The first thing you need to do is create an account with CPD, using the 'register' function on the website. This is completely free to set-up. Consultations can then be booked online, using calendars which will show you available dates and times. If you cannot find a suitable appointment, or need help with arranging one, please contact us on 0121 706 7330 (or by email). Each consultation option is fully described in the 'consultancy services' pages of the website. Again, contact us if you need further advice or explanations on the service that is right for you.

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It is helpful to register, as your appointments can then be booked online, and you can have a log of any transactions made with CPD. However, if you prefer to organise consultations over the phone, you need not register. Just give CPD a call.

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Dr Sura is registered with the British Psychological Society (BPS), United Kingdom for Psychotherapists (UKCP) and Association for Family Therapists (AFT). A link to the websites of these national organisations is provided on the website, if you would like to browse their membership directories. You can also telephone these organisations, and enquire about Dr Sura's professional status.

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A secure payment facility is available on the website, for card payments. If you prefer to pay by cheque or postal order, please contact us on 0121 706 7330. Unfortunately, consultations cannot proceed until payment has been received.

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The insurance company would need to contact CPD, to confirm they are in support of consultations occurring with us, and to clarify the extent of your cover. CPD would then invoice the insurance company directly. If you prefer, you may give us the policy name, number and insurance company contact details, and we would be happy to communicate with your insurers for clarification and approval.

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This is not a problem. Your insurers will usually wish to speak with us, and register us on their system. It is highly unlikely that your consultation with us would be declined by the insurers, but it is necessary to formally set-up the relationship.

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It's ok to cancel or rearrange consultation appointments. You will not be charged, providing your request is made to CPD at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time. Cancellations made up to 48 hours prior to the scheduled appointment are refunded at the full rate. Cancellations made up to 24 hours prior to the appointment are refunded at 50% of the session cost. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice are unfortunately non-refundable. Refunds are also not possible if you miss your appointment without notice, or experience technical problems with your equipment (for telephone or online consultations). Please contact CPD if you wish to clarify the refund situation, before you make a booking.

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All consultations with CPD are scheduled for 50 minutes, with a fixed start and end time. If you are late for the consultation, you can still make use of whatever time is left before the 50 minutes expires. You may also leave earlier than the scheduled end time. In either case, you will still be charged for the full 50 minutes.

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If you are running Microsoft Windows, chances are you already have MSN messenger. To download the latest version cut and paste the following url into your web browser: http://messenger.msn.com

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Really, that is your decision. Adults may choose to receive help alone, or if they prefer, with a partner or person they trust accompanying them. In some cases, a family consultation may be most helpful. Children will usually be accompanied by their parents, unless other arrangements have been agreed. Your consultant can advise on this situation, before your consultation takes place. Just give us a call or post an email.

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Our aim is to be flexible, and work around your needs and availability. This is why we offer evening and weekend consultations. Even so, if there are no available appointments at a time that suits you, give us a call or drop us an email, and we can make an arrangement that is convenient.

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In many cases, we can see clients the same day as their request to see a Psychologist, or discuss their needs in a phone consultation. Just contact us and we can try to be of help.

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Ideally yes, but it is not compulsory. The questionnaire gives your consultant an important overview of your situation, and equips the consultant to be informed in the further questions and advice that may be given. It saves time, which ultimately saves on costs for you. The consultation can move more quickly into summarising and understanding, rather than simple information gathering. It's your choice.

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No - give us a call or drop us an email. We would be happy to hear a brief account of your problem or needs, and offer free advice as to whether our service would benefit you, and over what kind of timescale. This may help you decide whether we are right for you, and also whether we can help in a way that meets your budget.

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Our services are for all age groups, from early childhood through to older adults. You can be offered sessions with a practitoner who specialises in services for children and adults, or indeed with a practitoner who has specialist knowledge in working with adults or older adults. Talk to us, and we can advise how best to proceed.

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Clinical Psychologists are trained in human and emotional development, across the lifespan. This training is at least 6 years long, and leads to a doctoral qualification. Psychologists use their extensive knowledge of human emotions, behaviour and ways of thinking, to arrive at robust understandings of the problems being experienced by their clients. From this basis, treatment or 'change' plans are drawn up with the client. The work is evidence-based, known to have been helpful to other clients in similar situations. Psychologists may ask challenging questions, or set home tasks between sessions, to encourage and create change. They have a wide range of therapy models from which to choose, and fit their approach to the individual needs of their clients. Psychologists do much more than offer reflective counselling, active listening or a space to ‘chat’. As for Psychiatry, this has a medical basis, and Psychiatrists are able to offer medicines (such as anti-depressants) or in more extreme cases hospitalisation, to help measure and manage the symptoms being experienced. Very often, the underlying cause of these symptoms is not addressed by medical methods, but when informed by a psychological approach, this almost always enhances the possibility of longer lasting change.

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