HIV psychology

For three days each week, a clinical psychologist provides input into the Trust's HIV service.

How can a clinical psychologist help?

The psychologist can provide one-to-one therapeutic sessions using evidence-based psychological models, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy, compassion focussed therapy, and systemic approaches. Couples and family support is also available. 

For the wider team, the psychologist can support a holistic approach to healthcare that includes appreciation of physical and mental health and wellbeing through supervision, reflective practice sessions, and multi-disciplinary meetings.

Why is psychology an important part of our HIV service?

HIV is a long-term health condition that is currently incurable, but for which there are medications that can help someone with HIV live a healthy life. 

Living with a long-term health condition can be burdensome and we hope that, by having a dedicated psychologist as part of the team, we can help people access timely psychological therapy, whatever their difficulties. 

The reality is that stigma and discrimination around HIV does still exist, and we hope to support people in managing these experiences as best they can.

Some people may want to access psychological support or therapy relating to their diagnosis or medical aspects of their care, such as living with HIV, treatment fatigue, or treatment adherence difficulties. Others may wish to seek support for their mental health, such as anxiety or depression, or in relation to trauma.