Sometimes people who 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.
If you would like to make an appointment,
please contact Dr Loumidis' office.
Initial Assessment
During the first sessions, Dr Loumidis will try to understand your
problems, your history, your needs and wishes, your personal life
circumstances, the reasons that 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
issues. In some instances Dr Loumidis may use psychological tests to
clarify or support his opinion.
Psychological Opinion
Dr Loumidis will 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
will offer you his opinion on what types of treatments he recommends,
and help you choose. 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 Treatment Work?
Every person’s treatment plan is different and is based on their
individual problem formulation. Treatment 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 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.
Confidentiality and Data Protection
Confidentiality and consent to treatment are core values of Dr
Loumidis' 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 Assessments
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' 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' 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
Medication is sometimes used in conjunction with psychological
therapies. Sometimes combined treatment is
better than either alone. Both psychotherapy and medication appear to
act by altering brain functioning. With some disorders, various forms
of psychotherapy can help you to remain on medication and follow other
elements
of the treatment plan. Dr Loumidis does not prescribe, advice or
comment on medication, but may recommend
that you seek medical advice from your GP or an other medical
consultant, if he feels that medication may help.
Guarantees
The British Psychological Society discourages the offer of 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 0845 46 47, or the Accidents and Emergency Department of your local Hospital or NHS Trust.
Clinics at:
London Leicester Telford Shewsbury
Wolverhampton Worcester Droitwich
Birmingham Other venues
Read More
All
Correspondence
