Adult Psychology

We are a specialist service providing therapy support to help people deal with the emotional impact of their health condition and/or its treatment.

The diagnosis and treatment of a health condition often brings a number of challenges and life changes that are naturally difficult to deal with and sometimes difficult thoughts and feelings can impact on day-to-day life, mood and relationships in a way that feels unmanageable.

When this happens, some people find it helpful to speak to a professional who has an understanding of the psychological effects of a wide range of health conditions in a confidential setting.

Common concerns people might have include:

• Adjusting to illness, injury or medication
• Feeling low, upset or angry after a diagnosis
• Fears about the future
• Worry or anxiety
• Dealing with stress
• Low mood or depression
• Fears about treatment such as taking medication or procedures
• Dealing with the impact of health conditions on relationships
• Sexual intimacy
• Grief and loss
• Decisions about treatment

• Bariatric surgery
• Cardiology and heart failure
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Oncology (Cancer)
• Chronic pain
• Palliative care
• Renal (Kidney)
• Diabetes
• HIV
• Psychosexual therapy
• Mindfulness

We offer both individual and group sessions, drawing on a range of psychological approaches. We can also help direct people to other services if their concerns are not directly related to their health condition. For example, where there are longstanding relationship difficulties, or where people are struggling to manage issues related to drug/alcohol use or psychosis.

We also offer consultations as part of a multi-disciplinary approach for patients whose needs would not be best met through direct, one-to-one therapy. This means we can help the wider healthcare team understand an individual’s psychological needs and how these can best be supported by the team.

Often there are small steps that we can take to look after our wellbeing.  Here are some important yet simple steps we can consider:

• Support for inpatients during coronavirus
• Wellbeing resources during coronavirus

• Mindfulness resources for wellbeing during coronavirus
• FACE COVID – practical steps for responding effectively to coronavirus, using principles of acceptance and commitment therapy

Learning mindfulness and compassion can help with feelings of anxiety, depression and self-judgements that often arise with – or are complicated by – health conditions.

Mindfulness for Health and Wellbeing is an eight-week course that can help you cope with the stress of living with pain or other health conditions.

Mindfulness involves learning to be aware of what you are experiencing in a friendly and non-judgmental way. This helps us to see more clearly what we need and how to respond skilfully rather than in a reactive or habitual way.

“I feel better in myself. Calmer. Less stressed. More in control. Less emotional tension. Feeling more peaceful and happy with life.”

“It has helped greatly in keeping myself calmer and to cope better with situations.”

For more information, please visit our Mindfulness for Health and Wellbeing pages.

How can I access the service?
Patients are usually referred by their GP or another member of their healthcare team such as a consultant, doctor, specialist nurse, physiotherapist or dietician. Please contact us on 01274 365176  if you would like to find out more or discuss making a referral.

How long would I need to see the clinician for?
The number of sessions people need varies. This will be discussed and decided with you at your first appointment, but may change during therapy. It is very important that you attend the planned sessions with your psychologist/counsellor in order for them to be as effective as possible. If you need to cancel your appointment please contact the department as soon as possible using the contact details provided on your appointment letter.

Is there a waiting time for appointments?
We will try to see you as soon as possible however there may be a wait for an appointment. If there is a wait we will let you know how long this is likely to be.

Where will I be seen?
Outpatient appointments are mainly held in the Horton Wing at St Luke’s Hospital in Bradford.  Some clinics are also run at Bradford Royal Infirmary and in the community such as at GP surgeries. If you are in hospital the psychologist or counsellor may arrange to see you on the ward, in a private room where possible.

What about confidentiality?
Confidentiality is an important part of working with a psychologist or counsellor. For more information click here.

Can I bring someone with me to the appointment?
We understand that attending new appointments can cause people to feel nervous or anxious and therefore we often allow people to bring someone with them. Please contact the department if you wish to discuss this further. After the initial appointments you may be encouraged to see your psychologist or counsellor alone in order for sessions to be most effective.

Can you provide an interpreter?
If English is not your first language we are able to provide an interpreter for sessions in order to allow you and the therapist to communicate more effectively.  Our interpreters are employed by Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and work within the same confidentiality boundaries as us. Please let us know if you require this support when you are referred.