The duration of support depends on your individual circumstances, but my goal is always to provide focused, practical guidance that helps you or your family gain the skills and confidence to move forward independently.

While many clients benefit from around 8–20 sessions, some may need more or fewer – every situation is different, and the approach is tailored to you.

I primarily draw on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Systemic Therapy (family therapy). CBT focuses on helping individuals to identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs, as well as working to change behavioural responses to these. In contrast, Systemic Therapy takes a broader perspective by looking at an individual’s social context and the key relationships around them.

In person sessions are held at Stricklandgate House which is a central Kendal location, with a pay and display carpark located behind it.

Online sessions are facilitated via a secure video platform.

Emotional and psychological challenges can affect anyone at different points in life. For some, this may be linked to a recognized mental health condition, while for others it may feel like being “stuck” in unhelpful patterns of thinking, feeling, or relating that you want to change.

I offer support for a wide range of difficulties, including:

• Anxiety, panic, phobias, and persistent worry

• Stress and burnout

• Trauma and PTSD, including complex and childhood-related experiences

• Social anxiety

• Low mood or depression

• Struggles with coping and resilience

• Low self-esteem or confidence

• Grief, loss, and bereavement

In our sessions we will talk about the difficulties you are experiencing, and begin to understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and how these are all linked. We will reflect on current patterns which may be contributing to your difficulties, and then learn new ways of managing these. There may be times when I ask you to do things outside of sessions, as it is important to practise new techniques and continue with your progress between sessions.

I am currently registered with Bupa, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna, and WPA. I will schedule our first appointment once I have received the pre-authorisation code and confirmation that the sessions have been approved by the insurer.

A 50-minute session is charged at £130. Written assessment reports are available upon request at an additional charge, and any correspondence or liaison with professionals is charged in line with my hourly rate.

Clinical Psychologists are Doctors of Psychology, having had a minimum of 6 years extensive training and are qualified to work across the lifespan. Clinical Psychologists are also trained in multiple evidence based therapy models, which we can then integrate to create bespoke person-centred therapy, whereas counsellors and other therapists are often only trained in one therapy model.

Additionally, the title of Clinical Psychologist is a protected title which can only be used by somebody who is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and who demonstrates a commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This ensures that Clinical Psychologists adhere to strict professional guidelines and are always kept up to date with best evidence-based practise. Generally, counsellors and therapists are not trained to Doctoral level and their titles are unprotected and unregulated which makes it hard to know how much training and what qualifications a therapist has.

If you would like to make an appointment, please use the ‘contact me’ option on this website, or email me at drhughes@lakedistrictpsychology.co.uk

If required, I can offer a 15-minute free telephone consultation where we can discuss what support you would like and if I’m the right fit for you.