HOW WOULD MY TREATMENT WORK?

In an initial diagnostic consultation, Dr. Woolfson would assess your symptoms. Dr.
Woolfson would take a very detailed case history – which is really just a conversation about
your life experience, physical health and your emotional issues as you see them. Dr.
Woolfson aims to give a diagnosis as soon as possible, most often after the first interview.
At this point, he discusses treatment options, with the majority of patients being treated on
an outpatient basis. This is usually followed by regular therapeutic meetings over the
course of several weeks or months, depending on the nature and severity of the issues.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE BEFORE I RECEIVE A DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
PLAN?

After an initial diagnostic interview, Dr. Woolfson would rapidly reach a view which he will
pass onto the patient, frequently in the first interview. Most patients respond very well to psychotherapy which would be planned according to
their specific need. Dr. Woolfson will discuss, if required, the need for medication and will
advise the patient that he will write to their psychiatrist or GP about the possible issue of
medication to be prescribed by them.

CAN DRUG OR ALCOHOL ADDICTION BE TREATED EFFECTIVELY?

The answer is Yes. Some patients, who are heavily dependent on alcohol or drugs, might be
referred to an appropriate psychiatric hospital for a period of detoxification. This, combined
with appropriate psychotherapy, can produce very successful results. A large percentage of
patients respond to outpatient management and may find Group Therapy helpful.

WHAT ABOUT EATING DISORDERS?

People with mild to moderate eating disorders can often be treated effectively on an
outpatient basis. More severe cases might require admission to hospital for a period of
time, in which case they will be referred to specialist colleagues.

CAN YOU SAVE A MARRIAGE OR A RELATIONSHIP?

The answer is often “Yes” and Dr. Woolfson has frequently done so.

DOES PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC TREATMENT REALLY WORK?

Most psychological illnesses do respond to treatment. However, many are accompanied by
high levels of anxiety, tension and depression. Those symptoms, if effectively recognised, also respond to psychotherapy. Complex personality problems with features such as anti-
social behaviour, insecurity and low self-esteem, do respond but may require longer periods of psychotherapy or hospitalisation with specialist colleagues.

WILL MY INFORMATION REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL?

All discussions are entirely and strictly confidential, and no information will be given to a
patient’s General Practitioner or anyone else, without the patient’s permission.

Click Here to Make an Appointment Request

Alternatively, please send your request for an assessment and appointment direct to
geraldwoolfson@gmail.com. Please include a short background summary of your problem.

Dr. Gerald Woolfson
Life Skills & Emotional Intelligence Consultant and Psychotherapist
M.B., FRCPG, FRCPsych. DPM
Formerly Senior Lecturer and Recognised Teacher at The Royal Post Graduate Medical School,
London University, Consultant Psychiatrist at The Hammersmith Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital and St.
Charles’ Hospital (retired)
Consultant Psychiatrist to The Home Office and Senior Psychiatric Psychotherapist to HM Prison,
Holloway (retired)
I have retired from Medical and Psychiatric Practice and will continue working part-time as a Life
Skills & Emotional Intelligence Consultant and Psychotherapist