Dr Martina Gerada
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This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
About me
I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist registered with the British Psychological Society (BPS). I am also a registered Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and a fully accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).
My work is deeply rooted in humanistic principles of mutual respect and collaboration in therapy. I work mainly from a cognitive behavioural perspective, integrating what are known as third-wave approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Meta-cognitive therapy (MCT) and Schema Therapy (ST). I also draw on psychodynamic principles and attachment theory to inform my practice. As a Counselling Psychologist I am committed to integrating theory (in the form of current research) with clinical experience, whilst maintaining an emphasis on personal reflection and development.
Starting Therapy
Taking the plunge and starting therapy is always hard and can bring up strong feelings of anxiety. This is normal, as anxiety is an emotion that prepares us for something that is new to us, or important to us. The therapeutic journey does have ups and downs and requires a strong commitment, yet therapy is a process that may also be joyous. Personal vulnerabilities sometimes house hidden strengths, and difficult life experiences often can highlight what is important to us. Therapy is not about providing false hope or quick fixes, but can be a space to think about, and prepare for, making meaningful changes in your life.
Training, qualifications & experience
I hold a Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology (DPsych), a Masters in Human Rights and Democratisation and a Bachelor of Honours degree in Psychology.
I have worked as a qualified psychologist in adult mental health services for over ten years in primary and secondary care within the NHS, as well as in higher education settings. I have experience of working with various client groups from different age-groups, cultural and religious backgrounds, both in the UK and abroad.
Following my doctoral training, I engaged in further post-graduate training including courses in Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for various diagnostic disorders. Continued Professional Development (CPD) is an important part of my professional practice.
Member organisations
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The BABCP is the lead organisation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the UK. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the practice, theory or development of CBT. BABCP also provides accreditation for CBT therapists. BABCP accredited members adhere to the Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics in the Practice of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies, and are willing to be scrutinised in this adherence as required.
The HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.
They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.
Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£90.00 - £120.00
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Individual Therapy
Fees for individual therapy range from £90 to £120, depending on type of session and time of day. I currently mainly offer online sessions (through video communication technologies).
You will be expected to pay in advance for an initial assessment but once in treatment, you can opt to receive an invoice for monthly payments.
Groups
I also offer psycho-educational workshops for groups and organisations which will vary in price depending on the length and content of the workshops, as well as group size.
Reports/Referrals
I charge a variable fee for reports or referral letters on request. These are only available to clients who are in regular therapy with me.
Private Health Insurance
I am a registered provider with the following insurance companies:
- Vitality
- Axxa PP Healthcare
- Simply Health
- Cigna
- Aviva
If you have health insurance and think that this may cover your treatment fees you should contact your insurance provider prior to your first appointment. The insurance provider should be able to tell you if your policy will cover your treatment.
Please be aware that some insurance companies require a GP or psychiatrist referral before agreeing to cover your fees so please check with them first.
If you have private insurance cover but the company is not listed above, please contact me via email as this we might be able to set this up prior to your first appointment.
Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend a pre-booked session please let me know at least 48 hours (2 days) in advance, otherwise you may still be charged.
When I work
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I offer clinical sessions on Mondays. The best way to reach me is via email, however if you would like to call please leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Further information
Following first contact via telephone or email, I will ask you to provide some preliminary information about yourself such as: your contact information; your GP contact; an emergency contact; a brief description of your difficulties and; the reason you are seeking treatment. This is usually done through a phone call lasting 10 minutes and is free of charge.
Initial Assessment
This is an opportunity for us to meet to discuss things more in detail. It is usually between 1 - 4 sessions and includes an initial formulation of your difficulties and treatment recommendations. It is also an opportunity for you to decide whether you would like to start with regular treatment.
Treatment Sessions
These tend to be weekly, with each session lasting 50 minutes. Treatment duration varies depending on your individual needs and progress but is typically between 6 - 20 sessions.
My practice is LGBTQ+ friendly.
