​During our initial meeting, I will invite you to share your experiences in a way that feels comfortable for you. I will ask some focused questions, but you are always free to choose how much you want to say. Everything you share is confidential. I will only share information with others if you give consent, unless there is a significant risk to your safety or the safety of someone else. The assessment will explore your current situation alongside any past difficulties, previous treatment, and relevant life events. We will also talk about medications you may be taking, and any substance use such as alcohol or drugs. It is helpful for me to understand your expectations and what you hope to achieve from treatment.

Once I have a clear picture, I will share my thoughts with you — including any diagnosis — and offer a formulation, which is a working understanding of your difficulties using a broad framework. I often draw on trauma-informed and relational approaches, as these typically provide a richer and more meaningful understanding than diagnosis alone.

From there, we will explore treatment options together and develop a care plan that reflects your preferences and goals. This may include recommendations for psychological therapy, a medication plan, neuromodulation (such as Flow tDCS), risk management, and collaborative work with other professionals involved in your care. We will also discuss whether a follow-up appointment would be helpful.

I am able to provide a private prescription to initiate treatment if needed, although some people prefer to speak to their GP, especially for ongoing prescriptions. As a single clinician, I do not have a system for issuing repeat prescriptions. After the assessment, I will send you a detailed assessment letter securely. With your consent, I can also share this with your GP and any other professionals who are supporting your care.