ABOUT ME
My name is Sam and I am a Consultant Chartered Psychologist. I started my career in counselling 28 years ago working in mental health charities and educational settings. I was inspired by the ability of therapy to help others live a full and meaningful life, and so I extended my training to become a qualified psychologist.
I have been a Chartered Counselling Psychologist for over 16 years with experience of psychological assessments and therapy for adults, young people and children. I am also trained in occupational, personality, ASD and ADHD assessments.
My main therapeutic approaches are Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness therapies, Compassion Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
I have worked as a Clinical Team Leader in an NHS Talking Therapy Service, as well as a working for 12 years in a private Harley Street clinic.
I have been a Course Director for an MSc in CBT, an MSc in Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health and worked as a Senior Lecturer in Psychology on doctoral training programmes.
My most recent role was as Course Director for the MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a course which I designed and implemented at Goldsmiths, University of London.
Community
An important part of my work is maintaining a community focus and hopefully as I've developed professionally, so has my community work.
- Volunteer Counsellor at Childline (1996-2001)
- Volunteer English teacher during university holidays in remote communities (1992-2001)
- Started as English Teacher at all boys Secondary School in South London with high proportion of disadvantaged young people. Developed and expanded drama curriculum from GCSE pupils (23) to all pupils in the school (600).
- Child Psychological Specialist at Charity- set up and implemented Play Therapy for children under 10 yrs old, facilitated child and parent workshops, and co-authored set of Parent Guides. Advocate of children and young people with visible differences.
- Co-designed and implemented North Lambeth Talking Therapy Service designed to offer broader range of counselling to those not accessing IAPT services.
- Designed and implemented PGDip & MSc. in CBT. Where there was equivalence, course accepted high calibre students outside criteria to pursue MSc. in CBT.
- Recalled to NHS due to Covid19. Provided psychological support to ICU staff.
- Offered free zoom workshops to support Parents with children 4-7yrs during pandemic.
- Future community plan in January 2024.
THERAPY FOR ADULTS
I work with adults and couples experiencing a range of difficulties over both the long and short term. I am committed to using therapeutic work to enable us both to understand your difficulties in the context of your unique life experiences. In this way, I aim to reduce your symptoms and tackle present problems to increase your current wellbeing but also to understand their roots so that your awareness leads to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
I employ an integrative therapeutic style, collaboratively working with you to tailor my approach to your particular needs. My main therapeutic approaches are Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness therapies, Compassion Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
My approach to my client work has been developed through extensive training and experience working in the NHS, charity, private sector and workplace settings.
I am a Consultant
Chartered Counselling Psychologist, and Accredited CBT Therapist (BABCP) and I am registered with the Health Care Professional Council and the British Psychological Society.
CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
Please note, I am only working with young people 16 years and over due to the nature of online working. I offer short and long term therapy to children, young people and families. I employ an integrative approach focusing on the wellbeing of the child or young person, and how they can thrive within themselves, their families and their schools.
I have worked with children and young people within the NHS, the private sector and within charities such as Childline. I have set up a Play Therapy Service within a charity where I was employed as a Child Psychology Specialist and I have also run group workshops for parents, children and young people, and published self-help Parent Guides.
I was also Course Director of an MSc in Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health.
My earlier career was as a Qualified Teacher within London secondary state schools for 7 years and this has been an essential benefit in understanding and communicating with schools and EP's as part of assessment and therapy work.
ADHD ASSESSMENTS
Online and In Person Assessments for Adults and Children
Overview
ADHD assessments involve gathering information from multiple sources, including standardised behaviour rating scales, past and current functioning, and input from family members or individuals who know you well.
Adults
Pre-Assessment
- You will be asked to complete four questionnaires via email to provide a comprehensive understanding of your experiences during childhood and adulthood.
- You will also be asked to email any relevant information that can provide a more complete understanding of your experiences growing up, such as old school reports, speech and language assessments, psychology reports, or other medical records.
- If possible, you will choose a trusted informant (family member, partner or friend) who will also be asked to complete one questionnaire via email.
Assessment
- You will then attend either online or in person a 90 minute diagnostic interview using the DIVA-5 to determine the presence of core ADHD symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The DIVA-5 is based on the DSM-V and is the most reliable and well-validated diagnostic measures available.
- It is best practice that one or two trusted informants attend with you or that they are able to attend a telephone assessment at their convenience. One person who was an adult present in your childhood (a parent) and the other who is present in your current daily life (a parent, partner or friend). While it is possible to receive a diagnosis without informant support, research indicates that the most accurate results come from this comprehensive diagnostic approach, ensuring reliable outcomes.
Outcomes
Following the assessment, you will receive a personalised report that may include a formal diagnosis, clear recommendations for support within professional and personal settings, and any referrals for additional assessment and treatment. Psychologists cannot recommend or prescribe medication and therefore if you would like to consider medication following diagnosis, I will refer you to your NHS GP or a private psychiatrist.
Children & Adolescents
Pre-Assessment
- Parents will be asked to complete an initial questionnaire and send on any available reports to gain a comprehensive understanding of your child's difficulties and their history.
- I will contact your child's school and ask them to also complete an initial screening questionnaire
Assessment
- You will be asked to complete three online questionnaires known as the Connors Scale.
- The parent and child will then attend either online or in person a 60 minute diagnostic interview using the Young DIVA-5 to determine the presence of core ADHD symptoms and how they impact your child's daily life. The Young DIVA-5 is based on the DSM-V and is the most reliable and well-validated diagnostic measures available.
Outcomes
Following the assessment, you will receive a personalised report for your child that may include a formal diagnosis, clear recommendations for support within educational and home settings, and any referrals for additional assessment and treatment. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication and therefore if you would like to consider medication following diagnosis, I will refer you to your NHS GP or a private child psychiatrist.
In cases where you suspect your child may exhibit symptoms of neurodiversity but are unsure if they require an ASD or ADHD assessment, I will complete pre-assessment tools and then we can discuss the most appropriate testing pathway.
AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDERS ASSESSMENTS
In person Assessments for Adults and Children
ADULT ASSESSMENTS
Pre-Assessment
- You will be asked to complete several screening questionnaires via email to provide a comprehensive understanding of your experiences during childhood and adulthood.
- You will also be asked to email any relevant information that can provide a more complete understanding of your experiences growing up, such as old school reports, speech and language assessments, psychology reports, or other medical records.
Assessment
- You will attend a one hour in person Diagnostic Interview where we will complete the Adult version of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)
- You will attend a two hour in person where we gather developmental history using the diagnostic tool ADI
-R. If possible, it is useful to attend with a trusted informant who was an adult present in your childhood (a parent) who can provide information about your development history and experiences.
Your autism assessment will use the two most trusted, accurate, and widely used diagnostic procedures available: the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2).
Outcomes
- You will be offered a one hour feedback session to discuss the conclusion of the assessment and to offer brief post-diagnostic support if a diagnosis is given.
- You will receive a personalised report that may include a formal diagnosis, clear recommendations for support within professional and personal settings, and any referrals for additional assessment and treatment.
CHILD & ADOLESCENT ASSESSMENTS
Pre-Assessment
- Parents will be asked to complete an initial questionnaire and send on any available reports to gain a comprehensive understanding of your child's difficulties and their history.
- I will contact your child's school and ask them to also complete an initial screening questionnaire.
Assessment
- The child will attend a one hour in person session where I will complete the age appropriate version of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)
- The parent will attend a two hour session where we gather developmental history using the diagnostic tool ADI-R.
Your child's autism assessment will use the two most trusted, accurate, and widely used diagnostic procedures available: the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2).
Outcomes
- You will be offered a one hour feedback session to discuss the conclusion of the assessment and to offer brief post-diagnostic support if a diagnosis is given.
- You will receive a personalised report for your child that may include a formal diagnosis, clear recommendations for support within educational and home settings, and any referrals for additional assessment and treatment.
LOCATIONS AND FEES
THERAPY
The Harley Street Clinic is based at Cognacity, 52 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EF. Welbeck Street therapy sessions are booked directly with Cognacity. To book your first session please ring 020 3219 3080 or email enquiries@cognacity.co.uk. Sessions are charged at £240. Most insurers accepted.
The South East London Clinic is based near Dulwich, SE21. If you have any questions or would like to book your first session, please click the Book Assessment link below or email me at samanthafarag@gmail.com or complete the Contact form.
Fees are £130 per session for self-pay. Fees for those with health insurance are dependent on insurance provider. I am approved by AXA PPP, Cigna, Aviva, WPA, BUPA, Vitality, Simply Health.
ADHD AND AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDERS ASSESSMENTS
ADHD Assessment (Adult) = £850
ADDD Assessment (Child) = £950
ASD Assessment (Adult) = £2000
ASD Assessment (Child) = £2000
