Commonsense Associates

The Commonsense Associates are based at The Sussex Medical Chambers in Hove. We are a range of consultants and therapists who combine their expertise to deliver a wide variety of integrated mental health and physical well-being, assessment advice and therapy. In line with new government legislation and guidelines we offer a co-ordinated approach to the often complex needs of individuals, families, business clients and children. Our belief is that the best path to mental and physical health is by treating the patient/client as a whole (behaviourally, emotionally and psychologically).

The behaviour of individuals and families is influenced and maintained by the way other individuals and systems (e.g. schools, neighbourhood, family, place of work) interact with them. We recognise that it is sometimes necessary to intervene in one or more of these systems. Our approach is therefore multi-systemic and begins with a tailor-made assessment of the core client and their environment.

We aim to address a wide range of psychological, social and health problems by providing our services at times and places convenient to our patients/clients. Our purpose is to empower patients/clients by providing solutions to their often highly complex problems and help them accomplish their treatment goals. Frequency and duration of treatment is determined after an integrated initial assessment of the patients/client's needs and circumstances.

Our approach is essentially pragmatic, goal oriented and patient/client driven.

We offer specialised and intensive assessment, psychometric testing and therapy solutions with children, adolescents, adults and corporate clients including:

• Psychiatric/psychological problems
• Depression, sadness and anxiety
• Suicidal thought patterns
• Self-harm
• School failure
• Nutrition and weight issues
• Substance use and misuse
• Sexual health and related problems
• Anti-social behaviour
• Separation and divorce issues
• Family relations
• Specialist bullying package: offering an effective legal and psychological solution, managed by our team.

We are also committed to prevention of future psychological problems and offer risk assessment. Support consists of:

• Telephone advice
• Targeted treatment/prevention
• Specialist assessment
• Consultancy
• Individual/family support
• Advocacy and mediation
• Crisis intervention.

After an initial integrated assessment, we will offer treatment that is tailor-made to the needs of the patient/client. Because it is not always convenient or acceptable to attend appointments in the clinic, we can arrange interviews and therapy wherever those in our care feel most relaxed. We also believe that a good rapport with our patients/clients is essential for accurate assessment and treatment. In addition, we offer a long-term support package with follow-up support and assessments when needed. Our patients/clients are also encouraged to use our on-line diary to record their day-to-day experiences and feelings, to help build an informed picture of their difficulties.

Access to staff is not limited to appointment times only and mobile technology is at the heart of our communications. Many interviews will be video-recorded according to specific guidelines. In order to predict and forestall future problems, we are committed to the early intervention in cases of problem behaviour and psychological distress.

Commonsense Associates has formed important alliances to extend the reach of our work. These include the renowned Kids Company in London , which deals with children with extremely challenging behaviours and a leading national think-tank specialising in the drive towards social justice.

About Us

Phone 01273 734852 or mobile 07960171187