Psychology

Psychology is the study of the mind and of people's behaviour. The science is the basis for a wide variety of mental health treatments and practices, with psychotherapy one of the most prominent. A broad range of services, from counselling to cognitive behavioural therapy, can be considered as under the umbrella of psychology treatment.

Our psychology consultants specialise in looking after mental health and wellbeing. Every year in England, one in four people will experience some type of mental health problem. This can be anything from mild anxiety to more severe long-term conditions such as chronic depression, schizophrenia or eating disorders.

The more we understand mental health, the more we understand its importance. Anything that affects our mental wellbeing can have implications far beyond just our minds, impacting our work and social life, relationships and ability to function normally. Poor mental health can lead to significant decline in our ability to look after ourselves and can directly cause physical problems too.

If you're living with mental health problems, it's important to seek help. A specialist can help you to find ways to manage and improve your condition and show you ways. At Circle Health Group, our Consultant psychologists will use different techniques to diagnose your mental health and find the best treatment possible for you.

You can access specialist care with us using private medical insurance or by paying for your own treatment.

Sometimes this type of treatment will be covered by your private health insurance, but not always. Speak to your provider directly to see what's covered in your policy.

If you want to pay for your own treatment, you can either pay in full or take advantage of our flexible payment options, which allow you to spread the cost over a period of up to five years.

Our self-pay customers benefit from fixed-price packages, meaning you'll know exactly what you're going to pay before you book your treatment. Your initial consultation and early tests won't be included, but the cost of your course of therapy is, along with any additional treatments you need. There are no hidden costs down the line.

The most common types of mental health problems you might need treatment for include:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can occur following a distressing event. You might experience flashbacks and nightmares about the event. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that can help you cope with distressing events.

Anxiety

Anxiety can affect your day-to-day life. It may be a sign of PTSD or a social anxiety disorder. If you're suffering from anxiety, you could benefit from counselling.

Depression

It's natural to occasionally have low moods. But feeling down for months or weeks can be a sign of depression. It can lead to a feeling of hopelessness and cause you to lose interest in activities. Cognitive behavioural therapy can be used to treat depression.

Sexual difficulties

Sexual difficulties in a relationship can be triggered by unresolved grief or mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression. Psychosexual therapy can help treat sexual difficulties in your relationship.

Some of the treatments our psychology consultants offer include:

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

During EMDR treatment, you will receive support to recall a distressing memory. As you recall this memory, your psychologist will introduce bilateral stimulation. This includes methods such as following the movement of their finger with your eyes. These methods help support your brain with processing traumatic memories.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioural therapy works by breaking down your problems into thoughts, feelings or actions. Your psychologist will work with you to identify negative thought patterns and behaviours, and how to changes these. You will be asked to implement these changes into your day-to-day life.

Counselling

Counselling provides a safe and confidential space for you to discuss your problems with a specialist. They can help you understand your feelings and encourage you to find solutions to your problems.

Psychosexual therapy

Psychosexual therapy is used to treat people with sexual difficulties. Your psychologists will first perform an assessment to understand your problem. This will include a discussion about the history of your problem and the impact of your problem on your relationship. Your psychologist will then discuss the impact of stress, family and workplace problems on your sexual life.

The first step to access private mental health treatment with us is usually to arrange an appointment with one of our specialists. They will be able to assess and diagnose your condition and talk you through the available treatment options, and together you'll decide on the best route for you.

To book your initial consultation, call our dedicated team of advisors, or take advantage of our easy online booking system.

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

• Flexible appointment times and locations to fit your routine
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Multidisciplinary teams led by consultants who can easily refer you to other onsite specialists
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to learn more about the treatments our specialists can offer, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in May 2023. Next review due May 2026.

1. Psychology, Very Well Mind
2. What is psychology?, Simply Psychology
3. Mental health, NHS