Colleagues and Referring Professionals

I am committed to fostering a collaborative environment with referring professionals. I believe that a multi-disciplinary approach is essential in addressing the diverse needs of clients and ensuring continuity of care. 

This approach allows us to develop comprehensive, holistic treatment plans that support the well-being of our clients.

Please find details below of how I work with referring colleagues to support our mutual clients.

Taking a Collaborative Approach

Communication and Collaboration

I recognise the critical importance and benefit to clients of maintaining regular and transparent communication with referring professionals. When you refer a client to my practice, you can expect:

  • Informed Consent: We always obtain written consent from clients prior to referral and collaborating. Our Release of Information procedure details methods and content we are permitted to share and we regularly update any changes according to clients' preferences.
  • Regular Updates: I will usually check in with clients during sessions regarding appointments with you to ensure I send updates prior to their next visit. I make notes of any side effects of medication or effects of treatment plus any questions or concerns they share. I provide regular updates either verbally or in writing according to your procedures and permission from the client.

Referrals and Resources

When additional expertise is required, I am committed to providing:

  • Trusted Referrals: I can refer clients to other trusted practitioners to ensure they receive the comprehensive care they need. I will always disclose the extent or limitation of my connection with a referral. For example, I am happy to share that I know someone professionally but have not had client feedback, or that I do not know someone personally but that a client has provided positive feedback. I realise it is important to disclose these details in order to give clients confidence in referrals. 
  • Shared Resources: I share relevant resources and information to support the ongoing treatment and well-being of my clients, enhancing the overall care experience. I am happy to provide referrals and recommendations to anyone who enquires with me, regardless of whether they are my client or not. I frequently refer rather than accept new clients, in order to make sure that a client accesses the most convenient and appropriate treatment for their lifestyle.

Interdisciplinary Treatment Planning

My practice values the expertise and contributions of various health professionals, including:

  • Medical Practitioners: I work closely with medical professionals to ensure that therapeutic care is integrated with medical treatment plans. This collaboration helps in creating a cohesive and effective treatment strategy. I refer to and receive referrals from GPs, psychiatrists, gynaecologists, dermatologists, endocrinologists, dentists and other trauma-sensitive specialists in the medical field.
  • Other Therapists: I refer to EMDR therapists, brainspotting practitioners and other trauma specialists to work alongside my work with clients. It's a wonderful way of providing robust wraparound care whilst maintaining the long term therapeutic alliance I have with them.
  • Physical Therapists: Collaboration with physical therapists promotes a comprehensive approach to health by addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of a client's well-being. Emotional distress frequently leads to physical discomfort and vice versa, so working with physiotherapists, cranio sacral therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, acupuncturists, personal trainers, yoga instructors and other trauma-sensitive professionals is of immense benefit to my clients.

Discretion and Flexibility

I prioritise the confidentiality and comfort of my clients. My practice offers:

  • Confidentiality: All communications and shared information are handled with the utmost discretion, respecting the privacy of our clients. My team members are GDPR informed and we regularly update our systems and procedures to ensure the privacy of our clients. We often work with clients who are very concerned about privacy and are happy to provide support and answer questions in order to give clients confidence.
  • Flexible Scheduling: I accommodate the busy and unpredictable schedules of my clients and referring professionals, ensuring timely and effective care. When you refer to my practice, you can expect a response within 48 hours, and usually sooner. 

Procedure for Referring to Tamara Howell

step 1

Initial Contact

Please contact me via email to discuss potential referrals in order that I can confirm whether I have availability. You are welcome to let me know any specific requirements for your patient such as scheduling or approach. Please only include clinical details with their prior consent. 

step 2

Contacting Your Patient

If you have obtained their consent, I am happy to reach out to them via email to set up an introductory call or wait to receive an email from them. In an introductory call, I usually ask for some background information, what brings them to therapy and I complete a brief risk assessment. We also discuss fees, availability and intentions for therapy in order to make sure that I am a suitable therapist to support them. If they decide to begin therapy with me, I provide them with a welcome pack containing a Therapy Agreement and Release of Information form.

step 3

Continuity and Communication

Once a client signs the ROI, I will acknowledge your referral in writing and enclose the ROI for your records. I will request a report or clinic letter if you have one as this will help me to support your patient. I will follow up with regular reports, usually every 6-8 weeks. I will check in with clients during session regarding medication, physical and emotional symptoms and report any immediate concerns via email or telephone. I am also happy to receive communication from you regarding treatment and will bear this in mind when supporting our mutual patient.

Contact Tamara Howell

Please reach out via email if you would like to discuss opportunities for providing integrated care. I am always happy to provide recommendations and resources to my clients and will be happy to save your details for future reference.