FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Little Deer Psychology is the independent psychology practice of Dr Jacinta Murphy-O’Sullivan, an Irish Clinical Psychologist based in Hampshire, UK.
I provide face-to-face psychological services in Hampshire, as well as remote psychology sessions for people throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
My aim is to offer a warm, collaborative and respectful space where you can feel heard, make sense of what you are experiencing and identify a helpful way forward.
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Yes. I am a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK.
I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Surrey and have experience supporting people with a wide variety of psychological, emotional and neurodevelopmental needs.
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Little Deer Psychology is based in Hampshire, UK.
I offer face-to-face appointments in Hampshire and remote appointments to clients across the UK and in the Republic of Ireland.
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Yes. I offer face-to-face psychological appointments in Hampshire.
Please contact me to discuss appointment availability, the location of the clinic and whether an in-person appointment would be the best option for your needs.
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Yes. I offer remote psychological therapy sessions to clients across the UK.
Online sessions allow you to access psychological support from a private and comfortable space without needing to travel to Hampshire.
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Yes. I offer remote psychology sessions to people living in the Republic of Ireland.
As an Irish psychologist living and practising in the UK, I understand that maintaining a sense of connection to home, culture and identity can be especially important when choosing a psychologist.
For some Irish clients, speaking with an Irish psychologist can make it easier to feel understood without having to explain every cultural reference, family dynamic or aspect of the experience of living away from home.
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Yes. I work with Irish people living throughout the UK, both remotely and face to face in Hampshire where appropriate.
Moving away from Ireland can bring opportunities, but it may also involve homesickness, loneliness, cultural adjustment, changes in identity or a sense of being caught between two places. Therapy can provide a space to explore these experiences alongside any other concerns that have brought you to seek support.
You do not need to see a psychologist from the same cultural background as you, but some people find that a shared cultural understanding helps them feel more comfortable.
An Irish psychologist may already understand certain cultural references, family expectations, communication styles and the importance of connection to home. This can be particularly meaningful for Irish people living abroad or for those who would like their cultural identity to be recognised as part of therapy.
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I provide individual psychological assessment and therapy tailored to each person’s needs, circumstances and goals.
I work collaboratively, which means that we develop an understanding of what is happening together. You bring your knowledge of your own life and experiences, while I bring psychological knowledge, evidence-based approaches and a compassionate, non-judgemental perspective.
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I may be able to support you with concerns including:
Anxiety and excessive worry
Depression and low mood
Trauma and difficult life experiences
Stress and feeling overwhelmed
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD
Social anxiety
Low self-esteem or confidence
Emotional regulation difficulties
Relationship or interpersonal difficulties
Psychosis
Difficulties associated with personality disorder diagnoses
ADHD and neurodivergence
People do not always have a diagnosis or a clear name for what they are experiencing. An initial appointment can help us explore your concerns and consider what type of support may be most useful.
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I work integratively, which means that I draw on different evidence-based psychological approaches according to your individual needs.
The main approaches I use include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, EMDR and Systemic Therapy. My work is also informed by Compassion Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Schema Therapy.
Rather than expecting you to fit into one particular model, I aim to develop an individualised approach that reflects your experiences, strengths and goals.
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The first appointment is an opportunity for us to discuss what has brought you to therapy, the difficulties you are experiencing and what you would like to change.
I may ask about your current circumstances, relevant parts of your personal history, what you have already tried and what has or has not been helpful in the past.
We will begin to develop a shared understanding of your needs and consider whether psychological therapy with me is likely to be helpful. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions and decide whether I feel like the right psychologist for you.
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Individual psychological therapy appointments are generally 50 minutes long.
Sessions may take place weekly or fortnightly, depending on your needs, circumstances and the treatment plan we agree together.
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Psychological therapy is confidential, and your privacy will be treated with care and respect.
There are limited circumstances in which I may need to share information, particularly if there is a serious concern about your safety or someone else’s safety. I will explain confidentiality and its limits clearly at the beginning of our work together and, wherever possible, discuss any necessary information-sharing with you first.
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You can contact Little Deer Psychology directly to enquire about private psychological therapy or an assessment.
You do not ordinarily need to wait for a GP referral before making an initial enquiry. However, there may be occasions when information from your GP or another professional would be helpful. This would be discussed with you, and information would not be requested without your consent.
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Yes. I provide comprehensive adult ADHD assessments.
The process explores your current experiences, developmental history and how possible ADHD characteristics affect areas such as attention, organisation, time management, impulsivity, restlessness, relationships, education and employment.
The assessment may involve clinical interviews, screening questionnaires, information from someone who knows you well and a QBCheck. All of the information is reviewed together before a diagnostic conclusion is reached.
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Yes. Academic or professional achievement does not necessarily rule out ADHD.
Some adults have developed effective strategies, relied on high levels of effort or received support that helped them manage their difficulties. Others may appear successful outwardly while experiencing exhaustion, anxiety, disorganisation or a sense that everyday tasks require far more effort than they seem to require for other people.
An ADHD assessment considers your complete history and experiences rather than relying on one aspect of your life.
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QBCheck is an online assessment that provides additional information about attention, activity and impulse control.
It is one part of a wider ADHD assessment and is not used by itself to determine whether someone meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD.
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Yes. I provide autism assessments designed to help you develop a clearer understanding of your experiences, communication style, strengths and support needs.
The process includes an initial assessment, developmental and background information, a social communication assessment, professional consultation, feedback and a written report.
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The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, commonly called the ADOS, is completed by my colleague Dr Hannah Gray at her clinic.
The ADOS is a structured, activity-based assessment that explores communication, social interaction and experiences that may be relevant to autism. Dr Gray and I then consult as part of the wider assessment process.
The outcome is not based on the ADOS alone. All available assessment information is considered together.
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Both ADHD and autism are lifelong neurodevelopmental differences, so information about your early development can be helpful.
Where possible and with your consent, information may be gathered from a parent, sibling, family member, long-term friend, educational setting or another person who knows you well.
I understand that not everyone has access to childhood records or to someone who can provide this information. Your individual circumstances can be discussed during the assessment process.
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No. I will not contact another person or organisation, or request or share information, without your consent, except in exceptional circumstances involving a serious safety or legal concern.
Any proposed contact with a family member, GP, educational setting, employer or another professional will be discussed with you.
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Yes. A full written report is provided following a completed diagnostic assessment.
The report outlines the assessment process, the relevant information gathered, the findings, the outcome and recommendations for further support.
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You will receive feedback explaining the findings and outcome of the assessment, with time to ask questions and discuss what the result means for you.
Recommendations will be tailored to your circumstances and may include practical strategies, psychological support, workplace or educational adjustments, or consultation with an appropriate medical professional regarding treatment options.
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Where appropriate, I can discuss psychological and practical support following a diagnosis.
Post-diagnostic work may include developing a better understanding of your neurodivergence, reflecting on past experiences, identifying helpful adjustments, strengthening self-advocacy and finding strategies that fit your individual needs.
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Many people find that remote sessions feel comfortable, personal and accessible, particularly when they can attend from a familiar private space.
Others prefer being in the same room as their psychologist. The best option depends on your needs, location, privacy and personal preferences. I offer face-to-face sessions in Hampshire and remote sessions across the UK and the Republic of Ireland so that we can consider the most suitable format.
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You do not need to be certain before making contact.
Some people have a clear idea of the service they are seeking, while others know only that something feels difficult or that they would like to understand themselves better.
An initial conversation can help clarify your concerns and identify whether therapy, a neurodevelopmental assessment or another form of support may be most appropriate.
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It is very common to feel nervous, uncertain or vulnerable when seeking psychological support.
You may have been considering therapy or an assessment for a long time, or you may worry that your difficulties are not serious enough. You do not need to have everything organised or know exactly what to say before making contact.
I aim to make the process clear, collaborative and respectful from the beginning.
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Yes. I offer a free 15-minute introductory call.
This gives you an opportunity to briefly explain what you are looking for, ask initial questions and consider whether my service may be a suitable fit for you.
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You can contact Little Deer Psychology through the website enquiry form or use the online booking option.
When contacting me, it can be helpful to briefly mention whether you are looking for psychological therapy, an ADHD assessment, an autism assessment or another service, as well as whether you prefer a face-to-face appointment in Hampshire or a remote appointment.
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Yes. I am registered with AXA Health, WPA, Aviva and Bupa.
Your level of cover will depend on your individual policy, so I recommend contacting your insurer before booking to confirm that psychological therapy is covered, whether you need a GP referral or pre-authorisation, and how many sessions your policy allows.
Your insurer may provide you with an authorisation or claim number, which you should share with me before your first appointment. Please be aware that you remain responsible for any fees that are not covered by your insurance policy.