Client’s guide to the Intensive Psychological Therapies Service (IPTS)
What is the IPTS?
The IPTS is a specialist service offering psychotherapy in individual and group settings for adults with enduring emotional, psychological and mental health problems.
Staff offer a professional and confidential service aimed at enabling you to make sense of your difficulties and what has brought you to this point, so that you can more clearly identify choices which will help you manage your life and relationships more effectively. This may involve changing what you do, learning how to think differently and dealing with your emotions in a more helpful way.
The Intensive Psychological Therapies Service is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals who are dedicated to ensuring a high standard of treatment. Staff include clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, nurse therapists, psychological therapists and assistant psychologists.
Location
The IPTS is situated at Branksome Clinic in Layton Road, a short walk from Ashley Road, Parkstone, Poole. Free parking is available in our car park or on the road.
By rail: Branksome Train Station is approximately 10 minutes away by taxi or a 20 minute walk.
By Bus: Both Bournemouth and Poole are approximately 25 minutes away by bus on the numbers M1, M2, 1 and 3. Services run every 10 minutes during the day.
You may be eligible for reimbursement of travel costs subject to certain conditions. Please ask at reception for details.
Opening hours
The IPTS is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays).
Childcare
Children are not permitted in the clinic. Unfortunately, there are no facilities for providing care for your children so you will need to make arrangements for them when you come to the IPTS for appointments or groups.
Smoking
There is a no-smoking policy on this NHS site, including the use of any electronic smoking device.
Zero tolerance
The NHS Zero Tolerance Zone is a nationwide campaign to stop violence against staff working in the NHS. ‘Violence’ means any incident where staff are abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances related to their work, involving an explicit or implicit challenge to their safety, wellbeing or health. The definition is not subjective – it is what is meant by ‘zero tolerance’.
Accompanied visits
We recognise that you may feel anxious attending the clinic at times and wish to bring someone with you. While we understand this will help you to attend your appointment, please be aware that this person will not be able to stay in the clinic unless this has been previously discussed and agreed.
Mobile phones
The use of mobile phones is not permitted in the clinic.
What happens once I have been referred to the IPTS?
You will be invited to attend an assessment which is made up of several stages incorporating a clinical interview, completion of psychometric tests and discussions to help us understand your difficulties and what changes you would like to make.
You will have theopportunity to ask any questions about therapy here. Your assessment will be discussed by the clinical decision team to determine which therapy, if any, could be of benefit to you.
Missed or cancelled appointments
As there is a high demand for this service, we will be unable to offer further sessions if you cancel or fail to keep two assessment appointments. This is service discharge policy.
What will be expected of me at the IPTS?
Once you have agreed to attend the IPTS for therapy, it is important that you are committed to therapy.
In order for you to benefit and for the IPTS to run effectively for others, the following will be expected of you:
- To take an active role in your therapy and take responsibility for the changes which you may make to your life as a result of therapy.
- Regular attendance at arranged groups and sessions with your therapist/s. If you cannot attend a session for some reason, please telephone to let us know. An answer phone will be on if no-one is available to take your call.
- To arrive for group and individual sessions on time. This helps minimise disruptions once the group has started.
- To read the Psychometric Tests: Introduction leaflet included in your assessment pack and complete the attached slip agreeing to complete the tests at the required stages.
What if I have an issue in therapy?
If you have an issue in therapy, you are encouraged to address this through any of the following routes:
- initially you should discuss the issue with your therapist to seek a resolution
- you can ask to meet with Dr Sophie Rushbrook, Head of Service to discuss any concerns you might have
- you are also free to discuss your concerns with Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) using the Trust complaints/suggestions policy (ask at reception for details).