressing emotions, destructive behaviours,
difficulties in relating to people and modify unhealthy lifestyles. People are
helped to take an active role in their treatment. Depending on your
individual treatment plan, Dr Loumidis might suggest some practical
ways to help you outside the treatment sessions, in your everyday life.
Evaluating treatment outcome
During the first few sessions, you may wish to establish some treatment
goals, which will act as a benchmark for further treatment
progress. Dr Loumidis often uses psychological tests to evaluate
treatment outcome.
Length of treatment
Sometimes people seek just an opinion and not treatment. This may take
1-2 sessions. As far as treatment is concerned, depending on the
nature, complexity and severity of your individual problems and
circumstances, and of course your motivation and adherence to
treatment, the length of treatment can vary from as few as 4-8 sessions
to sometimes up to 20 sessions. Dr Loumidis periodically will review
your progress and give you an indication of the likely length of
treatment. Sessions can last 45, 60 or 90 minutes, depending on the
purpose of the consultation (e.g., therapy, specialist assessment, or medicolegal assessment).
Confidentiality and data protection
Confidentiality and consent to treatment are core values of Dr
Loumidis's professional practice and he adheres to all of the
professional guidelines of the British
Psychological Society. He is a
Registered Data Controller with the Information Commissioner’s Office and
is bound by the Data Protection Act. Dr Loumidis provides a
professional psychological service. Any information disclosed will be
treated with respect and will be confidential, unless he has serious
professional or ethical reasons for not doing so, in which case he will
discuss this matter with you.
Expert witness
If
your
solicitors
have
referred
you to see Dr Loumidis in order to prepare a report for the Court, Dr
Loumidis will be examining you in his capacity as an independent expert
witness and not for confidential treatment purposes. Dr Loumidis's
duty is to the Court and not the claimant, defendant, or any
instructing parties. The report will contain an independent, unbiased
opinion negotiable only in respect of basic factual detail, although
the solicitors may request clarifications. Copies of Dr Loumidis's
report may be sent to third parties, solicitors or indeed may be
presented in Court and the usual principles of confidentiality between
a patient and a psychologist cannot be presumed in that instance.
Keeping your GP
informed
For continuity of care purposes, to ensure
that those professionals involved in your care are kept informed about
your care, soon after the first appointment, and at regular intervals
after that, Dr Loumidis will be writing to your GP, providing regular
updates on the process and outcome of treatment.
The role of medication
Dr Loumidis does not prescribe or comment on
medication but may recommend that you seek medical advice from your GP
or another medical consultant, if he feels that medication may help. Medication
is sometimes used in conjunction with psychological
therapies. Sometimes combined treatments may work better than
either alone. With some disorders, various forms of psychotherapy
can
help you to remain on medication and follow other elements of the
treatment plan.
Guarantees
Dr Loumidis does not offer any
guarantees of a satisfactory outcome, or refunds.
Adverse reactions
Some people may initially feel worse before they start showing any
improvements, especially when dealing with painful issues.
However, there are no known or long lasting adverse reactions from
psychological therapy. However, if you experience any adverse
reactions after a consultation, please notify Dr Loumidis, or your GP.
In an emergency
Dr Loumidis does not operate a service for mental health or medical
emergencies. In an emergency, please contact your GP, any mental health
professionals who may be involved in your care, NHS Direct, 999 or the
Accidents and Emergency Department of your local Hospital or NHS Trust.
Clinics
Birmingham - London
- Leicester - Manchester - Shrewsbury - Wolverhampton - Worcester -
Other venues
