• Admissions and Referrals
• Clinical Services
  • Spinal Surgery
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  • Paediatric Rehabilitation
  • Medical Devices/ Neurostimulation
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  • Physiotherapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Clinical Psychology
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• Patient Information

Clinical Psychology

Spinal cord injury is a traumatic event which can create a great deal of stress. Most people experience a variety of emotions, which are entirely normal but may be difficult to cope with alone.

When coping with difficulties, we often begin by helping ourselves, and then turn to family, friends and members of staff. The clinical psychologist is available to support you in managing concerns and difficulties in your situation. Counselling can help you maintain a sense of control over your life, and help you cope and adjust for the future. T can be an opportunity to talk about losses, fears and anxieties about the future in a private and confidential setting. There can be many adjustments that need to take place in life following spinal cord injury. It can be helpful to discuss these or concerns you have confidentially.

The clinical psychologist service also supports people with managing problems with chronic pain, concerns about relationships and sexuality, problems with memory, and a variety of other issues. Most people see a clinical psychologist at some point during their rehabilitation. The service is available to partners and family members too, as they may also be experiencing a lot of stress.

The clinical psychology department co-ordinates the needs assessment and goal planning programme at the Centre. This programme aims to ensure that people get the most from the rehabilitation process, by specifically identifying and addressing the individual needs of each person, to assist them in learning to manage effectively the consequences of their injury. The needs assessment checklist also provides a basis for the clinical audit of rehabilitation activity and outcome.

The department is involved in ongoing long term research into aspects of coping with the stresses of spinal cord injury, and adjustments to life with disability.

The department has prepared various information materials which include a specially designed autohypnotic relaxation tape for people with spinal cord injury, together with booklets on: Coping with Spinal Cord Injury; Coping with Anxiety; Memory Difficulties and Spinal Cord Injury; Coping with Depression; Coping with Chronic Pain; Coping Effectiveness Training; and the Needs Assessment and Goal Planning Programme. These are available from the department office, and the booklets are also available on the wards.