What services do you offer?

Our clinic provides a range of psychological services, including remote and in-person individual therapy, mindfulness sessions (mindfulness for stress and health) and organisational consultancy for occupational health.

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How do I know if therapy is right for me?

People come to therapy for many different reasons — feeling anxious or low, struggling in relationships, dealing with past experiences, or simply feeling stuck or overwhelmed. You don’t need to be in crisis or have a clear reason. If something in your life feels difficult or unmanageable, therapy may be helpful.

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Are my problems serious enough for therapy?

Many people hesitate to start therapy because they worry that their problems "aren't serious enough" or that they should be coping better on their own. In reality, there is no threshold of suffering you need to meet to come to therapy. If something is affecting your wellbeing, relationships, or sense of self, it is worth exploring. It is common to minimise our own struggles, especially when we compare ourselves to others or tell ourselves that things "could be worse". Therapy is not only for crises or diagnoses; it can also be a space to understand ongoing patterns, emotional difficulties, even when life appears to be functioning on the surface.

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Are my problems too serious for you to help me?

If you are experiencing an acute crisis or feel unable to keep yourself safe, I am not the right person to support you at this time. This is not because your situation is "too much", but because crisis situations require immediate, specialist support that I am not able to provide within a therapy setting. Your safety is the priority. If you are in crisis or at risk of harm, I strongly encourage you to contact urgent support services who can help immediately. Please visit your GP or attend the nearest A&E department. The Samaritans on 116 123. Two useful weblinks if you are struggling at this time: Creating a wellbeing plan (Building your wellbeing and helping you cope): 

http://learn.4mentalhealth.com/sites/default/files/courses/wb8/index.html#/

Creating a safety plan (Staying Safe from suicidal thoughts):

https://www.stayingsafe.net/home

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What issues do you work with?

I work with adults and adolescents experiencing a range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and emotional regulation issues. I tailor therapy to each individual rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

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Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?

No. You do not need a diagnosis or referral to begin therapy. Many people come to therapy to better understand themselves or to work through challenges that don’t fit neatly into a diagnostic category.

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Do I need a GP referral?

No GP referral is needed. You can contact me directly to enquire about therapy.

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What therapeutic approaches do you use?

I work in an integrative way, drawing on different therapeutic models depending on your needs. This may include elements of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), relational or psychodynamic approaches, trauma-informed practice, such as EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing). We can discuss this together and review what feels most helpful as therapy progresses.

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What should I expect during my first visit?

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. I’ll invite you to talk about what has brought you to therapy and what you’re hoping for. There is no pressure to share anything you’re not ready to. I’ll also explain how therapy works, answer any questions, and discuss practicalities. Many people feel nervous — that’s completely normal.

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Will you give me answers to my problems in therapy?

​Many people expect therapy to involve advice or direct guidance. While I may share reflections, questions or psychological understanding, therapy is not about giving instructions. This is because you are the expert on your own life. The aim is to help you develop insight, clarity and choices that feel right for you, rather than following someone else's guidance. Therapy supports you to explore your own values, needs and ways forward, in a way that feels authentic and sustainable. 

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How long are sessions and how often do they take place?

Sessions last 50 minutes and usually take place weekly. Some people choose to meet fortnightly. This can be discussed and reviewed depending on your needs and circumstances.

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How many sessions will I need?

This varies from person to person. Some people come for a small number of sessions to focus on a specific issue, while others prefer longer-term work. We can review this together regularly, and you are always in control of how long you stay in therapy.

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Are sessions online or in-person?

I currently offer both sessions. Online therapy is conducted via zoom or telephone and can be just as effective as in-person work for many people. We can talk about what feels most suitable for you.

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Are there limits to confidentiality?

There are some legal and ethical limits to confidentiality. These include situations where there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or where disclosure is required by law. I would always aim to discuss this with you first wherever possible.

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What if I don't feel we are a good fit?

Feeling safe and comfortable with your therapist is important. If at any point you feel the therapy isn’t right for you, we can talk about this openly. You are under no obligation to continue, and I can support you with alternative options if helpful.

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Can I stop therapy at any time?

Yes. You can end therapy at any point. Many people find it helpful to have a final session to reflect and bring things to a close, but this is your choice.

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How do I schedule an appointment?

Individuals can either book for an initial remote (via zoom or telephone) or in-person consultation at my Shrewsbury or Wellington (Telford) clinics. To book for an online appointment, you can do so via this link, or alternatively, you can book an in-person appointment by emailing hello@drvictoriagalbraith.co.uk. Organisations, please contact via email in the first instance and we can arrange a telephone consult to discuss your needs.

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What are your fees?

Fees vary depending upon in-person, remote appointments, mindfulness groups, insurance clients, organisational clients. Remote sessions are currently £100, bookings can be made here; in-person sessions are £130. Please enquire  for organisational clients/work.

 

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, I am registered with all of the major health insurance providers, including BUPA and AXA. If you are enquiring about appointments under a health insurance scheme, please make contact on the above details in the first instance, rather than making a booking online, and we will arrange an appointment for you.

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In the case of pre-authorised sessions, I will typically be invoicing your insurance company directly in accordance with their fee schedule. There may be an excess fee charged to you so please ensure that this is clarified with the insurance company prior to our appointment. For psychological services that are covered but that have not been formally pre-authorised, you may be required to pay me directly and then claim reimbursement from your insurance company. If in doubt, please communicate with your insurer about the terms and conditions of your particular policy.​

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How does Blue Light Discount work?

Blue Light Card holders are eligible for a 10% discount on standard session fees. A valid Blue Light Card (physical or app) must be shown at the first appointment.

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Can you work with people you know personally?

Therapy works best when there are clear professional boundaries. In therapy, it is important that you feel able to speak freely, without concern about overlapping relationships or shared social spaces. For this reason, I don't work therapeutically with people I know personally, or with those who are closely connected to my existing clients or personal acquaintances. This boundary is in place to protect everyone involved and to ensure that therapy remains a confidential, unbiased and neutral space.​​

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What is the difference between psychologist, counsellor and therapist?

The terms are often used interchangeably but they can mean different things.

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Therapist is an umbrella term used to describe anyone who offers talking therapy. It is not a protected title, meaning that anyone can call themselves a therapist and can include practitioners from a range of training backgrounds. Psychotherapists usually complete specialist training in psychotherapy, often with several years of supervised practice; and are typically members of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), which sets ethical and professional standards and maintain public registers.

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Counsellors usually complete professional training focused on relational, reflection and emotionally supportive work. Many are members of professional bodies British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or the UKCP and work within ethical frameworks.

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Practitioner Psychologists have completed an accredited undergraduate degree in psychology followed by extensive postgraduate doctoral-level training. Their work is informed by psychological theory, research and clinical training, alongside therapeutic practice and may draw upon multiple therapeutic approaches. In the UK, some psychologist titles are legally protected, meaning they can only be used by people who are appropriately trained and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The umbrella protected title for these psychologists are 'Practitioner Psychologist or Registered Psychologist' and the protected titles are 'Counselling Psychologist', 'Clinical Psychologist', 'Health Psychologist', 'Forensic Psychologist', 'Educational Psychologist', ' Occupational Psychologist' and 'Sports and Exercise Psychologist'. Only individuals who have completed approved training and meet HCPC standards can use these titles.

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The term 'psychologist' on its own is not a protected title in the UK. This is why it is important to check whether someone is HCPC registered if they describe themselves using one of these titles.​