Clinical Psychology
Dr Anna Norris and Dr Amy Fisher are clinical psychologists based part-time at the Chorley Clinic. They offer psychological assessments and/or therapy for adolescents, adults, and couples with a range of emotional, psychological and relationship difficulties.
This page aims to provide some information about the services available and hopefully answers any questions you may have. If you are unsure as to whether psychological therapy can help you, or you wish to discuss availability or fees, please contact:
Dr Anna Norris
Dr Amy Fisher
What do clinical psychologists do?
Clinical psychologists work collaboratively with individuals or groups (e.g. couples and families) to enable them to understand the problems they are experiencing, reduce psychological distress and promote and enhance psychological wellbeing. They do this through the application of psychological research and theory. Clinical psychologists use therapies that are sometimes referred to as talking therapies (although creative methods such as drawing, writing, or physical movement may also be utilised).
Therapy is time-limited, with the number of sessions varying, depending upon the individual (usually between 6 and 20 sessions). Clinical psychologists do not prescribe medications and generally do not give diagnoses.
Who do clinical psychologists work with?
Clinical psychologists help a wide range of people of all ages, with all sorts of problems. They are trained to work with children, families, adults, older adults, and people with learning disabilities. They also often receive training to work with staff members or teams, as well as organisations. However, most clinical psychologists specialise after their training to work with a particular age group or type of difficulty.
At the Chorley Clinic, Dr Anna Norris and Dr Amy Fisher work with adolescents (14 years +) and adults (of any age). They work one-to-one with individuals and sometimes, where a relationship is the difficulty, with couples.
The issues they work with include:
- anxiety and panic
- phobias
- stress
- low mood and depression
- sleeping problems
- relationship issues
- bereavement and adjustment to loss
- post-traumatic stress reactions
- low self-esteem and confidence
- obsessions and/or compulsions (OCD)
- addictive behaviours
- sexual problems
- problems relating to chronic health conditions
- personality difficulties and voice hearing
How is a clinical psychologist different to other ‘helping professionals’?
The training is different. Typically it involves the completion of an undergraduate three-year degree in Psychology, a year or more working in the Psychology field, and a further three-year Clinical Psychology doctoral post-graduate degree. This second degree involves attending academic teaching, completing research, and working in the NHS with a wide variety of client groups, across the whole life course, with presenting problems that reflect the full range of clinical severity. Clinical psychologists must then apply for registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC) and can apply to become chartered by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
The other difference is that clinical psychologists develop knowledge about different psychological theories and receive training in the theory and practice of multiple therapeutic approaches, including:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Cognitive-Analytic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
They draw upon this wide range of knowledge and skills to best suit the needs of each client.
How much does it cost?
Please contact Dr Anna Norris or Dr Amy Fisher to discuss fees associated with therapy. If you have private health insurance your fees may be covered by your insurer.
How are clinical psychologists regulated?
In order to use the title ‘clinical psychologist’ (or ‘practitioner psychologist’), the person must be registered with the
Health Professions Council (the HPC). You can check if a clinical psychologist is registered by searching the
HPC website >>> using their registration number or their name. The HPC register aims to ensure that health
professionals meet their standards for training, professional skills and behaviour.
Some clinical psychologists are also chartered with the British Psychological Society (BPS). This means that the
BPS has agreed that the person applying is a psychologist of the “highest standard of psychological knowledge 
and expertise”. The psychologist must provide evidence of their continuing professional development and
adhere to the BPS’s code of ethics and conduct (for example, having appropriate insurance for private work,
engaging in regular supervision). To check if a clinical psychologist is chartered with the BPS see the
BPS Website >>> and use the ‘Find a Psychologist’ tool.
What should I expect in a first appointment?
Before beginning therapy you would be seen for an initial assessment. The aim of this assessment is to identify the difficulties you are experiencing and factors associated with the development and maintenance of these difficulties and to establish whether psychological therapy is appropriate for you at this time. You will also be provided with some information about the role of a clinical psychologist and the nature of psychological therapy.
Furthermore, terms and conditions of therapy will be discussed, including issues related to confidentiality and cancellation policies.
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