Psychology at Heathwell
ABOUT PSYCHOLOGICl THERAPY
You may be looking for help with a particular difficulty, or trying to understand why you keep feeling or responding in certain ways. Psychological therapy offers space to explore your experiences, make sense of what is happening and consider what could help.
Psychologists draw on their understanding of how people think, feel, behave and relate to others. They consider your concerns in the context of your life, including your relationships, earlier experiences, physical health and circumstances.
Psychology is a profession rather than a single therapeutic approach. Our psychologists bring different therapeutic perspectives to their work, with each practitioner’s profile explaining how they work and the concerns they specialise in.
HOW DOES SEEING A PSYCHOLOGIST DIFFER FROM SEEING A PSYCHOTHERAPIST?
Psychologists and psychotherapists both work with emotional and relationship difficulties. Their professional training differs, although there can be considerable overlap in the therapy they offer.
Clinical and counselling psychologists train in psychological theory, research, assessment and therapeutic practice. An important part of their work is developing a psychological formulation: a shared understanding of how your difficulties developed, what may be keeping them going and what could help.
Psychotherapists undertake in-depth training in one or more therapeutic approaches, such as psychodynamic, existential or integrative therapy. Their training focuses on understanding emotional difficulties and working towards change through the therapeutic relationship. Many psychotherapists also develop formulations and draw on research to inform their work.
A psychologist may also practise as a psychotherapist. The professional title alone does not tell you what sessions will be like, so it helps to consider the practitioner’s experience, their way of working and how comfortable you feel speaking with them.
What can psychological therapy help with?
People seek support from psychologists for a range of concerns, including:
Anxiety, persistent worry and feeling overwhelmed.
Depression, low mood and emotional disconnection.
The impact of trauma and difficult earlier experiences.
Relationship difficulties and recurring conflict.
Low self-esteem, shame and persistent self-criticism.
Difficulties understanding or managing emotions.
Questions about identity, belonging and sense of self.
Grief, loss and major life changes.
You do not need a diagnosis or a clear explanation of your difficulties before seeking support. An initial conversation can help you consider whether a psychologist’s experience and approach suit what you are looking for.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR EXPERIENCES
Working with a psychologist begins with making sense of what has brought you to therapy. You may explore when your difficulties began, what happens in particular situations, how you have coped and what you would like to be different.
For example, you might seek help because disagreements leave you feeling rejected or overwhelmed. Together, you could explore what these moments mean to you, how earlier relationships have shaped your expectations and what happens between you and others when those feelings arise.
This understanding gives the work a focus, while leaving room for things you may not have recognised at the outset. Your psychologist will discuss their approach with you and review how the therapy is responding to your needs.
Meet our Psychologists
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Dr. George Samoilis
PSYCHOLOGIST
Approach: Integrative, Relational
Availability: In person
Specialisms: Male mental health, LGBTQI+, Neurodiversity (Autism & ADHD), Anxiety, Depression
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Lucia Mieli
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST & PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Approach: Attachment Based, IFS, Developmental Psychology
Availability: Online
Specialisms: Attachment, Parent work, Perinatal Psychology, Trauma, PTSD and Complex PTSD, Anxiety & Low Mood
