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Dr Kelly Southgate (DCLinPsy, MSc, BSc) is a principal clinical psychologist, offering evidence-based psychological therapy for adults and young people for a variety of difficulties including; anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, bereavement, anger management, low self-esteem, stress and trauma.

Dr Southgate offers a friendly and down-to-earth approach to therapy, providing a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to talk. Treatment is tailored towards individual needs and circumstances, with the emphasis on working towards achieving goals in a way that suits the individual. Dr Southgate has worked in the National Health Service for over eight years with a wide range of client bases.

Dr Southgate's approach is to first and foremost help individuals to make sense of what they may be struggling with by drawing on psychological theories to understand what underpins their difficulties and what may be maintaining them. Gaining a clearer understanding of what might be causing and maintaining difficulties is the first stage of being able to overcome them. From there, Dr Southgate supports individuals to make meaningful change in the areas that are important to that person.

Specialisms

Psychological support is offered for the following presenting problems

Anxiety (including worry, social anxiety and health anxiety)
Panic attacks
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Phobias and specific fears
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Stress management
Anger management
Low mood and depression
Low self-confidence and low self-esteem
Difficulties associated with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASC)
Sleep difficulties
Self-harming behaviours
Bereavement
Interpersonal and relationship difficulties
Personality Disorders

Types of Therapy

A range of therapies are offered to suit each individual, all of which have a strong evidence base for helping people with a range of difficulties:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Systemic Therapy
Attachment focussed therapy
Mindfulness


Next Stages

Prior to the first meeting a brief telephone assessment will take place to understand what the difficulties are. Following this, there will be an initial assessment - this may take 1 or 2 sessions. During these sessions it is important to get a good understanding of what has bought you to therapy and to think about setting goals for treatment. Therapy length will be dependent on the nature of what you come to therapy for and what goals are set. The work can be short or long term, there are no minimum or maximum sessions to commit to.

FAQs

How do I go about arranging an initial consultation?
If you would like to book a first appointment you can complete the enquiry form below or e-mail me on southgatesychology@gmail.com.

What can I expect from my first appointment?
Prior to the first appointment a free telephone consultation will be arranged to discuss the reasons that you would like to start therapy. This is also a time to ask any further questions you may have or discuss any worries that you might have.

You will then be invited into the clinic to meet with Dr Southgate to discuss further what has bought you to therapy and to collaboratively develop some goals for therapy and think about a way forward. This will include thinking about the style of therapy that will suit you most and whether you and Dr Southgate are a good fit together. This normally takes one session, but can take up to two.

If you decide to go ahead with therapy, an initial number of sessions will be agreed upon, taking into consideration your needs and goals. A regular time each week will be set for the session. Progress will be monitored on a regular basis.

How long will it take?
One of the advantages of accessing private therapy is that duration is based solely on the needs of the client and not dictated by external factors such as organisational pressures. The aim of therapy is to transfer knowledge and skills and eventually make the therapist redundant.

Does therapy work?
There is extensive evidence about the effectiveness of therapy for a wide range of difficulties. All of the different modes of therapy offered by Dr Southgate are evidence based and recommended by NICE guidelines.

Are sessions confidential?
Yes. You will be asked to provide the details of your GP as part of the registration process, however this information would only ever be accessed if there were serious concerns about your safety, or the safety of others around you, if you were involved in a serious crime, or if your records were requested by a court. This would always be discussed with you first. Dr Southgate also receives regular clinical supervision to ensure the highest standard of professional practice and clients are presented anonymously. Dr Southgate fully complies with the Data Protection Act 1998.

What if there is an emergency between sessions?
If you have concerns about keeping yourself safe, this will be addressed during sessions. However, Dr Southgate does not operate a crisis service, and therefore if you are in need of urgent support you should visit your GP, the local Accident and Emergency Department, or telephone the Samaritans (08457909090).

What if something bothers me during therapy?
Therapy can throw up all sorts of difficult feelings. It is a safe, non-judgemental space where clients are encouraged to discuss feedback or anything that they are unsure about within the therapeutic relationship.

What is the fee structure and the cancellation policy?
The cost of each 50-minute session is £95. Fees are payable prior to the session by bank transfer or after the session at the reception. Dr Southgate will also be able to take referrals from private healthcare insurance companies - please enquire for more details.

Sessions cancelled with more than 48 hours' notice will not be charged for. Where less than 48 hours cancellation notice is given, the session will always be charged at the full rate.