Models that are commonly used for individuals with persistent health conditions are cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and compassion focused therapy (CFT).  Your psychologist will discuss with you the best therapy for your circumstances.

• CBT explores how thoughts, attitudes and beliefs influence emotions and behaviours specifically related to health conditions.
• ACT promotes being open, present and doing what matters. These areas can be challenging with persistent health conditions as individuals often limit their behaviours, ruminate on the past and struggle to see a future. ACT working can aid acceptance and introduce a better quality of life.
• CFT uses techniques from compassionate mind training to help people develop their capacity to experience warmth, safeness and soothing. This can support better self-care of physical health conditions and is and is particularly helpful for people who experience self-criticism.

We routinely offer group work within Clinical Health Psychology. We offer a rolling ACT based Pain Management Programme (PMP), this group explores the physiological and psychological elements of living with chronic pain. Using psycho education, group discussion and goals work to promote a values-based living approach on a weekly basis. The PMP promotes awareness and a sense of community with other individuals with similar health struggles.

We also work alongside our colleagues in other teams providing psychological input, for example the Scottish Type 1 Education Programme (STEP) group for newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes focused on adjustment and wellbeing.

Most people who are referred to the neuropsychology service will have a diagnosis of a neurological condition, which is affecting their cognition (thinking), emotions or behaviour. Some of the neurological conditions we commonly work with are epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, and Parkinson’s disease. If you do not have a diagnosis, you may be referred to us as part of an assessment process, by your neurologist or another healthcare professional.

As with other health conditions, some common emotional difficulties experienced by people with a neurological condition include low mood or depression, anxiety, fatigue, frustration or anger, sleep difficulties, and difficulties adjusting to your condition. We will work with you to help you understand and manage these difficulties with the aim of improving your overall quality of life. This work might be done individually or as part of a group. These options will be discussed with you at your first appointment. For details of the types of therapeutic approach we use, see What we do.

You may also be referred for a cognitive assessment (an assessment of your memory and thinking skills). For further information about this, please see the section below.

Finally, you may be referred for neuropsychological rehabilitation. This means working with a psychologist to develop strategies to help you get around some of the cognitive difficulties you might be experiencing as a result of your condition. It can also involve finding ways to adapt to the wider changes that may have occurred in your life, following a brain injury or diagnosis of a neurological condition.

What to expect when you attend your first neuropsychology appointment

Your first appointment can last between 60 and 90 minutes (this information will be included in your appointment letter). We usually ask you to bring someone with you to this appointment. This can be helpful, as someone close to you may have noticed changes that you haven’t been aware of, especially if you are experiencing problems with your memory or thinking. With your permission, we will ask both of you to tell us about how your condition impacts on you and any issues you have been struggling with.

What is a neuropsychological assessment?

The assessment is a measurement of your ability to do a number of different mental tasks and covers areas such as memory, concentration, language, visuo-spatial abilities, problem solving and planning. These types of thinking skills are often affected by brain injury or illness and the assessment can help determine your strengths and weaknesses. This can be useful in order to plan a rehabilitation programme or to inform any adaptations you might need to continue in your employment. Sometimes an assessment may be requested to help make a diagnosis.

Neuropsychological assessment procedure

The formal assessment will usually be carried out over one or two sessions, following your initial appointment. You will be asked to complete some pencil and paper tasks, as well as answering some questions. You will be given breaks if you need them. Afterwards, your tests will be scored and your psychologist will arrange a further appointment to explain the results to you. You will have the opportunity to ask questions at any time.